Lions vs Saints: 6 Crazy Reasons to Believe Detroit Can Win

The playoff game between Detroit and New Orleans could be a record-setting performance by both teams.

If last week's game between the Lions and the Green Bay Packers is any indication, you might be able to throw out the record books and rewrite new chapters in playoff lore.

In other words, this one could be a high-scoring affair that leaves fans wanting more.

We all know about the heroics and performance of Drew Brees this year, becoming the first quarterback to shatter Dan Marino's 27-year mark of 5,084 passing yards. Brees is as cool as any quarterback under pressure and has proved to be one of the elite for some time now.

On the other side of the line there is this kid Matthew Stafford, who quietly put together a 5,000-yard passing season himself (5,038 yards) but because of the play of both Brees and New England's Tom Brady (5,235 yards), it may have gone unnoticed.

There is great excitement in Detroit this year. The Lions are relevant again and with that there is hope this team, the one that has lived as a bottom feeder in the NFL for many years, could be a team that will surprise in this year's playoff dance.

Here are some reasons to believe the Lions could just pull off an upset.

6. First Time in the Playoffs in a Long Time

It was 1999. Remember those days?

Detroit hasn't sniffed a playoff berth in almost 13 years. Maybe the long layoff inspired them to play some great ball.

Incidentally, Steelers' current backup Charlie Batch was on this team in 1999 as the starter.

A lot has changed since then. The speed of the game is faster, the linemen are bigger and hopefully this team is a lot hungrier.

5. Matthew Stafford Has Something to Prove

Last week, Stafford may have become an elite passer in the NFL.

But he won't truly become one of the greats unless he can win a big game.

Against the Packers, Stafford threw for 520 yards and five touchdowns, but Detroit still lost 45-41.

It is one of those games that makes you stop and scratch your head. Stafford must prove he can play at that level again this week, and this time he needs to win.

4. Detroit's Defense Is Better

Slightly better.

The Lions rank 23rd overall in total defense. The Saints are 24th. While the running game for both teams leave you wishing for the days of Chuck Muncie (there is a blast from the past) and Barry Sanders, the line play may be what determines this contest.

The Lions, led by defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh, create more turnovers (25) than the Saints (20).

3. Drew Brees Could Have a Bad Game

I know this is comedic, but it could happen, right?

Brees has been on fire this season. No one flings it around like him, and with four good receivers and a great tight end in Jimmy Graham there is no one player who sets the tone for this passing game.

But while Brees has been playing on a high like no other player all season, could he finally have a bad game? Could this be the one time where the Lions secondary holds the Saints passing game in check?

It's doubtful, but we can hope.

2. The Lions Could Be

Last year, Green Bay got into the playoffs with a 10-6 record and claimed the last seed in the NFC playoffs.

The Packers rode that momentum to the Lombardi Trophy. Could this be the same thing for the Lions? If you are looking for a team who could use the "underdog" mentality more than any other team in the NFC, it is certainly the Lions.

And playoff runs are usually about who gets hot at the right time and rides that to the end.

1. They Don't Know Any Better

I will use the "rookie" analogy with this.

When a rookie comes into a football game or a baseball team faces a rookie pitcher for the first time, in many instances the opposition does not know what to expect. And in most cases, the rookie goes out there, makes some mistakes, but does not have the time to get "nervous" about the situation. They just go out there and make the best of it.

I say this is the case, sometimes. If the Lions go out there and treat this like any other game, not looking at it like a playoff "must-win," it helps them.

Of course, this is the playoffs and anything can happen.