Detroit Lions vs. New England Patriots: SLR Staff Predictions
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Lions face a tough road test for the second week in a row, this time at the New England Patriots. Here is what the SideLion Report staff sees for this week’s game.
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Alex Reno – The Lions couldn’t have gotten a tougher matchup to bounce back from after their loss to the Cardinals. The Patriots are the hottest team in the NFL and are nearly impossible to beat at home. With Joe Lombardi getting rid of up to 20 percent of their playbook, the Lions will have to score at least 20 points to beat New England. It’s a lot easier said than done though, because containing Tom Brady and their number two ranked scoring offense is no simple task. The Lions will need a perfect game on all phases to beat the Patriots, and I don’t believe they’re capable of that yet. In the end, the Patriots will hand Detroit their first two-game losing streak of the year. Final score: Patriots 24, Lions 14.
Max DeMara – The Lions are going through a tough stretch here with back-to-back huge road games. A victory would help their confidence and status amongst the league’s elite, while a loss might send them reeling a bit. Unfortunately, it will be tough to rebound against the solid Patriots. Detroit puts up a good fight, but comes up just short again. New England 27, Detroit 21
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Braden Shackelford – I’ve been very optimistic about the Lions ability to win each game this season, because their defense can keep them in just about any game. However, the Patriots, in my opinion, are the best team in football and expecting the defense to keep the Patriots under 20 points this week in Foxborough is asking too much. If the Lions are going to win they need at least 24-30 points and I don’t see that happening. Lions lose, 27-17.
Zac Snyder – By now, everyone should expect the Detroit Lions defense to play well and keep them in the game no matter what the offense does. It’s just what exactly the offense will do that is the big question. The Lions have yet to allow more than 24 points in a game but they also haven’t scored more than 24 points since their impressive week one win over the New York Giants. It’s tough to see a week 12 trip to New England being the time when the offense suddenly breaks out. Patriots 24, Lions 17.
Kent Platte – Maybe this is the week the offense catches up to the defense? The team has stated they’re going to feature Eric Ebron and the tight ends more, as well as Joe Lombardi admitting he should have went to Golden Tate more, so it’s possible we see a completely different offense than what has been shown all season.
It still comes down to defense, though, and the Lions defense is poised to hold. They held Drew Brees and the Saints to two TDs, Aaron Rodgers and the Packers to one. I have confidence they can hold Tom Brady to similar numbers as what he’s shown against the previous two top five defenses he faced (both losses), 1-2 TD and the same in ints. Lions in a close one, 27-23.