NFL Picks Week 7: Why Detroit Lions Will Rebound Against Atlanta Falcons

The Detroit Lions made headlines this week, and not for the reason any team would want. Brighter days are on the horizon as they look to a victory over the Atlanta Falcons. 

Jim Schwartz wore his heart firmly on his sleeve on Sunday. The Lions head coach felt disrespected and did what any blue-collar Detroit worker would do. 

The Lions are no longer the doormat of the league. This proud contender will treat their home game against the Falcons like a must-win situation, because to them and their coach, it is. 

I am confident the Lions will prove they are not finished winning games and steam rolling through the league. The Falcons have had the precise issues the Lions will exploit. 

The Falcons have suffered at the hands of an inconsistent passing game that will be highlighted once again this Sunday. The best thing the Lions can do is continue to pound away at the offensive line with their fine pass rush. 

The Lions also come in with a marvelous secondary that has all but stopped most air attacks. Matt Ryan and the Falcons will be no different. 

What worries me is the Falcons running game and the Lions' ability to limit Atlanta's ability to move the sticks. When looking at this game from afar, that is the only possible way the Falcons can control the pace of the game early. 

Other than that, I like the Lions to eat up a porous Falcons secondary. If Jahvid Best can't go, they have secured a new running back in Ronnie Brown that is ready to prove he is no throw away back. 

Detroit is stronger than they were a week ago and far more hungry for a win. The Falcons are heading into a trap game, as the Lions will be playing with a fervor of a team that has been smacked in the mouth. 

This will be an entertaining display of redemption.