If the Detroit Lions are going to get back into the win column on Sunday, these five guys must play well against the Jacksonville Jaguars.
The Detroit Lions had a strong November, winning three games in a row before a close loss to the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving Day. They are headed into playing meaningful December games, on the fringe of the NFC playoff picture at 4-7 with some winnable contests left on the schedule.
Week 13 brings the middle of three straight home games for the Lions, against the Jacksonville Jaguars who are also 4-7 and coming off a solid month of November. It’s lined up to be a close, high-scoring game at Ford Field, and a sneaky good one on Sunday’s NFL slate.
Sunday’s game may be won or lost, as many games are, based on the result of a few plays. In a bigger sense, these Lions players have to play well if the team is going to get back into the win column against the Jaguars.
5 Detroit Lions who must play well against the Jaguars in Week 13
5. OT Penei Sewell
Sewell showed up on the injury report this week with an ankle injury. Given how he looked at times against the Bills on Thanksgiving Day, it was clear he was not 100 percent.
Sewell will get a spotlight matchup against Jaguars rookie Travon Walker on Sunday. Walker has a unique combination of size, speed and power, and he has the kind of speed Sewell has struggled with at times to this point in his career.
Evan Brown is headed for another missed game at right guard for the Lions, making Sewell’s performance even more important.