Can the Lions win Saturday? (1 Viewer)

[Neil Beaufort Zod]

It seems like a foregone conclusion that the Saints will be moving on after Saturday night. I know "anybody can win" but I'm not seeing, hearing or reading much in the media about the Lions having a realistic chance to advance.

Granted, the Saints have a terrific offense and have been perfect at home and already took the Lions apart once. But come on. Does anybody else see a pretty decent shot for Detroit?

* They have an offense that can keep up with the Saints (and maybe keep Brees off the field).

* Calvin Johnson has the skill and potential to give a Fitzgerald-like performance from a few years ago during Arizona's run. He could be the difference.

If the Saints come out flat/turn the ball over/some bounces don't go their way, I think they'd have a harder time playing catch up with a team that can match them score for score.

I don't know if the Saints will give them that window of opportunity, but if they do I think Detroit is a team that can take advantage. They can kick long field-goals, the NO defense isn't scary and they have playmakers.

Am I just missing the sports discussions to the contrary, or are people dismissing the Lions?

 

[Donsmith753]

While I don't think they will win I think it's foolish to suggest they can't.

It's not even like last year when Seattle backed in to the playoffs. This is a team that can score points.

 

[DoubleG]

While I don't think they will win I think it's foolish to suggest they can't.It's not even like last year when Seattle backed in to the playoffs. This is a team that can score points.

On the flipside, the Saints were the team that lost to the Seahawks last year in the first round. As such, I think they are the last team Detroit wanted to see in round 1. While Detroit is a much better team than the Seahawks were last season, New Orleans will likely be bringing it's A+++ game in week 1 to assure last year's early exit is not repeated.

 

[comfortably numb]

I'm still kinda shocked at 11pt underdogs

Kinda makes me think NO wins this one 40-24 or something

 

[smackdaddies]

sure they can win. But their defense has to show up, because the Aint's can put up more points then detroit can.

To me it comes down to Detroit's D-line play. They have to dominate the line without any linebacker help. If their D line plays like they did against GB, the saints will own them.

 

[gianmarco]

Lions can absolutely win. They have incredible potential on defense and they can definitely put up points in a hurry. I don't see this as a clear win for the Saints at all. Playing at home is a huge advantage for them, though, in addition to the playoff experience they have compared to the Lions. Should be an entertaining game for sure.

 

[The Hank]

Lions didnt play with Suh last game vs. NO.

I think there's a chance, but NO @ Home are scary!!!

 

[The Hank]

While I don't think they will win I think it's foolish to suggest they can't.It's not even like last year when Seattle backed in to the playoffs. This is a team that can score points.

On the flipside, the Saints were the team that lost to the Seahawks last year in the first round. As such, I think they are the last team Detroit wanted to see in round 1. While Detroit is a much better team than the Seahawks were last season, New Orleans will likely be bringing it's A+++ game in week 1 to assure last year's early exit is not repeated.

Plus it was in Seattle, Seahawks are a different team at Qwest/Centurylink Field.

 

[FUBAR]

sure they can win. But their defense has to show up, because the Aint's can put up more points then detroit can.

To me it comes down to Detroit's D-line play. They have to dominate the line without any linebacker help. If their D line plays like they did against GB, the saints will own them.

I don't know if there's a more important person this weekend in the NFL than Suh. You can argue that QBs are always more important, but he'll be the key to a Lions win.

 

[Dr. Octopus]

It seems like a foregone conclusion that the Saints will be moving on after Saturday night. I know "anybody can win" but I'm not seeing, hearing or reading much in the media about the Lions having a realistic chance to advance.Granted, the Saints have a terrific offense and have been perfect at home and already took the Lions apart once. But come on. Does anybody else see a pretty decent shot for Detroit?* They have an offense that can keep up with the Saints (and maybe keep Brees off the field).* Calvin Johnson has the skill and potential to give a Fitzgerald-like performance from a few years ago during Arizona's run. He could be the difference. If the Saints come out flat/turn the ball over/some bounces don't go their way, I think they'd have a harder time playing catch up with a team that can match them score for score. I don't know if the Saints will give them that window of opportunity, but if they do I think Detroit is a team that can take advantage. They can kick long field-goals, the NO defense isn't scary and they have playmakers. Am I just missing the sports discussions to the contrary, or are people dismissing the Lions?

I think the Lions ceratinly have a chance, but the Saints are just too good in the Super Dome and have the advantage of having faced the pressure of the playoffs. The Lions are young and have shown to be mistake prone at times and with Kevin Smith banged up they have no real threat of a running game.Saints defense has also been playing better than the Lions defense in recent weeks. I think the concenus is right here but will say it would be far less shocking for the Lions to beat the Sainst than it was when Seattle beat them last season in the opening round (even though Seattle was at home).

 

[SacramentoBob]

Out of all the playoff teams in the NFC, I think the Saints are the last team they want to play.

 

[CentralPA]

Absoluetly they could win. But the Saints in the dome in January is as money as it gets. Just hard to see them losing. but I thought the same way when they faced Seattle last year.

 

[Ben Stiller]

If Suh can put one of his monster shots on Brees I'll like the Lions chances alot more.

 

[Shutout]

In a league of "On any given Sunday", it is still overwhelmingly likely that the Saints win and probably win by 10-20.

Yes, this is the same saints team that lost to the Rams this year. And, yes, this franchise lost to Seattle last year when they were heavily favored.

But if you have been watching the Saints at home this year and especially over the last month, you know this team is firing on all cylinders in a way it really never has.

I honestly expect this to be a 45-27 type game.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

To me it comes down to Detroit's D-line play. They have to dominate the line without any linebacker help.

I believe this, and maybe penalties, is what will decide the game.

 

[Brock Middlebrook]

While I don't think they will win I think it's foolish to suggest they can't.It's not even like last year when Seattle backed in to the playoffs. This is a team that can score points.

On the flipside, the Saints were the team that lost to the Seahawks last year in the first round. As such, I think they are the last team Detroit wanted to see in round 1. While Detroit is a much better team than the Seahawks were last season, New Orleans will likely be bringing it's A+++ game in week 1 to assure last year's early exit is not repeated.

Last year's Saints lacked a killer instinct. This year's team has it.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

sure they can win. But their defense has to show up, because the Aint's can put up more points then detroit can.

To me it comes down to Detroit's D-line play. They have to dominate the line without any linebacker help. If their D line plays like they did against GB, the saints will own them.

I don't know if there's a more important person this weekend in the NFL than Suh. You can argue that QBs are always more important, but he'll be the key to a Lions win.

I'd argue it's Fairley. You know what to expect from Suh, solid performance at the least. But Fairley could be an X factor next to him, which could make it dominating.

 

[Ilov80s]

Lions didnt play with Suh last game vs. NO.I think there's a chance, but NO @ Home are scary!!!

Detroit expects to be healthier than they have been in a month. Louis Delmas, Aaron Berry, Lawrence Jackson, Corey Williams, Nick Fairley, Willie Young, and Chris Houston are expected to all be active and in better health than they have been. That's 6 defenders that receive regular minutes that haven't played or have had their play limited the last month.

 

[Breesisdaman]

While I wouldnt expect it especially because the Saints were heavily favored last year and learned this lesson already and should be very focused on the Lions, still, any given Sunday.

 

[Reepicheep]

Lions have their work cut out for them. Their best chance is probably some early big plays from the D-line to end a Saints drive or two, if it's still close in the 2nd half anything can happen. Hard to see them winning if the Saints come out and score on their first couple drives.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

Lions have their work cut out for them. Their best chance is probably some early big plays from the D-line to end a Saints drive or two, if it's still close in the 2nd half anything can happen. Hard to see them winning if the Saints come out and score on their first couple drives.

Lions were pretty good at 2nd half comebacks this year. And they were well on their way to doing it against the Saints earlier this year too, but fell short. Momentum in that regular season game definitely shifted to Detroit and the same could happen this week.The Saints are on a roll. They're brimming with confidence and they've got one of the best QB's in the NFL. And because of that we're seeing the media assume NO is going to beat Detroit....almost across the board. The Lions are dangerous because they're being slighted by the media.

 

[Reepicheep]

Lions have their work cut out for them. Their best chance is probably some early big plays from the D-line to end a Saints drive or two, if it's still close in the 2nd half anything can happen. Hard to see them winning if the Saints come out and score on their first couple drives.

Lions were pretty good at 2nd half comebacks this year. And they were well on their way to doing it against the Saints earlier this year too, but fell short. Momentum in that regular season game definitely shifted to Detroit and the same could happen this week.The Saints are on a roll. They're brimming with confidence and they've got one of the best QB's in the NFL. And because of that we're seeing the media assume NO is going to beat Detroit....almost across the board. The Lions are dangerous because they're being slighted by the media.

The problem seems to be that when the going gets tough you never know if they are going to turn it on, or melt down and start committing boneheaded penalties.

 

[simey]

Sure they can win on Saturday, but it won't be easy. To do so they need not to repeat those penalties they had the last time they met the Saints, their defense needs to play well and pressure Brees to slow down that offense, Kevin Smith needs to stay healthy in the game so they have a decent running game, and Stafford needs to keep that offense flying high. If they get behind early in the game like they have in some other games, it's going to be very hard to play the comeback kids against the Saints. I hope it's an entertaining game.

 

[gianmarco]

I am quite surprised, however, that the line is -11. That's a huge line for a team that I think definitely has a chance to win.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

As most games it will come down to turnovers. Since they are the road dog, I think they will need to be at least +1 or more.

 

[saintfool]

the saints were embarrassed by the loss to Seattle and they're not going to forget it coming into this game. i don't expect the saints to come out flat but, if detroit hangs with them late into the game, things might get a little tight for NO. brees has a tendency to press, especially when his game is off (admittedly rare but still). detroit is a team that can make them pay for their mistakes.

that said, i'm predicting a saints win. something on the order of 72-12. this is a learning experience for detroit that they can build on for next year, much as the little run they had at the end of 2010 gave them confidence going into this season.

 

[Ilov80s]

As most games it will come down to turnovers. Since they are the road dog, I think they will need to be at least +1 or more.

Lions defense is amongst the best in the league at generating turnovers: 21 ints, 17 forced fumbles, and 7 defensive TDs. The Lions were +11 in turnovers, Saints -3. If they have anything going for them in this game, this is it.

 

[Doug B]

that said, i'm predicting a saints win. something on the order of 72-12.

A squeaker, eh?

 

[saintfool]

that said, i'm predicting a saints win. something on the order of 72-12.

A squeaker, eh?

 

[scott72]

If the Lions pass rush can knock Brees around, then they have a chance. Lions secondary is terrible, so if they have to cover for any extended period of time, it's going to be a blowout..

 

[The Kuhn]

The Saints are THE team to beat right now, and let's not forget that DET has lost to every other NFC team in the playoffs they've played this season (haven't played NYG). After being in NO recently, the city is just ecstatic about their Saints right now and it's going to be a very hostile place to play on Sun, requiring probably the best performance out of the Lions to date to pull off the upset. The -11 line does seem high though as Stafford and crew will likely pad stats in the 4th, but I expect the Saints to win this one easy.

 

[smackdaddies]

Lions can absolutely win. They have incredible potential on defense and they can definitely put up points in a hurry. I don't see this as a clear win for the Saints at all. Playing at home is a huge advantage for them, though, in addition to the playoff experience they have compared to the Lions. Should be an entertaining game for sure.

Their backfield has an incredible potential to get hammered. They are terrible and will be exposed unless the dline plays great

 

[Sabertooth]

Lions are going to need some turnovers. And they can't let the Saints get first downs on penalties.

 

[cstu]

As most games it will come down to turnovers. Since they are the road dog, I think they will need to be at least +1 or more.

This is what I came here to post. In a mistake free game the Lions don't have much of a chance.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

As most games it will come down to turnovers. Since they are the road dog, I think they will need to be at least +1 or more.

This is what I came here to post. In a mistake free game the Lions don't have much of a chance.

I disagree. In the regular season game, the Lions got punched in the mouth early and trailed 24-7 at halftime. They fought back to only trailing by a TD by the end of the 3rd. They were right in that game and owned the time of possession. There was only 1 turnover in the game and it was a Stafford INT....and it happened with 3:00 left in the game so it didn't mean all that much. Penalties meant a lot more.A mistake free game takes away 107 penalty yards for Detroit as opposed to 30 penalty yards for New Orleans. That is a game changer.

 

[jon_mx]

The 11 point line is ridiculous. Take those points and enjoy your winnings.

 

[Da Guru]

Can they win? Of course..any NFL team can win a given game. Will they win? The odds are probably 80-20 they will lose.

The Lions have to win the turnover battle, add in a pick 6 or return TD to have a chance. Detroit offense can put 30+ on the Saints, but can the pass defense is a huge concern. If the Lions D-Line can get in a groove and hammer Brees a few times and cause some TOs who knows what can happen.

I see a game much like the Packer game last week with both teams going up and down the field at will.

Saints 38

Lions 31

 

[Luke Skywalker]

The Saints - right now - are a better team than the bunch that started 13-0 in 2009 and was blowing out teams every week for the first half of the season.

I won't say the Lions don't stand a chance, because they did come closer to giving the Saints a game in the Superdome than anybody else this year. But I expect something like 49-20 Saints.

 

[Modog814]

As most games it will come down to turnovers. Since they are the road dog, I think they will need to be at least +1 or more.

This is what I came here to post. In a mistake free game the Lions don't have much of a chance.

I disagree. In the regular season game, the Lions got punched in the mouth early and trailed 24-7 at halftime. They fought back to only trailing by a TD by the end of the 3rd. They were right in that game and owned the time of possession. There was only 1 turnover in the game and it was a Stafford INT....and it happened with 3:00 left in the game so it didn't mean all that much. Penalties meant a lot more.A mistake free game takes away 107 penalty yards for Detroit as opposed to 30 penalty yards for New Orleans. That is a game changer.

If, and it's a big if, Detroit can stay away from the silly penalties (especially personal foul penalties) this game should be close. If they win the TO battle and stay away from the drive killing penalties, I think they win this game. I'm just not sure I trust them to stay away from those penalties.

 

[Raider Nation]

The 11 point line is ridiculous. Take those points and enjoy your winnings.

The Saints won't punt on drives when they are trying to score.*

*Not including the last four minutes of the game when they are running out the clock while up 52-24.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

I don't see alot of three and outs happening for the Saints. The Lions are going to need a lot of those.

 

[scrumptrulescent]

I don't see alot of three and outs happening for the Saints. The Lions are going to need a lot of those.

Defense is completely healthy now. Suh, Delmas, Fairley, and Houston will all be present this time around....for what it's worth.

 

[Raider Nation]

I don't see alot of three and outs happening for the Saints. The Lions are going to need a lot of those.

Defense is completely healthy now. Suh, Delmas, Fairley, and Houston will all be present this time around....for what it's worth.

Even the best defensive lines have very little impact on Brees. Their guards are fantastic, and he gets the ball out so damn quickly.

 

[Modog814]

I don't see alot of three and outs happening for the Saints. The Lions are going to need a lot of those.

Believe it or not, but the Lions are actually #4 in the league in opponents 3rd down conversion. And actually #8 in opponents ypa. The biggest problem area of the Lions this game will be keeping the Saints out of 3rd and managable, and that starts with stopping the run. Unfortunately for them, they are #30 in ypr against, and NOr is #4 in ypa.

 

[Modog814]

I don't see alot of three and outs happening for the Saints. The Lions are going to need a lot of those.

Defense is completely healthy now. Suh, Delmas, Fairley, and Houston will all be present this time around....for what it's worth.

Even the best defensive lines have very little impact on Brees. Their guards are fantastic, and he gets the ball out so damn quickly.

Again, I think a key here is not a pass rush, but stopping the run. Detriot actually isn't horrible in a defensive ypa category. So if they can stuff the run, they might be able to keep it to 2nd and 3rd and long. Now they won't do it every drive, but in this game, causing an extra punt could easily be a 14 point swing.

 

[Raider Nation]

I don't see alot of three and outs happening for the Saints. The Lions are going to need a lot of those.

Defense is completely healthy now. Suh, Delmas, Fairley, and Houston will all be present this time around....for what it's worth.

Even the best defensive lines have very little impact on Brees. Their guards are fantastic, and he gets the ball out so damn quickly.

Again, I think a key here is not a pass rush, but stopping the run. Detriot actually isn't horrible in a defensive ypa category. So if they can stuff the run, they might be able to keep it to 2nd and 3rd and long. Now they won't do it every drive, but in this game, causing an extra punt could easily be a 14 point swing.

I think you are putting too much emphasis on the run game. New Orleans will be able to do whatever it pleases through the air.Brees may throw for five miles.

 

[Leroy Hoard]

If your book offers team totals, Lions over 24 or so looks like a decent bet in that they won't have a spread to cover.

 

[gianmarco]

I don't see alot of three and outs happening for the Saints. The Lions are going to need a lot of those.

Defense is completely healthy now. Suh, Delmas, Fairley, and Houston will all be present this time around....for what it's worth.

Even the best defensive lines have very little impact on Brees. Their guards are fantastic, and he gets the ball out so damn quickly.

Again, I think a key here is not a pass rush, but stopping the run. Detriot actually isn't horrible in a defensive ypa category. So if they can stuff the run, they might be able to keep it to 2nd and 3rd and long. Now they won't do it every drive, but in this game, causing an extra punt could easily be a 14 point swing.

I think you are putting too much emphasis on the run game. New Orleans will be able to do whatever it pleases through the air.Brees may throw for five miles.

If he does, just put an asterisk next to it.

 

[Abrantes]

Of course they have a chance. The general dismissal of the Lions' chances is a bit of a surprise. The Saints are on a roll, but it's not like the Lions have rolled over and died in the past few weeks, despite the week 17 loss.

 

[Modog814]

I don't see alot of three and outs happening for the Saints. The Lions are going to need a lot of those.

Defense is completely healthy now. Suh, Delmas, Fairley, and Houston will all be present this time around....for what it's worth.

Even the best defensive lines have very little impact on Brees. Their guards are fantastic, and he gets the ball out so damn quickly.

Again, I think a key here is not a pass rush, but stopping the run. Detriot actually isn't horrible in a defensive ypa category. So if they can stuff the run, they might be able to keep it to 2nd and 3rd and long. Now they won't do it every drive, but in this game, causing an extra punt could easily be a 14 point swing.

I think you are putting too much emphasis on the run game. New Orleans will be able to do whatever it pleases through the air.Brees may throw for five miles.

What makes you think Stafford won't be able to do this too?