NFC Playoff Preview: Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints
Drew Brees' record plays right into Detroit's latest weakness.
Game Time: 8:00 EST, Saturday
Weather Forecast: Dome
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Brandon Berg
I really like the Saints in the playoffs this year and Iโm fairly certain I am not alone. This is the team the Packers need to worry about most. Sure, they donโt have a punishing defense, but a real defense, nonetheless. Not only can they score, but they can defend (sort of.) I believe they are just strong enough defensively to be able to slow the Pack and take home a win. Well, I actually better pay the Lions some respect, as I admire what theyโve done.
No discount to the Lions, they have had quite a turnaround and I applaud them for that. Itโs not easy to change a culture that has gotten so used to losing, but theyโve managed to do it. Itโs just unfortunate that they drew the Saints in the first round. Next year could be a special year for Detroit, but Matthew Stafford has to find the fire that he began the season with. Against a pretty complete team like the Saints, thatโs going to be hard to do. Theyโll stay close for the first half, but not long after that.
Saints โ 34, Lions โ 17
Caleb Parkinson
Suh is back on the field and so is there defense? Well if you wanna call 45 points against Matt Flynn โdefenseโ , then I guess the term is relative? The Lions have the greatest WR in the game, and that will help keep them alive for a while. But their defense still doesnโt stop anyone on the ground and now they donโt stop air attacks either. Matt Flynn just threw 480 yards against them in a game where they Lions were still fighting for seeding.
Drew Brees just set the all-time passing yardage record this year. So for Detroitโs sake, Iโm worried. The Saints aging secondary going against Megatron doesnโt exactly convince me that this will be a one-sided affair but I still believe New Orleans should take care of business in this game.
Saints โ 48, Lions โ 38.
Derrick Miller
The Lions of Detroit were playoff favorites coming into the regular season. After a 5-0 start, they went 5-6 to end the season. ย Fortunately for them, they seem to be getting hot at the right time. Unfortunately for them, they have to head to New Orleans to take on the red hot New Orleans Saints. Drew Brees has been on fire all season, and should have MVP considerations. The loss of Mark Ingram will have damage, but only minimal.
Detroitโs defense will struggle stopping Brees, so the Lions will be forced into a shootout with the Saints. Even with Matthew Stafford, who threw for over 5,000 yards, and Calvin โMegatronโ Johnson, I donโt see the Lions keeping up in this game. They have had to rely on Stafford too much because of the complete lack of a running game. To his credit, Stafford has responded well on the field. But it wonโt help matters, as the Saints take this game.
Saints โ 41, Lions โ 36
Other Previews and Predictions
