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Detroit Lions v. New Orleans Saints: Game Preview and Prediction

By Eric Robinson

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Dec 13, 2015; St. Louis, MO, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) scores a touchdown against the Detroit Lions during the second half at the Edward Jones Dome. The St. Louis Rams defeat the Detroit Lions 21-14. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

Monday Night Football has been entertaining with a number of games this season including the Giants victory over Miami this past week. While we have a matchup of two below average teams, the one thing both share in common is the potential for lighting up the scoreboards. Let’s breakdown this Monday night contest.

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    • Why Detroit May Win

    Last season, the Lions had a formula together that resulted in a playoff berth. That formula was a trio of QB Matthew Stafford along with WRs Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate. At 4-9, that formula hasn’t quite hit on all cylinders. However, a remedy lies ahead for Stafford and his bunch as the Saints are 31st overall on defense (414.8) and 32nd in points per game (30.5). The Lions themselves are last in the league in rushing yards per game as they have averaged a measly 79 yards a game. If the Lions are to walk out of New Orleans with a victory, that task is firmly on the shoulders of Stafford, Johnson, Tate, and an offense that’s first in the league in pass play percentage with 67%. Detroit also uses their versatile RB in Theo Riddick in a pass catcher role as he is third on the team in receptions (67) behind Johnson and Tate.

    If there is a standout unit on the Lions defense, it is absolutely the secondary. A unit that contains one of the young, skilled corners in the league in Darius Slay who has 42 tackles, 11 pass deflections and two INTs. DE Ziggy Ansah has produced a Pro Bowl season with 13.5 sacks which is tied for second in the league. As the defense is not know for their takeaways, Ansah, DE Devin Taylor (5 sacks), and the D-Line are going to have to make QB Drew Brees uncomfortable.

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    Why New Orleans May Win

    A Saints victory is less likely to happen if Brees is not on his game. The offense as a whole is fourth overall (395 ypg). Despite having lingering injuries on the season, Brees has still been able to pass for 3, 794 yards, 25 TDs, 11 INTs. Brees has six 300 yard games on the season including an outing of 505 yards and seven TDs against the Giants in Week 8. RB Mark Ingram is out for remainder of the season with a shoulder injury so the team is leaning on veteran Tim Hightower to tote the rock. WR Brandin Cooks started of slow this season but has picked up his play lately outside of his three catch game last week vs. the Bucs.

    Finding a bright spot for the Saints defense has been a task. Rookie LB Stephone Anthony has been something positive for New Orleans on the year as he leads the team in tackles (95). DE Cameron Jordan has also produced for the Saints as the team leader in sacks with eight. Outside of that, there’s really not much. The Saints are going to need their talented safeties in Jarius Byrd and Kenny Vaccaro to set the tone for the defense. The talent is there but neither have quite been able to put it together this season. Both will need to be a factor especially with a defense that is full of holes.

    Who Will Win

    Most will look at the records of both teams and not see much intrigue. However, both offenses are capable of creating fireworks at any given moment. The Saints defense has been dreadful the entire season and if they were to win, they would need to gather up whatever effort they can. I expect a shootout which would be entertaining and with the Saints defense be poor, I can see the unit making the necessary stops to win.

    Lions 42 – Saints 35

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