Scott Logush
Sports Editor
Following a close loss to the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field, the New England Patriots prepare to host the Detroit Lions and challenge the league’s highest-scoring offense. The Patriots have struggled to put points on the board this season. Will that change and can they beat the scrappy Lions? Let’s take a look.
Key Injuries:
This injury report is ridiculously long, so let’s keep it brief. Lawrence Guy didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday with a shoulder injury, Mac Jones was limited on both days with his ankle injury. Jakobi Meyers and Isaiah Wynn were limited participants as well with knee and hip injuries respectively. As for the Lions, Deandre Swift and Amon-Ra St. Brown didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday with ankle injuries. Center Frank Ragnow didn’t participate on Wednesday and was limited on Thursday with a foot injury, and tight end TJ Hockenson followed the same pattern with a hip injury.
Key Matchups:
This matchup comes down to if New England can slow down the Detroit offense. The Lions have been putting up points on everyone, without any signs of stopping. As for New England, their defense has been less than ideal, but Jonathan Jones has emerged as a good outside corner. The major question is Mac Jones. Can he move like he has been this season? Can he continue to scramble and utilize his legs? I doubt he can with that ankle injury, and that’s why I’m leaning heavily toward Detroit in this matchup.
Jared Goff has played a very solid brand of football this season. The playmakers in Detroit are legit, and they have one of the best offensive lines in football. This run game, and passing game, should be able to have their way with the Patriots. Jeff Okudah has been playing great this season, and Detroit’s defense has playmakers, they’ve just surrendered a LOT of points. With that in mind, I don’t trust New England’s offense. I didn’t at the beginning of the season, and I don’t trust it now.
Final Prediction: Lions 28-24
