Tag: Detroit Lions

Watch: NFL Films features Lions Legend Billy Sims

NFL Films made a feature documentary on Detroit Lions’ legendary running back Billy Sims and you can watch it in its entirety right here.

NFL Films made a feature documentary on Detroit Lions’ legendary running back Billy Sims and you can watch it in its entirety right here.

The video opens with Detroit-native Keegan-Michael Key discussing how when he was a kid, he fell in love with the Lions because of Sims. He would go on to discuss — with a video clip — of an exciting play from Sims, and that got him hooked on football.

The play Key discussed checked in as the 98th greatest play in NFL history and when Sims was told about this he laughed joyously and replied, “Really?” — it was one of many great plays highlighted in this feature documentary.

The video focuses on Sims’ football career, with commentary from players and coaches who have crossed roads with him at some point in their lives, including Hall-of-Famer Barry Sanders, former Lions quarterback Eric Hipple, and former Dallas Cowboys coach Barry Switzer — who coached Sims at the University of Oklahoma, where he won the Heisman trophy.

When Sims’ career was over — due to injury after just four and a half seasons — he was never far away from the Lions. He recommended to then-coach Wayne Fontes to draft Barry Sanders and was on hand to congratulate Sanders when he broke Sims’ Lions’ All-time rushing record.

The feature concludes by showing Sims’ life off the field and how his outgoing personality has help him launch a second career in the BBQ restaurant business.

You can watch the entire 22-minutes video below:

Vegas Watch: Lions are 6.5-point underdogs vs Cowboys in Week 11

With Matthew Stafford ruled out in Week 11, BetMGM has the Detroit Lions as 6.5-point underdogs to the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday.

According to BetMGM, the Detroit Lions (3-5-1) are significant underdogs to the Dallas Cowboys (5-4) in Week 11. Despite the Lions hosting the Cowboys Ford Field, BetMGM believes the loss of starting quarterback Matthew Stafford will be too much for the home team to overcome.

BetMGM has a lot of various bet lines to wager on in this game, but here’s a look the basic concepts most would be interested in, including the Moneyline, points spread and over/under.

Moneyline

Cowboys -304

Lions +240

Spread

Cowboys -6.5 (-121)

Lions +6.5 (100)

Over/Under

Over 46.5 (-115)

Under 46.5 (-106)

Lions Wire editor’s thoughts/predictions

The Lions Wire editors have once again aligned their predictions, with both picking the Cowboys to leave Ford Field with a win.

On the latest episode of the Detroit Lions Breakdown podcast, Episode 128, Erik Schlitt discussed why he believes this game favors the Cowboys and why they will come away with a 28-20 victory.

Jeff Risdon made his prediction in his Week 11 Football Meteorology article at RealGM, calling for a Cowboys 36-24 win. Here’s Risdon’s reasoning:

Matthew Stafford will miss this game with his fractured vertebrae. He’s not the only injured Lion. It’s easier to list the Detroit defenders who aren’t going to be designated with some injury status than to rattle off the litany who will. Expect a big game from Zeke Elliott against Detroit’s woeful, banged-up run defense. If the Lions shift their limited resources to stop that, Dak Prescott and friends can exploit a pass defense that has allowed a league-worst QB Rating of over 127 in the last month. If you haven’t used Dallas in survivor fantasy football, now is a good time.

[Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services. Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.]

Cowboys-Lions odds: Dallas favored over Stafford-less Detroit

Previewing Sunday’s Dallas Cowboys at Detroit Week 11 matchup, with NFL betting odds, picks and best bets

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The Dallas Cowboys (5-4) will face an NFC North opponent for the second straight week, taking on the Detroit Lions (3-5-1) Saturday for a 1 p.m. ET kickoff at Ford Field.

Cowboys at Lions: Week 11 preview, betting trends and notes

Get some action in the game at BetMGM  by placing a sports bet!

  • After starting the year 3-0 ATS, the Cowboys are just 2-4 since then. They’ve been favored in every game so far this season.
  • The Lions are 0-4 ATS in their last four games after beginning the season 4-1. Detroit has only been favored twice this season.
  • The Lions are 8-4 straight up (SU) in their last 12 games against the Cowboys. The teams have split the last 10 games against the spread, though, going 5-5.
  • In their last eight meetings, the total has gone over in seven games.
  • The over is 6-3 in Cowboys games this season, including 4-1 in the last five.
  • The Lions are 2-5 ATS in their last seven home games and 1-3-1 SU at home this season.

Cowboys at Lions: Key injuries

Lions: QB Matthew Stafford (back) will miss his second straight game, while CB Darius Slay (neck) was limited in practice, but is expected to be fine for Week 11.

Cowboys: WR Amari Cooper (knee, ankle) and DE DeMarcus Lawrence (neck) are expected to play.

Cowboys at Lions: Odds, betting lines and prediction

Odds via BetMGM; access USA TODAY Sports’ betting odds for a full list. Lines last updated Friday at 8:15 p.m. ET.

Prediction

Cowboys 30, Lions 20

Moneyline (?)

The Cowboys typically take care of business against lesser opponents, but their Week 6 loss to the New York Jets was a stunner. They should be able to beat the Lions, who will have Jeff Driskel at QB, despite being on the road.

Take the COWBOYS (-304) to win outright against the Lions. Driskel and the Lions offense will have trouble moving the ball against Dallas’ defense, and Detroit struggles to stop the run.

New to sports betting? Every $3.04 wagered that Dallas wins outright will profit $1 if the Cowboys prevail. A $10 bet would profit $3.29 (10 divided by 3.04).

Against the Spread (?)

Despite being without Stafford, the Lions are only 6.5-point underdogs. That’s not very many points for a team starting its backup quarterback against a stout defense.

Dallas will cover the spread and win this one by at least one touchdown. Bet the COWBOYS -6.5 (-121).

Over/Under (?)

The total has gone over in four of the Cowboys’ last five games and three of the last four for Detroit. The over/under of 46.5 might seem like a lot for a team led by Driskel, but the total will go above that number.

Take the OVER (-115) in this matchup, primarily because the Cowboys offense is rolling right now.

Want action on this game? Sign up and bet at BetMGM. If you’re looking for more sports betting picks and tips, visit SportsbookWire.com.

Follow @camdasilva and @SportsbookWire on Twitter.

Gannett may earn revenue from audience referrals to betting services.  Newsrooms are independent of this relationship and there is no influence on news coverage.

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Watch: Goin’ Nuts with T.J.: Episode 4, with special guest Frank Ragnow

Prepare to laugh as the Detroit Lions media department released the latest installment of “Goin’ Nuts with T.J. Episode 4”.

The Detroit Lions media department released the latest installment of “Goin’ Nuts with T.J. Episode 4” and Lang welcomes in a special guest this week — Frank Ragnow.

This installment diverges from previous episodes that are drenched in humor, instead, taking a more serious approach to some things NFL players do on their off days during the season.

The video opens with Lang and Ragnow meeting up at the Glass Academy, to try their hand at blowing glass. Ragnow explains to Lang that he is a regular, is familiar with the process and will teach him how to do it.

Lang has some fun with some of the terminologies of glass blowing and eventually, wants to try his hand at making a creation. Ragnow — with a little assistance — takes Lang through the process but unfortunately, because it takes 14 hours for the glass to properly cool, we don’t get that final look at a finished product.

It’s always cool to get a behind the scenes look at the players you root for on Sunday and Lang’s series continues to give fans a look at different Lions’ player’s personalities.

You can watch the entire seven-minute episode below:

Cowboys Week 11 injury designations: LG Connor Williams ruled OUT

The Detroit Lions Week 11 opponent, the Dallas Cowboys, have released their injury designations and ruled LG Connor Williams OUT.

The Detroit Lions Week 11 opponent, the Dallas Cowboys have declared their inactives for this weekend’s game at Ford Field.

While the Cowboys are relatively healthy, they will be down 20-percent of their starting offensive line and there’s a chance they could be down as much as 40-percent come game-time.

Ruled OUT

LG Connor Williams (knee)

Williams had arthroscopic knee surgery on Tuesday and is expected to miss time. “In his place,” Cowboys Wire’s Cody Milligan points out, “the Cowboys will start sixth-year pro Xavier Su’a-Filo. Su’a-Filo started eight games for the Cowboys in 2018 after being signed as a free agent.”

This is a downgrade for the Cowboys, and may not be the end of their injury issues on the offensive line.

Questionable

RT La’el Collins (knee, back)
S Jeff Heath (shoulders)

Collins didn’t practice on Wednesday or Thursday and returned to a limited practice on Friday, but most people in the know are expecting him to play. With Williams already out, losing Collins would be a blow to their offensive line.

Heath, a Cowboys captain and Michigan native (he’s from Lake Orion), has been limited all week and is coming off a game that saw him with his lowest snap count of the season. Even if he is able to play this weekend, he may be limited on Sunday.

Not listed with an injury designation

WR Armani Cooper (knee, ankle)
WR Michael Gallup (knee)
LT Tyron Smith (ankle)
RG Zack Martin (back, ankle, elbow)
OT Cameron Fleming (calf)
DE DeMarcus Lawrence (neck)
DE Michael Bennett (non-injury)
DT Antwaun Woods (shoulder)
LB Sean Lee (pectoral)
CB C.J. Goodwin (knee)

There are a lot of other Cowboys banged in this section — including eight starters — but they are all in position to play on Sunday.

Loss of leader Danny Trevathan looms large for Bears

The loss of Danny Trevathan has a significant impact not only because of what he brought from a production standpoint but leadership.

Last week, Chicago Bears linebacker Danny Trevathan suffered a gruesome elbow injury in the first quarter against the Detroit Lions. It’s an injury that’s likely to force him to injured reserve for the remainder of the season — and hopefully not the end of his tenure in Chicago.

But the Bears lost more than just a great defensive player when Trevathan went down. They lost a leader.

“Just his presence, his poise, his leadership,” defensive coordinator Chuck Pagano said, via the Chicago Tribune. “He’s out in front of the huddle. He makes all the calls. He’s got the helmet communication. All that stuff, besides being the player that he is and the calming force that he is. You just don’t replace guys like that.”

The Bears should know. This isn’t the first time this season that Chicago will have to adjust to losing one of their best defensive players — and leaders — to injury.

Defensive tackle Akiem Hicks was lost to an elbow injury in Week 5 against the Oakland Raiders. He’s eligible to return from injured reserve in Week 15, but the effects of his absence — both from a physical and mental standpoint — have been felt drastically.

The Bears are hoping that’s not the case with Trevathan, who was relieved by veteran Nick Kwiatkoski, who filled in solidly.

“But again, it’s next man up,” Pagano said, “and 44 (Kwiatkoski) came in and did a great job again and capitalized on the opportunity.”

While Kwiatkoski stepped up with the best game of his career, it’s not enough to compensate for the loss of a leader like Trevathan on a defense that needs it.

Nearly all experts have Vikings beating Broncos

The 7-3 Vikings host the 3-6 Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 10.

The 7-3 Vikings host the 3-6 Broncos at U.S. Bank Stadium in Week 10.

The Vikings are double-digit favorites in the game, and per NFLPickWatch.com, 99 percent of experts have the Vikings beating the Broncos.

While the Vikings should win this game, it’s worth noting that the team will be without Adam Thielen, Linval Joseph, Anthony Harris and Josh Kline.

The Vikings are 7-7 all-time against the Broncos, and have lost the last three games, most recently in 2015.

To round out the NFC North, the Packers are on bye, 97 percent have the Lions losing to the Cowboys at home, and 86 percent have the Bears losing on the road against the Rams.

Lions Week 11 injury designations: Matthew Stafford, Da’Shawn Hand, Rick Wagner ruled OUT

The Detroit Lions have declared their injury designations for Week 11, ruling out Matthew Stafford, Da’Shawn Hand, and Rick Wagner.

The Detroit Lions (3-5-1) have declared their inactives list ahead of a Week 11 matchup with the Dallas Cowboys (5-4) at Ford Field. Coach Matt Patricia indicated Matthew Stafford would not play this weekend and that has now been confirmed.

Stafford wasn’t the only Lions’ player ruled out for this game and several more players were listed as questionable to play. So let’s take a closer look at each player’s situation and set their expectations for Sunday.

Ruled OUT

QB Matthew Stafford (back, hip)
RT Rick Wagner (concussion)
DL Da’Shawn Hand (ankle)

Stafford being ruled out isn’t overly surprising as he has been unable to practice this week, but Patricia indicated that he is progressing through the medical plan and working hard to get healthy. Jeff Driskel will start under center this week — and maybe the foreseeable future.

Wagner has also been unable to practice all week, unable to pass through the league’s concussion protocol. Tyrell Crosby will start at right tackle while Wagner deals with his concussion.

Hand has is now on week two of not practicing and he will miss his second game in a row since returning from his training camp elbow injury.

Questionable

RB Ty Johnson (concussion)
DT Damon Harrison (groin)
DE Romeo Okwara (groin)
S Tracy Walker (knee)
P Sam Martin (abdomen)

Johnson was a full participant on Friday meaning he only needs to pass an independent medical exam to fulfill the league’s requirements for returning to the field after a concussion. He has a real chance to play on Sunday.

Harrison is listed as questionable, per usual, but this has not limited him in previous weeks — expectations are that he starts against the Cowboys.

Okwara has now put together back-to-back limited practices suggesting he will be a game-time decision on Sunday.

Walker returned to the practice field for the first time in three weeks, which is a very positive sign, but it doesn’t necessarily mean he will play this weekend. He could also be a game-time decision.

Martin was limited all week, but with no other punter on the roster, it’s very likely he plays — like last week.

Not listed with an injury designation

WR Danny Amendola (hand)
LB/S Miles Killebrew (concussion)
NT John Atkins (wrist)
DT Mike Daniels (foot)
DT A’Shawn Robinson (ankle, thumb)
CB Darius Slay (neck)
S Will Harris (quad)

By not being listed on the injury report, it appears Killebrew has passed the NFL’s concussion protocol. He’s good to play on Sunday.

Slay, Harris, and Atkins were a bit banged up this week but all appear to have mended minor injuries. While Amendola, Robinson, and Daniels have been dealing with injuries for a few weeks now, but being listed with no designation is a great sign for their longterm status.

All players listed in this section had a full practice on Friday.

Seattle’s secondary is set with Quandre Diggs and Bradley McDougald

The Seattle Seahawks are set to go the rest of the way with Bradley McDougald and Quandre Diggs as the starting safety tandem.

The Seattle Seahawks were fortunate to add two big time players to the active roster ahead of their Monday night matchup with the San Francisco 49ers – receiver Josh Gordon, who had two crucial late-game catches – and safety Quandre Diggs.

Diggs took over as Seattle’s starting free safety and was all over the field, recording a pair of tackles and a big time interception, which he returned 44 yards to set up an eventual touchdown.

Coach Pete Carroll was thrilled with Diggs’ debut, and he had high praise for the pairing of Diggs and fellow veteran Bradley McDougald, who started alongside him at strong safety.

“I thought that was the best game that our safeties have played,” Carroll said on Tuesday. “I’m hoping that we can continue to grow and get better and feed off it.”

That’s not great news for rookie Marquise Blair and third-year Lano Hill, who are both now on the outside looking in for a regular role on this Seattle defense.

Blair will work in when the Seahawks run dime packages, according to Carroll, but he did not see a single defensive snap on Monday night.

While Blair looked solid in his first few games in the secondary, it’s not surprising to see coach Carroll turn to his veteran guys to finish out the year. After the debacle that was Tedric Thompson, and the inconsistency from Hill, it’s nice to have two guys who have a track record of success manning the defensive backfield.

Diggs has the ranginess and hard-hitting required to excel as a cover-3 free safety in Carroll’s scheme, and his experience limits him from making mistakes – something they couldn’t afford to deal with from Blair.

Carroll cautioned that it’s still early to evaluate exactly how Diggs will mesh after just one game, but they are working on finding his perfect fit on this defense.

“It’s an early assessment because Q’s just played one game,” Carroll continued. “He can do a lot of things, so we’ll be anxious to figure out how he can complement what we’re doing and utilize him now that he’s crossed the threshold of playing time for us.”

The Seahawks will watch Sunday’s slate of games from their own homes before getting ready for their Week 12 matchup against the Eagles in Philadelphia, scheduled for Nov. 24.

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