Lions vs. Saints: Ndamukong Suh Is X-Factor in Battle of High-Powered Offenses

In a battle between the second and fourth best offenses in the NFL, it's a defensive player that will decide the game.

If Detroit Lions DT Ndamukong Suh can consistently get heavy pressure on Drew Brees, Round 2 is going to have a much different outcome than the 31-17 Saints win back in early December.

Suh was suspended in their first matchup, and the lack of pressure on Brees led to 342 passing yards and three touchdowns. The Saints offense was unstoppable in the first half.

Now, with Suh in the lineup, the Lions have the opportunity to disrupt the timing of the precise Saints offense and force Brees into errant throws. The Saints' offensive line is terrific for the most part, but they are susceptible against huge defenders like Suh.

The Lions are going to score points, there's no question about that. Matthew Stafford quietly threw for 4,518 yards and 36 touchdowns this season and finally proved that he's capable of staying healthy for an entire season. The luxury that is Calvin Johnson (1,437 yards, 15 TDs) has made the Lions one of the deadliest offenses in the league despite having no running game to speak of.

The lack of a running game means the Lions won't be able to keep up with the Saints in a shootout. 

Keeping Brees off-balance and forcing the Saints into third-and-long situations is the only way the Lions can win this game. If Brees has time to pick apart the Lions' 14th ranked pass defense, this is going to be a romp.

The Saints are the hottest team in the NFL entering the playoffs, winning their last eight games in a row. The Lions just lost to the Packers' backup with the opportunity to avoid this matchup. The only way to gain momentum early for the Lions is to disrupt the flow of the Saints offense.

Suh is in charge...can he come through?