NFL Week 8: 5 Game-Changing Matchups to Keep an Eye on During Lions vs. Broncos

The NFL is abuzz with Tebow-mania. The former Florida Gator and media golden-boy has been one of the most talked-about and scrutinized figures in the league, especially since he led the now 2-4 Denver Broncos to an overtime victory last week against the Miami Dolphins. 

Personally, I don't see why Tebow is so fascinating to people, but that's another story. 

Because of Tebow's prolific standing, however, this week's matchup featuring the Denver Broncos hosting the 5-2 Detroit Lions is a much more exciting game than it should be. 

There are lots of exciting matchups to look for as these two teams square off, and here are some of them. Game on, everybody. 

5. Eric Wright vs. DeMaryius Thomas

Being that fellow cornerback Chris Houston has been beaten up this week, Eric Wright will almost definitely line up against DeMaryius Thomas, as he is usually the cornerback who is assigned to the opponent's main downfield threat. 

Wright has been average this season, as has all of the Detroit secondary, yet they still have the fifth most interceptions this season, with 10. 

Eric Decker was the preferred outside receiver while Thomas was injured and Kyle Orton was quarterback, yet with Thomas healthy and Tim Tebow under center, Thomas should be the strong-side receiver for most of the game. Decker will likely line up on the weak side, while Eddie Royal lines up in the slot. 

4. Kyle Vanden Bosch vs. Ryan Clady

Although Ndamukong Suh is easily the most threatening player on the Detroit defensive line, Kyle Vanden Bosch looks to be having another career season. 

The veteran, who had an amazing tenure with the Tennessee Titans, (where Jim Schwartz was the defensive coordinator) already has four sacks on the season. He looks very healthy, and has been making left tackles look like Pop Warner players all season. 

He will face a tough challenge this week, however; Ryan Clady is among the best in the business at protecting the quarterback's blind side. 

With Tim Tebow scrambling as much as he does, I expect Vanden Bosch to struggle to reach him, but to still bring him down at least once. 

3. Both Teams' Running Games vs. Themselves

This game features two teams who are in very dire situations with their running games at the moment. 

The Detroit Lions' star, dual-threat running back, Jahvid Best, is still recovering from a Week 6 concussion and is questionable to start. If he doesn't suit up, it will be Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams taking turns from the backfield. 

In Denver, veteran Willis McGahee suffered a broken hand last week in Miami and is listed as doubtful for this week's game. That leaves Denver with third-year back Knowshon Moreno, and another league junior, Lance Ball. 

Moreno is easily the higher profile runner here, yet he has fallen out of favor in Denver, due to his lack of production and effort. 

Expect both teams to split carries among their backs, yet this method is easier said than done when you are looking for productivity. Both coaches will need to establish trust in both backs and not be afraid to make a bold choice or change if productivity begins to suffer. 

With Detroit QB Matthew Stafford shaken up and Denver QB Tim Tebow still learning the game plan, a successful running game is crucial to the game's outcome. 

2. Amari Spievey vs. Tim Tebow

Amari Spievey looks like he is having his breakout season this year.

The strong safety is going through no sort of sophomore slump; he already has three picks on the season. 

The Broncos will likely have Tim Tebow throw a lot of five- to ten-yard slants across the middle, and if Tebow throws inaccurately or Spievey reads the play, then he could record his fourth INT of the season. 

1. Von Miller vs. Matthew Stafford

That's right. This matchup is not Von Miller versus the Detroit offensive line, it is Von Miller versus Matthew Stafford, because there is not question that Miller will get through the line. 

Miller has been an absolute monster this season. As a rookie, and the front-runner for Defensive Rookie of the Year, he already has six sacks on the season. 

With an ankle-impaired Matthew Stafford, that number is only bound to go up after Sunday's game. Stafford best beware of Mr. Miller. 

Game Prediction

I think this game is going to feature some big plays mixed with some sloppy elementary routines. 

I foresee a lot of three-and-outs by both teams, due to weak run games and inaccurate quarterback passes, as well as at least two sacks by each team. 

Calvin Johnson will likely catch a long touchdown, that's to easy to predict, but Matthew Stafford will struggle to make shorter passes. 

Tim Tebow will struggle to lead Denver up the field, but when he does so, he will do it in dramatic and exciting fashion. 

In the end, the Denver defense will be overwhelmed by the venomous Detroit passing attack, and despite a good matchup, the Denver offense won't be able to capitalize enough on a weak Detroit secondary. 

Final Score: Detroit 31, Denver 22