Lions vs. Saints: Why Detroit Lions Must Win Sunday Night in New Orleans

The Detroit Lions head into New Orleans looking for a much-needed win.

In fact, after their 5-0 start, the Lions are sitting at an uncomfortable 7-4, with the Atlanta Falcons and New York Giants breathing down their necks. In fact, the Seattle Seahawks too are lurking, even though they sit at 5-7.

Looking at schedules, momentum and possibilities, the Lions are in a must-win situation this week. They will be going to the Superdome, but they still must pull out a victory if they hope to make the playoffs.

When you look at the NFC playoff picture, it would be reasonable to assume that 10 wins will be necessary for the postseason. A nine-win team could sneak in, but I wouldn't plan on it.

Accordingly, the Lions need to win three of their five remaining games if they hope to make the playoffs. In addition to the Sunday night matchup versus the Saints, the rest of Detroit's 2011 season consists of the Vikings, Raiders, Chargers and Packers.

The Minnesota Vikings looked good against the Denver Broncos, and Adrian Peterson could go off, especially with Ndamukong Suh out of the lineup. Still, I think the Lions should win this game at home.

In Week 15, the Lions must travel west to play a presumably desperate Oakland Raiders team. Even with the Raiders playing for their playoff lives, I think Oakland will fall short here.

Then, the Lions host the San Diego Chargers. You never know which Philip Rivers will show up. Given that he will have a lot of pride on the line, I think he'll have a monstrous game. As a result, I think the Lions will drop this game at home.

Then, in the final week of the season, the Lions will travel to Lambeau to face the Green Bay Packers. There will be plenty of bad blood in this game, and the Packers will come out ready to play. In my opinion, the Pack are too talented to lose at home.

Therefore, after this week, the Lions will most likely go 2-2. Those two wins would leave them with nine. Again, they will (most likely) need 10 to make the playoffs, which is why they must be Drew Brees in the Superdome.