Ahead of the Broncos’ game against the Lions in Week 16, we spoke with Jeff Risdon of Lions Wire about the Detroit-based team and what fans in Denver should expect on Sunday. Here are our questions and Jeff’s answers.

1. Spotrac.com says Matthew Stafford has a potential out in his contract after the 2021 season. Do you think the Lions might draft a QB early within the next two drafts?

It’s doubtful unless Stafford’s back injury is truly debilitating. He was having a phenomenal 2019 before breaking bones in his back, the second year in a row he’s had fractured vertebrae (in different parts of the back). He’s still only 31 and remains blessed with one of the best arms the NFL has ever seen. As long as the team — and Stafford — are confident in his health, he’s going to remain the unquestioned starter for as long as he wants to be in Detroit.

2. Speaking of QBs, do you think Detroit views Kyle Sloter as a guy to groom to become a potential starter or just as a serviceable backup? Many fans in Denver were smitten by Sloter after his strong preseason performances.

Sloter hasn’t had a chance to prove himself yet. He’s firmly behind David Blough, a guy the Lions traded for and are still high on despite his spotty play of late. His best hope is to show enough in practices to get brought back on a futures deal and compete for the No. 3 job in 2020.

3. Broncos WR Courtland Sutton has had a brilliant season. Do you think the Lions might have CB Darius Slay shadow him on Sunday?

Slay hasn’t typically shadowed anyone on a full-time basis. The Lions do use him in that capacity in critical situations, though. Hopefully there will be some of those in the game and we get to watch what the talented guys do against one another. The team is trying to evaluate rookie Amani Oruwariye too and he’s shown some ability, so look for that matchup too.

4. If you could steal one player from Denver and give him to Detroit, who would it be and why?

Von Miller, easily. The Lions sorely lack a pass rusher who can win 1-on-1. Miller is arguably the best in the NFL at doing just that. He’s the kind of talent who elevates the impact of those around him. Detroit has a pretty solid collection of talent on defense when everyone is healthy, but they desperately lack the alpha dog to lead them. That’s Miller.

5. What’s your prediction for Sunday — who wins and why?

What’s left of the Lions is barely an expansion roster. There will be exactly four Week 1 starters on the field on offense, three of them on the OL. The talent drain from injuries is incredible, and that doesn’t even broach the astonishingly inept defensive scheme that passively allows every quarterback to post a QB Rating over 110 since Week 6. Broncos 36, Lions 17.

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