SideLion Report Staff Picks for Week 9
By Matt Urben
SideLion Report’s writers make their weekly game picks.
Last week, the Detroit Lions lost a tough road game to the Houston Texans, falling to 4-4 on the season. This weekend will be an even bigger challenge as Detroit heads to the division-leading Minnesota Vikings’ new stadium. They’ve yet to lose at home but don’t quite look invincible after a two-game skid that includes a loss to the Bears. Our writers give their takes on the Lions-Vikings game and pick one additional matchup from around the NFL to keep an eye on.
Al Stahl (2-0)
Lions-21, Vikings-17.
The Lions’ defense is just plain bad. Lucky for them, the Vikings’ offense has cooled down considerably. Minnesota’s offensive line is terrible and as such should prove to be a wash against a Detroit front seven that is probably just as bad. With the team’s health just one more game away from potentially having all of their starters back, the Lions will likely continue to be without top performers on defense. At 4-4, their backs are against the wall and I think this team just flat out wants it more. Plus, at 5-2 Minnesota can afford to drop one they probably shouldn’t.
Giants-27, Eagles-17.
The shine is starting to wear off on Carson Wentz and the high-flying Eagles offense. After averaging over 30 ppg the first 3 weeks, Philly has managed fewer than 22 ppg over their last 4 contests. On top of that, their vaunted defense has gone from surrendering 9 ppg to 22.5 ppg over that same timespan. The Giants meanwhile have put together a pair of solid performances after dropping three in a row (a streak that included back to back road trips to Minnesota and Green Bay). The New York offense has been consistently average this year, challenged only by the average New York defense. Expect this one to hover around a 20 – 24 score. Since this one is in the Meadowlands, I’ll give the Giants a little boost. Giants-27, Eagles-17.
Brandon Finley (1-1)
Lions-24, Vikings-13.
Three weeks ago I say this is a loss for Detroit, a team that just doesn’t have the pieces to beat a team like Minnesota. This week, this game is wide open. Last week saw this offense struggle in the opponents half of the field with two solid first half drives ending in no points. This week they have to be better. Minnesota prides themselves on lock up coverage and getting to the QB and if this Detroit offense can’t tame the beast with the run it will be a long day. That being said, this team is only getting healthier and I believe in JBC this week.
Seahawks-17, Bills-10.
It had been a month since Russell Wilson has thrown a touchdown pass, and with the offense flowing through Christine Michael, I don’t know if it’s enough to beat a tough Bills front seven. With that being said, the best receiver the Bills have starting is Justin Hunter and without McCoy, they just aren’t the same football team. Look for Jimmy Graham to have a big day as Seattle should take home a W in what I think will be a lower scoring affair. Seahawks-17, Bills-10.
Matt Urben (0-2)
Lions-17, Vikings-23.
The Lions have struggled against Mike Zimmer since he took over as Minnesota’s head coach a few years ago. Led by an elite defense, the Vikings started the season as the hottest team in football. However, with severe offensive line issues, a non-existent running game, and a mediocre Sam Bradford, Detroit should be able to get after them up front. Offensive Coordinator Norv Turner resigned after “offensive differences” with Zimmer and they’ve lost 2 straight games after a 5-0 start. My heart says Detroit can win this game but my head says to pick the 5-2 team at home with the great defense. Lions lose 17-23 to Vikings.
Packers-35, Colts-31.
Green Bay lost a shootout to Matt Ryan and the Falcons last week. The Colts can also move the ball through the air – via Andrew Luck – but that running game is in trouble against Green Bay’s front seven. Aaron Rodgers and the Packers are 3-1 at home and tend to respond well after a loss. I expect them to win a close one over the Colts. The Lions could be in great shape if the Packers lose and they can somehow beat the Vikings, but I can’t logically predict either happening. But hey, the Cubs won the World Series a few days ago, so crazier things have happened. Packers-35, Colts-31.
Ty Finch (0-2)
Lions-20, Vikings-22
The Vikings have had a couple of troubling weeks in a row. After their bye week, they have gone on to lose to the Eagles by 11, lose to the Bears by 10, and had one offensive coordinator resign in disgrace. Oh, and their injury report rivals the Lions in terms of quantity. And still, they are 5-2, and top of the NFC North. The Lions are still impossible to predict. They could put up 35 on a struggling defense, or give up 35 against a terrible offense.
They also could score 3 points and give up 2. One week we think we have them all figured out. The next week is the exact opposite. The Lions only strength is their 7th-ranked pass offense by DVOA. The Vikings strength is pass defense, now ranked 4th in DVOA. The Lions big weakness is their pass defense, which is dead last according to DVOA. The Vikings big weakness is their offense in general, which sits at 24th overall, last in rushing offense. I have no idea what is going to happen on Sunday.
So, as Dwight Schrute would approve of, my prediction will not be what I most suspect. It also will not be what I least suspect, since anyone with half a brain would suspect that the most. Therefore, it will be what I most medium suspect. Lions-20, Vikings-22.
Broncos-28, Raiders-23
I believe this to be the game of the week. The Raiders are riding high lately, sitting on top of a crowded AFC West, with the Broncos only behind on tiebreakers. Five out of Oakland’s six wins this year have come by a touchdown or less. Only one of the Bronco’s wins has come by the same margin. This game is strength against strength, with Derek Carr blossoming into a top tier quarterback, and the Broncos ranking 2nd in pass defense. The winner of this contest could be the favorite to come out of the AFC this year. Broncos-28, Raiders-23
Jack Ozark (1-1)
Lions-17, Vikings-24.
This is a must win game for the Lions in my opinion. A win this week against the Vikings puts them above .500 along with giving them a statement win against a division rival. With all that said, I don’t think they are going to have enough to get the job done. I picture a game like last week, where Detroit just can’t seem to continue moving the ball in the middle of the game. Get ready, because this Vikings defense is looking to prove itself after a few lackluster weeks and it could get ugly for the Lions o-line.
Ravens-24, Steelers-28.
It’s a game between the Steelers and Ravens. You know exactly what you’re going to get here. Somehow, Ben Roethlisberger is already back at after injuring his knee, and with him comes another week of high-powered offense from the Steelers. The Ravens started off hot but since then have been in a slump. Still, they could be terrible and they would play well in this rivalry. These teams both play mean, but I think the Big Ben, Le’Veon Bell and Antonio Brown combination are going to shine as usual. I can promise one thing, it’s going to be a fun one in Pittsburgh. Steelers-28, Ravens-24. READ: How Detroit would feel winning the Super Bowl.