Detroit Lions: Five questions with a New York Giants’ expert

3. Name one relatively unknown Giants’ player that could surprise Lions’ fans Monday night.

Rookie defensive tackle Dalvin Tomlinson was a three-time Georgia state wrestling champion. The Giants grabbed him in the second-round to replace Johnathan Hankins. The kid is an intelligent player , who plays the saxophone and could have matriculated at Harvard.

In interviews during the summer, he was not afraid to say that he was getting used to the pace of play, and the Giants defensive scheme. Other rookies just talk about their ability to make “big plays”. If the Lions focus too much attention on Damon Harrison (and they should focus a fair amount of attention on the Pro Bowler), Tomlinson could become a disruptive force in the middle.

4. Which Lions’ player worries you the most going into this contest and why?

Matt Stafford reminds me of Eli Manning somewhat, and that’s a compliment. Both like to spread the ball around, and both will make an ill-advised throw. Writers opined last year about all the weapons that Manning had at his disposal.

But outside of Beckham, who were they? Victor Cruz was cut by the Chicago Bears after training camp, and tight end Will Tye is now with the New York Jets. Stafford has to pick his spots against a strong Giants defense, and if he can successfully isolate Eli Apple, that worries me. He’s a very under-rated quarterback, and the Lions offense is not the “Calvin Johnson Show” anymore.

Next: Why the Detroit Lions will beat the New York Giants

5. What’s your score prediction for Monday night’s matchup and why?

If Odell Beckham plays, I like the Giants in a close game 20-17. If Beckham does not play, then I think all bets are off. I think it’s safe to say that even if Beckham plays, he will not be at 100 percent.