Should the Detroit Lions be worried about their Week 13 matchup with the Atlanta Falcons?
After taking down the Green Bay Packers in a 35-14 rout, it's fair to wonder how the Lions will be able to contain Atlanta's suddenly potent-looking offense and their strong defensive front in their December meeting.
However, there are a few differences between what the Lions can offer by way of their offensive line and defensive front compared to what the Packers have available to them. Also, Jared Goff isn't all that bad under pressure - Jordan Love was in Week 3, and has been so far this season: he's ranked at just 25th in EPA/play when not under pressure, and 23rd when he is, per Sumer Sports.
So, again, should the Lions be worried? Well, as long as they're prepared and come into the contest with a better game plan than the Packers did, they shouldn't be.
Jahmyr Gibbs likely to be X-factor against Falcons in Week 13
Gibbs is sure to have a lot more success than the Packers' running backs did against Atlanta, who held a combination of MarShawn Lloyd, Kaleb Johnson, and Love to 17 rushing yards total. Compare that to their 242 total yards on the ground, and it's clear that the Falcons had a humongous advantage on offense off rip.
Of course, assuming the Lions will have a healthy Cade Mays for this game, they should have a lot more success with their running game against the Falcons defensive line. Gibbs had 80 rushing yards in his only game against them in 2024, and he should have a lot of fire behind his play in this contest against Robinson.
Drake London could be a risk for Lions in Week 13 game
While the Lions should be much more sound offensively than the Packers were in this meeting, one threat to Detroit that could exist for much of the year is in their secondary. That's where London comes in.
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With Michael Penix Jr. getting his first start in this game, London went off: 194 receiving yards on nine receptions, and 21.6 yards per reception. As someone who forgot to start London this week, let me be the one to suggest you remember to place him in your starting lineup for as long as the Falcons have actual quarterback play.
Detroit has yet to really address their secondary beyond defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard telling reporters they simply have to be better. "Being better" may not be enough to contain London, but Detroit already managed to win one shootout against a talented receiver in Chris Olave. That may be their only hope against London.
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