Category: Preview

Experts continue to sleep on Lions against the Colts in Week 8

The Detroit Lions head home to face the Indianapolis Colts, but experts are continuing to sleep on the Lions even after their lastest wins

The Detroit Lions (3-3) are heading home to face the Indianapolis Colts (4-2) in hopes of extending their two-game winning streak and staying in the playoff hunt.

The Lions got the better of the Colts with a 39-35 last-second victory back in 2016 and are hoping for a repeat performance today.

The cardiac cats made a comeback last week to pull out a last-second victory against the Atlanta Falcons, while the Colts had an extra week to prepare on their bye week. The Lions have looked improved as of late, but not enough for the experts, apparently.

According to NFL Pickwatch, 78-percent of experts favor the Colts on the road and spoil the Lions home return at the time of this writing. With this game looking like a close contest, most would have guessed this game to be a more even split, but that’s not the case as the Colts are being heavily favored.

The Colts are one of the more balanced teams and have a 4-2 record, but their schedule has been the easiest so far this season per Football Outsider’s efficiency rankings. The Colts’ opponents: Jaguars, Vikings, Jets, Bears, Browns, and Bengals are a combined record of 13-27 with ten of those wins coming from the Bears and Browns, and the Colts lost to the Browns 32-23.

On the other side of the coin, the Lions have victories over the Cardinals, Falcons, and Jaguars, whom the Colts lost to in their season opener. Outside of the Packers game, the Lions have been in every contest with the chance to pull out a victory. If it weren’t for an ill-timed drop against the Bears, we would be having a very different discussion with the Lions holding at 4-2 record and right in the division title race.

The Colts have a strong veteran presence in Philip Rivers and an offensive line that houses one of the better center-guard combos in the league. The receiving corps hasn’t been what the Colts have wanted so far, but with T.Y. Hilton in the wings, the potential for breaking out is always there. The Colts’ defense is balanced across the board, but their two stars, DeForest Buckner and Darius Leonard, are the glue that holds them together.

You can make the argument that Matthew Stafford is easily the best quarterback they will face at this juncture. He has his ups and downs this season, not having played for nearly a year, but he has looked more like himself recently, especially the poise he showed last week, leading the Lions to their third victory. On top of the defense’s continued improvement, this team is looking more on the up and up than a decline.

The Lions need to play smart, fundamental football against the Colts. As long as they continue to play the way they have been the last couple of weeks, along with nailing the key areas in this week’s Honolulu Blueprint, they will have a chance to get his home victory and extend their winning steak to three.

The Honolulu Blueprint: Keys to a Lions victory over the Colts

The Detroit Lions will face the Indianapolis Colts at home and the Honolulu Blueprint will show them the path to extend their winning streak

The Detroit Lions are on the top of the world after pulling out a last-minute 23-22 victory against the Atlanta Falcons. Now, they will be taking their two-game winning steak back home to face the 4-2 Indianapolis Colts who are coming off their bye week.

One of the biggest catalysts in the Lions’ recent success has been their improving run defense. Through the last two games, the Lions have only allowed 110 yards on 42 carries at 2.6 yards per attempt. The offense is still finding their stride, but with the return of Kenny Golladay, they have a dynamic piece that makes their offense effective.

The Lions are sitting at .500 and will have their hands full against this balanced team, but this week’s Honolulu Blueprint will give them the key concepts to try to extend their winning streak.

Behind Enemy Lines: Breaking down Week 8 with Colts Wire

Learning about the Colts strong D, struggling run game and more with Kevin Hickey of Colts Wire

The Indianapolis Colts come to Detroit with about as long of a gap between meetings for two teams as there can be. It’s been since Week 1 of 2016 that the Colts and Lions squared off.

To help bridge the distance and very different teams we’re seeing on Sunday, I asked Kevin Hickey of Colts Wire for some insight on the visitors from Indiana. Thanks to Hickey for some smart answers and his prediction of a very close, fun, interesting game.

How is the Philip Rivers experience progressing for the Colts?

It has had its ups and downs over the first six games but it has been more good than bad. He had a brutal outing against the Browns in Week 5 when he threw two back-breaking interceptions in the second half. But then he turned the clock back to torch the Bengals defense in a huge come-from-behind win.

The formula for success is no secret. As long as the Colts offensive line gives Rivers solid pass protection, he should be fine even if he will have the occasional turnover from forcing a ball into a tight window. He has a strong command of the offense and the Colts have already turned to him as a leader so it’s going about as expected.

The defense is posting some impressive numbers. What has been the key to the stingy D?

There are a few. The front seven has been incredibly strong against the run, allowing just 3.5 yards per carry. That’s largely in part due to the emergence of Grover Stewart at the one-technique and the athletic linebackers they have flying around at the second level.

It also helps that they are getting decent pressure with four rushers, though that part of the defense could be a bit more consistent. Lastly, they’ve made a switch from their heavy Cover-2 scheme to more a Cover-3 style similar to the Seahawks. They finally have the personnel to make the change, and it has been a successful transition so far.

The Colts have the lowest yards per carry average of any rushing offense. What’s going on with the ground game?

It’s a mixture of things, but one telling sign that may help explain it is the fact that the Colts are facing the most eight-man boxes in the NFL, per Next Gen Stats. Even with superior personnel on the offensive line and a diverse blocking scheme, it won’t matter if they are constantly outnumbered.

It also has a bit to do with the development of Jonathan Taylor, who continues to improve. He’s had to make some adjustments to NFL speed and a lack of an offseason means he’s still working to fully grasp protection calls and blitz pickups, but he’s making improvements seemingly every week. But it likely comes down to facing stacked boxes and needing a bit more from Taylor himself.

Who are some Colts who deserve more national attention for their play?

As mentioned earlier, DT Grover Stewart is emerging as one of the best one-techniques in the league. He’s an absolute brawler on the interior with 12 run stops, per PFF, which is tied for the eighth-most in the NFL. He’s been a huge reason for the Colts having such a stout run defense whether he’s directly blowing up runs or redirecting a back into another defender.

On offense, WR Marcus Johnson will be the downfield threat to watch. He’s coming off of a 108-yard performance in Week 6 and will be the one to make explosive plays for the passing offense.

Who wins and why?

This is a tough matchup to predict. Road games are always tough for the Colts but they are coming off of the bye week. As much as I love Matthew Stafford and Kenny Golladay, I’m predicting this to be the matchup where the Colts’ ground game finally takes over the way we have expected all season. That said, this one comes down to the wire.

Colts 24, Lions 23

Lions’ Rookie Report: Roles become more clear headed into Week 7

Examining the Detroit Lions rookie roles as the face off against the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7.

With the Detroit Lions heading to Atlanta to face off against the Falcons, they have a chance to break even on their record at 3-3 with a win.

Unfortunately, as the week’s have gone on, their 2020 rookie class has slowly been dropping off of the active roster. Third-round pick Julian Okwara was recently placed on the injured reserve list after suffering an injury against the Jaguars. Fourth-round pick Logan Stenberg and fifth-rounder Quintez Cephus have found themselves as healthy scratches in recent weeks.

For some good news, it appears that the rest of the rookie class have their roles clearly defined for the rest of the season.

Here’s what to expect from the Lions’ rookie class this week against Atlanta:

CB Jeff Okudah

With Desmond Trufant ruled out once again, Okudah will assume the starting role at cornerback alongside Amani Oruwariye.

Despite some struggles early on in the season, the third-overall draft pick in 2020 looks like he’s finally getting acclimated to the level of play in the NFL.

He’ll have a touch matchup this week against one of the best wide receiver duos in the NFL: Atlanta’s Julio Jones and Calvin Ridley.

This game looks like it could easily be a shootout, so don’t expect Okudah to be shutting down either of those receivers in this matchup. Falcon’s quarterback Matt Ryan has only thrown three picks thus far in 2020, so a second career interception for Okudah seems unlikely.

RB D’Andre Swift

Swift tricked the league into thinking he would just be utilized on third downs and designed passing plays to running backs. Little did we know that he could be an even more versatile weapon for the Lions offense.

The rookie rushed for 116 yards last week against Jacksonville and could likely see more playing time on run plays.

He’ll have a tough matchup against the Falcons’ stout run defense, who held Minnesota to just 32 rushing yards last week and have not allowed more than 130 all season.

Atlanta has also allowed an average of almost 54 receiving yards by running backs per game this year, so if Swift wants to make an impact today, he’ll have to do it as a receiver.

OL Jonah Jackson and Logan Stenberg

To Lions fans’ dismay, the guard rotation on the offensive line is back.

For Jonah Jackson, this meant that his share of snap counts went from 100-percent to just 77- percent last week and could do the same this week.

Jackson has played exceptionally well so far for Detroit in both the running and passing games. Expect him to start at left guard, and hope that the Lions come to their senses and don’t rotate anyone in for him.

Stenberg, as mentioned earlier, has been inactive for most of his rookie year, and has yet to touch the field when he was suited up on game day. With the offensive line looking healthy, don’t expect much from this rookie.

WR Quintez Cephus

Like Stenberg, Cephus has seen his role diminish due to the Lions staying healthy on offense.

Kenny Golladay’s return and subsequent success on offense has lead to Cephus being pushed down to the reserves. With no injuries at receiver this week, expect the rookie to be inactive.

DL John Penisini

Penisini has seen a gradual rise in his share of snap counts on defense every week this season, with him now on the field for about a third of the time.

The Lions are getting more creative when finding ways to line up the defensive line. Penisini found himself as the primary nose tackle several times against Jacksonville, with starting nose tackle Danny Shelton occasionally being pushed out to the 3T role.

The Lions held the Jaguars to a mere 42 rushing yards last week and will now be tasked with stopping former Pro Bowler Todd Gurley.

Expect Penisini’s role to increase slightly again this week as he gets more acclimated with the NFL and it’s style of play.

What you need to know: Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons in Week 7

Everything you need to know for the Detroit Lions at Atlanta Falcons matchup in Week 7 of the 2020 season.

The Detroit Lions (2-3) are traveling to Georgia to take on the Atlanta Falcons (1-5) in Week 7 of the 2020 season and both teams are very healthy, with each only having to declare one player with an injury designation.

Here’s everything you need to know for how to watch or listen to this week’s game.

How To Watch

When: Sunday, October 25th at 1:00 p.m. EST

Where: Mercedes-Benz Stadium

Referee: Land Clark

Vegas Watch via BetMGM:

TV: FOX

Broadcast crew:

  • Play-by-play: Chris Myers
  • Color commentary: Greg Jennings and Brock Huard
  • Sideline reporter: Jennifer Hale

Broadcast map courtesy of 506 Sports, the Detroit Lions versus the Atlanta Falcons viewing audience is highlighted in Orange.

How to listen

Detroit area radio: WJR 760 AM radio

  • Announcers: Dan Miller and Lomas Brown

SIRIUS: 113 (Lions), 132 (Falcons)

XM: 386 (Lions), 228 (Falcons)

Lions Wire game prep podcast

Injury Updates

Roster updates

Lions Wire game prep articles

Fantasy Football

Experts abandon the Lions against the Falcons in Week 7

The Detroit Lions are on the road to face the Atlanta Falcons and according to experts they believe the Lions will suffer another defeat

The Detroit Lions continue their road trip, this time heading to Atlanta to face the Falcons in Week 7. The last time these two teams met, the Falcons got the better of the Lions with a 30-26 victory and introduced us to the 10-second runoff.

The Lions had a convincing win over the Jaguars last week, but the experts are not convinced the Lions have turned it around enough to beat the Falcons. According to NFL Pickwatch, 65% of the experts at the time of this writing favor Atlanta to hand the Lions their fourth loss of the season.

Last week, the experts were riding high with the Lions to beat the Jaguars, but this week, they have flipped the script. There is no arguing the Falcons are better than the Jaguars, but this is a Falcons team that just secured their first victory last week against a Minnesota Vikings team who looks to be packing it in already this season. Which begs the question: are the Falcons that good or were the Vikings were just that bad.

The Falcons have a high powered offense that possesses many weapons and ever since Julio Jones returned from injury, Matt Ryan has looked like the playmaker we are used to seeing. Fortunately for the Lions, the Falcons defense is vulnerable, especially in the air where they are 31st in the league in pass yards allowed and last in passing touchdowns allowed.

It is hard to tell if the Lions’ victory last week was a fluke due to an extra week of preparation or if there are actually figuring everything out. The defensive performance was eye-catching after allowing only 44 yards rushing. While, the offense had their best rushing game of the season, mustering 180 yards on the ground. There were some hiccups along the way, but there was plenty to work with heading into this matchup.

The Lions will have their hands full with the Falcons, but this is a game the Lions could win. If they can repeat their performance from last week, and follow the key concepts in this week’s Honolulu Blueprint, they can make their way to .500 on the season and stay in the hunt.

Detroit Lions Week 7: Comprehensive depth chart

A comprehensive look at the Detroit Lions depth chart as they take on the Atlanta Falcons in Week 7 of the 2020 season.

In this comprehensive look at the Detroit Lions roster, we will be examining not only the positional depth chart but also looking at who coaches will turn to in specific situations, including who will step up in case of injury.

Here’s a look at the Lions depth chart as they travel to Atlanta to take on the Falcons in Week 7 of the 2020 season.

Note: Starters will be listed in BOLD and you will see some players listed more than once as they have multiple roles.

Quarterback

  • Matthew Stafford (9)
  • Chase Daniel (4)
  • David Blough (10) — Inactive

Running back

Third Down back

  • D’Andre Swift (32)
  • Jamal Agnew (39) — gadget option

Fullback

  • Jason Cabinda (45)

Wide receiver

  • Kenny Golladay (19)
  • Marvin Jones Jr. (11)
  • Danny Amendola (80)
  • Jamal Agnew (39)
  • Marvin Hall (17)
  • Quintez Cephus (87) — Inactive

Slot receiver

  • Danny Amendola (80)
  • Jamal Agnew (39)

Tight end

Expected starting offensive line

  • LT — Taylor Decker (68)
  • LG — Jonah Jackson (73)
  • C — Frank Ragnow (77)
  • RG — Hal Vaitai (72)
  • RT — Tyrell Crosby (65)

Reserve offensive line

  • LT – Tyrell Crosby (65), Matt Nelson (67)
  • LG – Joe Dahl (66), Oday Aboushi (76)
  • C – Joe Dahl (66), Jonah Jackson (73)
  • RG – Oday Aboushi (76), Joe Dahl (66)
  • RT – Hal Vaitai (72), Matt Nelson (67)
  • Logan Stenberg (61) — Inactive

Interior defensive line

  • Danny Shelton (71), NT
  • Nick Williams (97), DT
  • Da’Shawn Hand (93), Big DE, DT
  • John Penisini (91), NT

EDGE Rushers

  • Trey Flowers (90) — DDE, 3T
  • Romeo Okwara (95) — DDE, 3T, JACK

Off-the-ball linebacker

  • Jamie Collins (58), MIKE, WILL, JACK
  • Reggie Ragland (59), WILL, JACK, MIKE
  • Jahlani Tavai (51), JACK, MIKE, WILL
  • Christian Jones (52), WILL, JACK
  • Jarrad Davis (40), MIKE, WILL
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44), MIKE, WILL
  • Elijah Lee (55), WILL, MIKE

Cornerback

  • Desmond Trufant (23) — Ruled OUT
  • Amani Oruwariye (24)
  • Jeff Okudah (30)
  • Darryl Roberts (29)
  • Mike Ford (38) — activated from IR
  • Tony McRae (34)

Slot cornerback

  • Darryl Roberts (29)
  • Tony McRae (34)

Safety

  • Duron Harmon (26), Single-high, Slot, JOKER
  • Tracy Walker (21), JOKER, Single-high, Slot
  • Jayron Kearse (42), Slot, JOKER
  • Will Harris (25), Slot, JOKER
  • C.J. Moore (49), Single-high, Slot

Third-safety

  • Jayron Kearse (42)
  • Will Harris (25)

Kicking team

  • Matt Prater (5) — placekicker
  • Jack Fox (3) — punter, holder, kickoffs
  • Don Muhlbach (48) — long snapper

Kick returns

  • Jamal Agnew (39) — kick returner and punt returner
  • Danny Amendola (80) — reserve punt returner
  • Marvin Hall (17) — reserve kick returner

Kick coverage

  • Tony McRae (34) — gunner
  • Jamal Agnew (39) or Jayron Kearse (42) — gunner
  • Miles Killebrew (35) — Won’t play due to a personal issue
  • Jalen Reeves-Maybin (44) — five-phase specialist
  • Jason Cabinda (53) — five-phase specialist
  • Will Harris (25) — Personal Protector (PP)

Teams final injury reports

Injured reserve/PUP list

Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing the Lions matchup in Atlanta with Falcons Wire

Thanks to Matt Urben for taking the time and answering our questions

It’s been a long time since the Lions and Falcons last met. That Week 3 matchup back in the 2017 season was a memorable one, but both teams have had coaching and significant personnel changes since.

To get caught up on what’s going on with the 1-5 team in Atlanta, I turned to Falcons Wire editor — and former Lions Wire staffer — Matt Urben for some questions about the new-look birds. Thanks to Urben for the info!

The changes to the coaching staff and management seemed to work. How would you assess Raheem Morris’ interim debut with the Falcons?

Morris has handled the entire situation extremely well, and the players seemed to respond on the field in Week 6. Defensively, there was a renewed sense of energy. The team played with speed on both sides of the ball for all four quarters. Atlanta has actually played well in the first half of most games this season but as Lions fans will understand, there just seems to be a mental hurdle when closing opponents out.

If Morris can figure out how to minimize the Falcons’ late-game woes, this is a talented football team that could go on a run.

What’s going on with Julio Jones?

Julio Jones exploded in Week 1, then suffered a severe hamstring injury that slowed him down. After sitting out in Week 5, Jones came back and absolutely lit up the Vikings in Week 6. Similar to Calvin Johnson during his later years, Jones’ big frame causes him to basically live on the injury report. When he’s out there healthy, though, Julio is still the best receiver in football.

Who are some bright spots that deserve more national attention for their play?

One huge bright spot has been linebacker Foye Oluokun, who’s taken an unlikely path as a sixth-round pick out of Yale to a difference-making part of the Falcons’ defense. Entering the year, many doubted whether Oluokun could replicate the production of De’Vondre Campbell, who signed with the Cardinals in free agency. Through six games, you could argue the third-year LB has been an upgrade from Campbell. Oluokun forced three fumbles in the first half against the Cowboys and recorded an interception last week against Minnesota.

What one matchup with the Lions worries you from an Atlanta perspective?

All three of the Lions’ receivers could be in for a big day. While Falcons first-round pick CB A.J. Terrell has been solid since returning from the reserve/COVID-19 list, the team’s biggest weakness remains in the secondary. Safety Damontae Kazee is out for the year. Veteran Darqueze Dennard and second-year CB Kendall Sheffield have each missed time, leaving Isaiah Oliver to pick up the pieces. It’s been ugly at times, and I think Stafford’s ability to get the ball out quickly will serve Detroit well.

Who wins and why?

This is really a tough game to pick. Both teams are underachieving, yet coming off of their biggest wins of the season. I think the Falcons keep things going in their second game under interim coach Raheem Morris.

Falcons 28, Lions 27

Behind Enemy Lines: Previewing Week 7 with Lions Wire

What you need to know: Detroit Lions at Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6

Everything you need to know for the Detroit Lions at Jacksonville Jaguars matchup in Week 46 of the 2020 season.

The Detroit Lions (1-3) are traveling to Florida to take on the Jacksonville Jaguars (1-4) in Week 6 of the 2020 season.

While the Lions haven’t had any concerning COVID-19 results since training camp — their last instance was the Matthew Stafford false-positive — their opponents have made a lot of headlines recently.

A false-positive result from a New Orleans Saints player threatened Week 4, but the game was played on time. The Atlanta Falcons (Lions Week 7 opponent) had a positive result on Thursday, but have already passed protocols and reopened their facility. The Indianapolis Colts (Lions Week 8 opponent) had four false-positives on Friday and are also already back on schedule.

Then yesterday, a Jaguars’ practice squad player had a positive result, but the team retested players and shut down their facility, leading to the NFL determining that the threat was contained and the game could be played as scheduled.

Here’s everything you need to know for how to watch or listen to this week’s game.

How To Watch

When: Sunday, October 18th at 1:00 p.m. EST

Where: TIAA Bank Field, Jacksonville, Florida

Referee: Shawn Hochuli

Vegas Watch via BetMGM:

TV: FOX

Broadcast crew:

  • Play-by-play: Chris Myers
  • Color commentary: Greg Jennings
  • Sideline reporter: Brock Huard

Broadcast map courtesy of 506 Sports, the Detroit Lions versus the Jacksonville Jaguars viewing audience is highlighted in Orange.

How to listen

Detroit area radio: WJR 760 AM radio

  • Announcers: Dan Miller and Lomas Brown

SIRIUS: 132 (Lions), 113 (Jaguars)

XM: 388 (Lions), 230 (Jaguars)

Lions Wire game prep podcast

Injury Updates

Roster updates

Lions Wire game prep articles

Fantasy Football

Experts favoring the Detroit Lions over the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6

With their matchup against the Jacksonville Jaguars, the Detroit Lions are heavily favored to claim victory this week, with 70-percent of the experts picking them to win.

The Detroit Lions return from their bye week in the battle of big cats facing off against the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 6. The last time these two teams faced off was in 2016 and that resulted in a 26-19 Lions victory.

Even though both teams have been unpredictable in 2020, but according to NFL Pickwatch, 70-percent of the experts agreed the Lions would be able to squeeze out a victory on the road against the Jaguars.

The Lions have been heavily picked against over the last three games and haven’t been favored in a game since their season opener — and this game has a much larger pick differential than in Week 1. With the Lions schedule easing up, hopefully, we will see these more often.

Coming off their loss to the Saints, the Lions desperately needed the bye week to compose themselves and figure what is and isn’t working. With their run defense in shambles and offense inconsistent, they had plenty to look over. With an extra week to prepare for this matchup, one will hope they found a way to get creative on offense and defense, either be disguised blitzes or getting their playmakers open more often.

While the Lions made history blowing four consecutive double-digit leads, the Jaguars also earned a spot in NFL infamy by allowing three winless teams to secure their first victory against them — allowing the  Dolphins, Bengals, and Texans to each get their first win of the season in the last three weeks.

The Jaguars offense has the tools to keep them in games, leaning on undrafted rookie running back James Robinson and Gardner Minshew. Unfortunately, their defense and special teams have faltered and have been their untimely downfall.

The Lions desperately need to claim victory over a Jaguars team who haven’t been playing well, and if they can master the key concepts highlighted in this week’s Honolulu Blueprint, the Lions can push the trajectory arrow up and claim their second victory of the season.