Week 13: at New Orleans Saints (Dec. 3)
The Saints, even with Derek Carr under center as a theoretical upgrade, feel like the type of team that will ultimately land with 6-9 wins this season. Top to bottom, the Lions should be shown as the superior team by this point in the season.
The Saints will be plenty ready to go at home in a racous road environment. But the Lions ultimately take charge late, and go back to Detroit with a smooth-looking victory over Jamaal Williams’ new team.
Prediction: Lions 29, Saints 14 (8-4)
Week 14: at Chicago Bears (Dec. 10)
The Lions’ second time facing the Bears in a four-week span, this time on the road with rough weather possibly (likely) a factor at Soldier Field in December.
But this, as is the common theme throughout this list of predictions, is a game the Lions win if they are the team we think they are this year. The Bears are competitive for most of this game, but they can’t quite get it done and the Lions seal the deal late with some timely plays.
Prediction: Lions 31, Bears 21 (9-4)