Week 15 Detroit Lions Preview: Is Run DMC ever going to Return?

Detroit Lions (8-5) vs. Oakland Raiders (7-6)

In many ways these two teams mirror each other.  Both teams feature passionate young coaches.  Both teams are prone to mistakes and self imploding.  Each team needs a win to stay in the playoff hunt.  Finally, each team has missing pieces on the injury list.  I think this game will go down to the bitter end and the below matchups will be the keys to the game.

What’s at stake?

For the Raiders, they need to keep pace with the red hot Broncos.  Currently the Raiders are a game out.  With the Broncos playing the Patriots, the Raiders, have a great shot at erasing that lead.  The Lions are currently in the playoffs and if they win on Sunday they put themselves in a great position to stay there.  With the Giants, Cowboys, and Bears one game from them it is imperative the Lions win this Sunday with the Chargers and Packers remaining on their schedule.

Matchups to watch for.

1. Lions interior OL versus Thomas Kelly and Richard Seymour.  The Raiders are giving up a ton of rushing yards but currently have 37 sacks which is 4^th in the league.  A key component to this number is the play of their defensive tackles, Kelly and Seymour, which accounts for 11 sacks and many pressures.  Lions interior line of Raiola, Peterman, and Simms are sound at pass protection most weeks.  I think this battle is evenly matched up and might play a big part in winning this contest.  Advantage: Raiders slightly 

1. Oakland Run Game vs. Lions Run Defense:           The Raiders are rushing for around 140 yards a game.  The Raiders are one of the elite run teams in the NFL.  That being said since McFadden’s injury that number has went down.  Over the last 3 weeks the Raiders have rushed for an average of under 80 yards a game.  Now the Raiders played the Bears and Dolphins who are among the best run defenders in the league.  The Lions allow around 140 yards a game and just got gashed by the Vikings.  Numbers would state that the Lions are in trouble but two things tell me differently.  First Suh and maybe Fairley will be in this game and will be fresh causing all kinds of problems for the interior OL of the Raiders.  Secondly, Palmer is not going to hurt the Lions with his feet which will limit the Raiders run game.  I think the Lions give up over 100 yards but not enough to hurt them.  Advantage: Lions Run Defense

1. Lions Run Game vs. Raiders Run Defense: When Kevin Smith is in the lineup for the Lions their run game is much stronger.  Smith is adapt at hitting the hole and showing the patience to follow his blocks and the wiggle to escape would be tacklers.  Without him the Lions are weak and simply run the ball to stay honest.  Kevin Smith is supposed to play and that might be the difference in the game.  Raiders run defense is just as weak as the Lions and I expect if Smith can play most of the game that the Lions take full advantage of this matchup.  Advantage: Lions if Kevin Smith plays

1. Calvin Johnson vs. Raiders Defensive Backs:        Calvin Johnson is having a rough time in the second half of the season.  Teams are bottling him up and CJ has taken his fair share of hits.  I think it is imperative the Lions get Megatron back on track.  I know the attention he has received has open things up for everyone else but still…superstars need to perform.  Stafford has proven he will not force it to Calvin but Linehan needs to find creative ways to get CJ the ball.  The Raiders secondary is far from strong so expect a solid performance from Calvin.  Note that if I am wrong on this again I will have to rethink my prediction strategy.  Advantage: Calvin Johnson

5. Who will Defeat themselves:  Lions and Raiders are polarizing teams.  Both have elite talent on all sides of the ball…but just seem reluctant to capitalize in their situations.  Raiders and Lions are victims of themselves on crucial penalties and turnovers.  So this game will come down to which team stops defeating themselves.  Given the recent history and my gut feeling…I think the Lions take control of this game.  Advantage: Lions

Outcome 

This game is going to come down to the wire.  Playoffs are hanging in the balance of the outcome of this game.  The loser could still get in, but their chances are greatly reduced.  I think the outcome is based on the Lions getting back Suh, Smith, and maybe even Fairley, Delmas, and Houston.  The Raiders are still without Run DMC and that will limit their run game.  I predict a 34-21 Lions Victory.