Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints: Spread Info, Line and Predictions

Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh had his suspension appeal denied by the NFL on Friday, and because of that, the Lions' chances of pressuring New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees became much worse.

Brees is having an MVP-caliber season and is on pace to break former Miami Dolphins quarterback Dan Marino's single-season record for passing yards.

The Saints have won four of their last five games, beating some good opponents in that span. They also scored 49 points on a good New York Giants defense last week, and the Lions have to be worried that Brees could put up 40-plus points on them.

Detroit needs a win to increase their chances of locking down an NFC wild-card playoff berth, but the challenge of beating the Saints on Sunday night will be difficult.

Let's look at everything you need to know about this awesome NFL matchup.

Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans, Louisiana

When: Sunday, Dec. 10 at 8:20 p.m. ET

Watch: NBC

Spread: Saints -9 (according to Bodog.eu)

The Saints are favored by a nice margin this week, especially considering how good the Lions are. Without Suh, the Lions won't be able to pressure Brees too often, which will cost them the game.

If the Saints can score 49 points on a good Giants defense and beat them by 25, they will beat Detroit by at least 10 points Sunday night. I would take the Saints in this matchup.

Over/Under: 54 (according to Bodog.eu)

The Saints could score close to 54 points by themselves, and they even throw the ball often when they have a big lead.

The Lions could find themselves down early and in a situation where they need to throw the ball a ton. This game could be a shootout, and I would certainly take the over in this matchup.

Key Injuries

Lions DB Alphonso Smith is out of Sunday's game against the Saints with a foot injury.

Saints RB Mark Ingram is probable for Sunday's game against the Lions with a heel injury.

Fantasy Big Plays

You must start Saints tight end Jimmy Graham on Sunday night. Graham has become one of Brees' most dependable targets, and he has caught 67 passes for 957 yards with eight touchdowns.

You must also start Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford this week. He has thrown for 300-plus yards in two of the last three weeks and has at least 35 passes in each of his last three starts.

Key to a Saints Win

The Saints must get off to a good start and force the Lions to become one-dimensional on offense. Detroit doesn't have much of a running game, and if they are in a hole early, the Saints defense will have a much easier time stopping their offense.

If the Saints know that the Lions will be passing on nearly every down, they will be able to confuse Stafford with elaborate schemes and blitzes.

Key for a Lions Win

Detroit must get to Brees early and often and knock him off his game. The Lions cannot win this game if Brees has the time he needs to find the open man.

Brees has many quality receivers who he trusts, and the Lions don't have a playmaker in the secondary, so the pass rush must step up if they want to upset the Saints.

Prediction: Saints win, 45-24

Detroit has lost four of its last six games and have not played well in recent weeks. Their defense has given up a lot of points and turnovers have hurt them.

Without Suh commanding double teams at the line of scrimmage, the Lions will have a tough time getting to Brees, and with enough time in the pocket he will carve up the Lions defense.

There will be a lot of points scored in this game because neither team is too good defensively, but the Saints' passing offense is too powerful for the Lions to contain.