Week 7 Preview Detroit Lions versus Atlanta Falcons: New Rivalry could be born

Detroit Lions (5-1) vs. Atlanta Falcons (3-3)

This game is pivotal for both teams but we will get into that shortly. As it is this should be an exciting matchup featuring two young explosive offenses led by two up and coming QB’s. Matt Ryan of the Falcons and Matthew Stafford of the Lions represent two of the best young QBs in the league and this could turn into a future rivalry.

What’s at stake?

Both teams need this win. The Falcons cannot afford to stay at .500 or under and expect to go to the playoffs. Winning on Sunday would get them to 4-3 and their road record to 2-2 before the bye. The Lions would like to avoid a two game losing streak, at home nonetheless, and avoid the fan base thinking “same old Lions.” Beating the Falcons at home would put them 6-1 and in prime playoff positioning.

Matchups to watch for.

Jeff Backus vs. John Abraham: Wow….I thought Peppers had the advantage versus Backus and I was wrong. I thought Backus had the advantage over Aldon Smith and I was wrong. Now Backus has to face a healthy John Abraham. Does Backus ever get a break? While I think Backus will not allow 3 sacks again, he is not going to dominate Abraham and will need plenty of help. Advantage: John Abraham
Michael Turner vs. the Lions’ back seven: Frank Gore created serious doubts in Lions fans. The good news is that he did not consistently run over the Lions. The 49ers capitalized on bad angles by the back seven as well as using the Lions aggressive front seven against themselves. Lions will look at the film and be better this weekend. Falcons are rushing over 100 yards per game and feature Michael Turner, who as Lions should know, is a big play waiting to happen. Call it being a homer but I think the Lions will slow down the run this week. I think the return of Justin Durant will help versus the run. Advantage: Lions back seven
Calvin Johnson vs. Dunta Robinson: Calvin Johnson has been a force since he started out in Detroit. He has only gotten better. CJ has been able to beat big, physical CB’s such as Tillman and Carlos Rogers. I think Calvin will have a big day and draw lots of attention. Advantage: Calvin Johnson
Roddy White and Julio Jones versus Lions’ secondary: There is no way that Chris Houston and Eric Wright can contain these individuals. Lions don’t intend them to. The hope is that the Lions pass rush will create havoc and disrupt Matt Ryan. We will get into that below, but without the pass rush I expect both WR’s to do some damage. Advantage: Falcons’ Receivers However, Julio Jones is listed as doubtful.

Lions’ DL versus the Falcons’ OL: To start the season the Falcons OL struggled. They lost RG Harvey Dahl to FA and C Todd McClure to injury. However, in the past three games the Falcons OL has only allowed 2 sacks. The run game averages over 100 yards but that number is well below previous years. I would say the Falcons have an average OL…that will not get it done on Sunday. The Lions’ DL is going to be angry and Nick Fairley will only get better from week to week. I think Matt Ryan is going to be on the go all Sunday long. Advantage: Lions DL

Prediction.

This will be a close contest. Both teams feature a young franchise QB, tons of talent at skill positions, and an aggressive defense. With so little of a difference between the teams I will go with the home team. Falcons have struggled on the road, their defense is susceptible to spread passing attacks, and the interior OL has struggled. I still think it will be close. If I was a betting man I would take the Falcons and the points but I predict a 23-21 Lions victory.

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