Detroit Lions vs. Miami Dolphins: 3 key matchups for Week 8

Matchup 2: Lions LB Alex Anzalone vs Dolphins TE Mike Gesicki 

Anzalone remains the de facto top linebacker on the Lions. Unfortunately, his play has been very hit or miss from game to game and play to play this season. Last week, for instance, he had a few really nice run stops. However, he also was guilty of a number of coverage errors and committed multiple ill-advised penalties.

This week Anzalone will have primary coverage responsibility on Dolphins tight end Mike Gesicki. Gesicki has had an up-and-down season, but he’s starting to get more involved in Miami’s offense. He is averaging seven targets per game over the last two games, as he’s been running more routes. He’s the third option in the passing game behind Waddle and Hill, but he’s still been a unique threat–particularly in the red zone.

Anzalone’s Jekyll-and-Hyde act is going to need to balance out this week. Detroit will have enough issues with the speedsters on the outside, and against the Miami ground game led by Raheem Mostert. If Gesicki is making plays on top of that against Anzalone, then the Lions’ defense is going to be in for a very long day.

Matchup 3: Lions RB D’Andre Swift vs Dolphins linebackers 

Coming out of the bye week, the expectation was Swift would return to the lineup. After practicing every day of the week in a limited fashion, the outlook was promising. Unfortunately, he was unable to play in Dallas and Detroit’s offense certainly missed his explosiveness. This week, while Swift’s status is not yet certain, things seem to be trending toward him suiting up on Sunday.

It would be a much-needed boost for this offense. Detroit has simply lacked an explosive element without Swift in the lineup. The run game has been good overall, but Swift can do things the other backs on this roster just can’t. Simply put, some of the running lanes that open up opportunities to get to the second level are better suited for Swift. We’ve seen how good Swift is at making people miss in the games he’s been healthy for.

With the Lions’ run blocking being as good as it’s been, Swift will be in store for a very good game if he can return to the field Sunday. None of the Dolphins’ linebackers will be able to contain Swift if he gets loose, in the run game or as a pass catcher.