Thursday, December 5, 2024

Pre-Game Lions Links for Thursday 12-5-24

Articles:

INACTIVES: Lions vs. Packers:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/inactives-lions-vs-packers-decker-reader-paschal

5 things to watch: Lions vs. Packers:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/5-things-to-watch-lions-vs-packers-stbrown-montgomery-gibbs

Is Matt Patricia giving credit to Campbell for Lions rebuild, or patting self on back? You decide:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/12/05/matt-patricia-detroit-lions-rebuild-dan-campbell-bill-belichick/76805256007/




Jared Goff is the Lions nominee for Walter Payton Man of the Year Award:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/05/jared-goff-lions-nominee-for-walter-payton-man-of-the-year-award/

Lions Sign Alexander, Elevate Adams, Agude for Packers Game:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-elevate-jamal-adams-week-fourteen


Packers-Lions Key Matchup: Lukas Van Ness vs. Dan Skipper:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/key-matchup-van-ness-skipper

Lions Fans Did Not Enjoy Matt Patricia Appearing on GMFB Thursday:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/lions-fans-react-matt-patricia-gmfb-appearance









What Dan Campbell said when he found out there’s a ‘Dan Campbell lookalike contest’:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2024/12/05/what-dan-campbell-said-when-he-found-out-theres-a-dan-campbell-lookalike-contest/

‘Take me back home’: New Detroit Lions star’s reaction to first snow is hilarious:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2024/12/05/take-me-back-home-new-detroit-lions-stars-reaction-to-first-snow-is-hilarious/


'This dude is a monster for real': Four stories that explain Lions WR Amon-Ra St. Brown:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42759429/detroit-lions-amon-ra-st-brown-driving-force

How the Lions went from perennial underdog to sportsbooks' worst enemy:  https://www.espn.com/espn/betting/story/_/id/42622985/detroit-lions-changed-nfl-sports-betting-picks-odds-2024

NFL Week 14 Preview: Schedule, storylines and matchups to watch (Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions (-3.5):  Storyline of the game: Battle atop the NFC North - Week 14 opens with a hotly contested rematch between NFC North playoff contenders in the Packers and Lions. A month has passed since these teams last met back in Week 9 — a matchup the Lions won handedly, 24-14, on the way to their current 10-game winning streak.  Sloppy weather and a strong Lions defense ruled the day in that matchup in Green Bay, with the Packers being held out of the end zone until the final four minutes of the game. Now, the venue shifts to Detroit, where the Lions have generated a league-leading 35.2 points per game at home while producing 6.6 yards per play.   However, that loss was the Packers’ only blemish since Week 5, capturing a 7-1 record since October. Jordan Love and Co. are coming off a pair of decisive wins at home in their last two outings and will be looking to carry that on the road.  Matchups to watch: Packers FS Xavier McKinney vs. Lions FS Kerby Joseph.  The NFL’s top two highest-graded safeties – Kerby Joseph (90.9) and Xavier McKinney (89.6) — are set to square-off in this one, with eyes on laying claim to the crown. Fireworks are queued up when these ballhawking safeties take the field, combining for 14 interceptions on the season — more than 29 teams have in total. The last time these two teams faced off, Joseph converted a pick-six, giving him a leg up on the conversation. But, McKinney boasts one more turnover for his team, having also secured a fumble recovery.  Additional news:   Detroit has signed S Jamal Adams to the practice squad
After RB Jahmyr Gibbs accidentally leaked protection calls via a social media post, OC Ben Johnson will be left to adjust on a short week.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-14-preview-schedule-storylines-and-matchups-to-watch

PFF Grades and Data: Everything you need to know for every NFL Week 14 game (Green Bay Packers @ Detroit Lions: Since Green Bay's Week 10 bye, Jordan Love has taken significant strides in his play, particularly under pressure. Over the past three weeks (Weeks 11-13), Love has recorded a stellar 128.8 passer rating when pressured, the second-highest mark among qualifying quarterbacks, while also leading the league with 11.2 yards per attempt in such situations. This marks a dramatic turnaround from his pre-bye struggles, where he posted a 51.4 passer rating under pressure, ranking 29th out of 32 quarterbacks.  Despite the absence of Aidan Hutchinson and other key defenders, the Lions’ defense under Aaron Glenn has managed to sustain a high-pressure approach. In Weeks 1-6 with Hutchinson in the lineup, Detroit generated the eighth-highest pressure rate in the NFL at 37%. Since Week 7, that number has barely dipped, as the Lions have maintained a 36% pressure rate, ranking ninth overall.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-pff-grades-and-data-everything-you-need-to-know-for-every-nfl-week-14-game

Eagles RB Saquon Barkley, Bengals QB Joe Burrow highlight November Players of the Month (NFC Special Teams Player of the Month - Jake Bates:  The Lions are the top team in the NFC, and the play of their kicker has been a pivotal reason as to why. Bates piled up 41 points in November, going a perfect 17 of 17 on point-after tries while converting eight field goals in nine attempts. Four of those field goals were dialed up from 50 yards or farther.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/players-of-the-month-november-2024-saquon-barkley-joe-burrow

The Lions are the best team in the NFL: Three principles behind their success:  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/lions-best-team-nfl-three-principles-behind-success

Amon-Ra St. Brown Sends Warning to Packers' Xavier McKinney in Response to Dismissive Comments:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions/amon-ra-st-brown-sends-warning-to-packers-xavier-mckinney-in-response-to-dismissive-comments


Will Jared Goff Win the NFL MVP Award? Latest Look at His Odds, Chances, and More:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/will-jared-goff-win-nfl-mvp-award-odds-chances/

NFC North Playoff Scenarios and Standings: Lions Lead Tight Three-Team Race Over Vikings and Packers:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfc-north-playoff-scenarios-week-14-2024/

Lions’ Playoff Scenarios: What Detroit Needs To Clinch the Playoffs in Week 14:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/lions-playoff-scenarios-chances-week-14-2024/

NFL Strength of Schedule Rankings 2024: Are the Patriots Favored To Earn the Top Overall Pick? (3. Detroit Lions (Last Week: 4):  The Lions have been the greatest show on turf in the month prior to a disaster performance against the Texans in Week 10 — a performance that looked like a floor outcome (five Jared Goff interceptions), but still yielded a victory.  The final five weeks of the regular season will include three divisional matchups. While those games will be a challenge, the two non-divisional games will be as difficult as any (Bills and 49ers).  If Detroit is going to be the NFC’s No. 1 seed, it will have to be earned. If it happens, the Lions will likely enter January as one of the two favorites to win its fifth championship. Even with a tough remaining schedule, the 11-1 Lions are one win away from posting consecutive double-digit wins for the first time in franchise history and make a run at the NFC crown): https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-strength-of-schedule/

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions Prediction, Picks Week 14: Will the NFC North Cannibalize?:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/packers-lions-prediction-picks-week-14-2024/


Packers Media:


Remember This Insane Finish Last Time Packers Played Consecutive Thursdays?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/packers/remember-this-insane-finish-last-time-packers-played-consecutive-thursdays-01jec815qcr4




QB Rankings:

NFL QB Index, Week 14: Josh Allen rises to No. 1 after Bills wallop 49ers (4. Jared Goff
Jared Goff Detroit Lions Year 9 - 2024 stats: 12 games | 71.8 pct | 2,982 pass yds | 8.8 ypa | 22 pass TD | 9 INT | 40 rush yds | 0 rush TD | 5 fumbles.  Chicago gave the Lions quite a challenge on Thanksgiving, forcing them to settle for field goals to end productive and creative drives that would usually result in touchdowns. Goff was still good in his strong areas, working out of play-action effectively, converting a pair of red-zone opportunities in different fashion. On the first, we saw a great example of Goff dropping to pass, trusting his offensive line and scanning before using his strong arm to hit Sam LaPorta in the back of the end zone. On the second, excellent play design made for a layup of a touchdown. The rest of Goff's production came between the 20s, though, and while the Lions still broke 400 yards of offense and only punted twice, the scoring total fell short of the sky-high expectations we have for them. That was fine on Thanksgiving, but a 21-of-34 game might not cut it against the Packers and Bills.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-qb-index-week-14-2024-nfl-season

2024 NFL QB Rankings: Insights Behind Jordan Love’s Improvements and Jared Goff’s Slight Stumble (7. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - Grade: B+. Jared Goff slid a few spots in these rankings over the last two weeks with two league-average performances. He still ranks as the third-best quarterback over the past four weeks, but it very much revolves around that incredible Week 11 performance. The other three weeks have been either a C or C+.  Goff may have the two best individual game performances of the season, but his general play has lacked the consistency of Jackson or even a player like Tua. This is why he is bouncing around the top 10 while they’ve remained fairly stable in the top three.  Goff ranks inside the top five in nYPA, EPA per dropback, yards after the catch per completion (YAC/Cp), and when playing from a clean pocket. This is still currently on pace to be his best season in Detroit, but with some tough games coming up, he’ll need to be back to his very best if the Lions want to hold onto the No. 1 seed in the NFC.:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-qb-rankings-2024/

Predictions:


Video:

'TNF' on Prime Video's Ryan Fitzpatrick joins 'GMFB' to preview Packers-Lions matchup tonight:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/tnf-on-prime-video-s-ryan-fitzpatrick-joins-gmfb-to-preview-packers-lions-matchup-tonight

'GMFB' chops it up with former NFL HC Matt Patricia about Lions' best start in franchise history:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/gmfb-chops-it-up-with-former-nfl-hc-matt-patricia-about-lions-best-start-in-franchise-history

Throwdown Thursday: Packers-Lions on 'TNF' edition | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/throwdown-thursday-packers-lions-on-tnf-edition-gmfb

WATCH - Dan Miller sits down with Lions wide receiver Tim Patrick: https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1557386

'The fans are so excited about everything.' Lions bringing in millions to city:  https://www.wxyz.com/news/the-fans-are-so-excited-about-everything-detroit-lions-bringing-in-millions-to-citys-economy

Posted by LionsFan at 7:55 PM 0 comments

Week 14 Predictions

PFN Rolfe (Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (-3.5) - It’s nice to have a Thursday Night Football game where we don’t have to worry too much about concerns surrounding short rest, with both teams having played on Thanksgiving. Both teams also rank inside the top five of our PR+, but the Detroit Lions remain a class above the rest of the pack not named the Philadelphia Eagles.  The Lions have the edge both offensively and defensively in this matchup. Their inability to kill off the Chicago Bears last Sunday is a concern. However, a couple of low-repeatability plays (fumble and missed field goal) meant the Bears were still in the game with a chance to win in the final minutes of the fourth quarter. Those mistakes don’t undo what has been a fairly comprehensive set of performances in recent weeks.  We are only a month removed from the Lions beating the Green Bay Packers by 10 points on the road, albeit with a hobbled Jordan Love. This line seems low, given the Lions’ dominance these past few weeks, but this should be Detroit’s sternest test since Week 7 in Minnesota.  Lions -3.5 is the play, and while I lean under with the total, both offenses are good enough to make this a shootout.  Prediction: Lions 24, Packers 17):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/early-nfl-picks-predictions-week-14-2024/

AZ Central (Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions, 6:15 p.m., Prime Video (stream on Amazon) - Can the Packers upset the Lions in Detroit? Sure they can. Will they? We don't think so, after the Lions got a bit of a wake-up call against the Bears on Thanksgiving.  Prediction: Lions 28, Packers 24):  https://www.azcentral.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/12/02/nfl-week-14-picks-predictions-packers-lions-chargers-chiefs-scores/76433485007/

CBS Breech (Green Bay (9-3) at Detroit (11-1) - If the Packers want to properly get ready for this game, they don't even have to practice this week, all they have to do is follow Jahmyr Gibbs on TikTok. It was only a matter of time before an NFL player shared something he wasn't supposed to share on TikTok and that happened this week with Gibbs, who shared a photo of himself in the Lions' running back room, which normally wouldn't be a problem, except there was a lot of information in that photo that the Lions would probably prefer not to have out there.   Dan Campbell was asked about the photo this week and he acted like he wasn't upset.   "We might as well just put everything out there. I don't really give a crap," Campbell said, via Pride of Detroit. "If we're going to lose because of code words, then we're not good enough anyway."  The problem with this explanation is that it's EXACTLY what you would say if you were mad because you wouldn't want people to know that you're mad. Nearly 80% of all NFL games this year have been decided by just one score, so even if the Packers get a .000000001% edge from Gibbs' photo, that still helps. Anything helps.  Of course, the Packers are going to need every edge they can get because they seem to struggle against good teams. The Packers are 8-0 this year against teams that currently have a record of .500 or worse, but they're just 1-3 against teams that are currently over .500 and the Lions are definitely over .500.   Although the Packers have struggled against good teams, Jordan Love has entered the phase of the season where he becomes completely unstoppable. Last year, Love got hot in November and carried the Packers to the playoffs. This year, Love has once again gotten hot in November and he's playing well enough to engineer an upset on Thursday night. I did think about taking the Packers here, but this feels like a game where Jahmyr Gibbs goes off and then posts a video of him going off on TikTok. The pick: Lions 27-24 over Packers):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-14-picks-lions-win-thursday-thriller-over-packers-chiefs-clinch-afc-west-with-win-over-chargers/

SN Iyer (Packers at Lions (-3.5, 51.5 o/u):  The Packers should come in confident with the Josh Jacobs-led running game and Jordan Love playing better complementary offense for the active, playmaking defense. Both Green Bay and Detroit should play rather clean games with the run setting up the pass. The Lions have the slight edge as the home, domed team in another tight Thursday division affair.  Pick: Lions win 27-24 but fail to cover the spread.):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-against-spread-week-14-lions-chiefs/2598ae1711a4d555467e62dc

SN Bender (Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (-3.5) - The Packers have not lost since the last meeting against the Lions, and Green Bay won at Ford Field last season. Does that matter here? Watch the rushing yards. Detroit is 6-0 when it rushes for 150 yards or more. Green Bay held the Lions to 124 yards in the first meeting but had too many drops and penalties at Lambeau Field in Week 9. They can't make as many mistakes on the road.   Pick: Lions 31, Packers 21):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-picks-predictions-week-14-seahawks-bengals-cowboys/c2387ace210e8b6eb8167698

Walter footbal (Week 14 NFL Pick: Lions 28, Packers 27):  https://walterfootball.com/nflpicks2024_14early.php

Fox sports Lions vs. Packers 2024 Prediction, Odds, Picks - Dec 5 (Prediction: Lions 28 - Packers 19):  https://www.foxsports.com/articles/nfl/lions-vs-packers-2024-prediction-odds-picks-dec-5

CBS Prisco (Green Bay Packers (+3.5) at Detroit Lions - Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video).  This is an enormous game for the NFC playoffs and the division. The Lions have a lot of important players out on defense, which could help the Packers. But the Lions have a dominant offense that will score here as they run it against the Packers front. I think Jordan Love will keep the Packers in it. It's close. Pick: Lions 35, Packers 33):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/priscos-week-14-nfl-picks-lions-survive-packers-chiefs-handle-chargers-and-cowboys-officially-bury-bengals/

CBS Sullivan (Packers at Lions - Thursday, 8:15 p.m. ET (Prime Video).  Another week, another chance to lay the points with the Detroit Lions. Yes, this is admittedly giving me a little more pause because Detroit is a little banged up, but with an opportunity to clinch a playoff berth with a win, I expect a ruckus environment at Ford Field on Thursday that helps get this team up even more for this divisional matchup. Jared Goff has been sensational at home this season, particularly over the last four games at Ford Field. In that stretch, he's 4-0, has a passer rating of 148.7 and has thrown 11 touchdowns with zero interceptions. The Lions are also averaging 42.3 points per game. Goff is also 6-2 against the Packers in his career, so it's a favorable matchup on top of the home-field advantage. Green Bay has also struggled to play within the number in divisional games this season and has yet to record a cover against an NFC North opponent (0-3 ATS).  Projected score: Lions 30, Packers 23):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-14-odds-picks-bears-cover-vs-49ers-after-coaching-change-dolphins-keep-slim-playoff-hopes-alive/

Pro Picks: Falcons will upset the Vikings in Kirk Cousins’ return to Minnesota (Green Bay (9-3) at Detroit (11-1) - Line: Lions minus 3 1/2.  Both teams are coming off wins on Thanksgiving. The Packers lost at home to the Lions a month ago and need this victory to have a chance at winning the NFC North. Detroit survived a close call last week thanks to Chicago’s clock mismanagement. The Lions can’t slip up with streaking Philadelphia right behind them for the No. 1 seed in the NFC. They are 5-1 against the spread in their past six games vs. Green Bay. The Packers are 1-6 ATS in their past seven games in Detroit. The road team has won the past four games in this series.  LIONS: 29-24):  https://apnews.com/article/nfl-pro-picks-week-14-9d4249741b5cd0ea471c8558d25d02a9

USA Today Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions: Predictions, picks and odds for NFL Week 14 game (All 4 pick the Lions to win by scores of 28-20, 30-25, 31-20, 30-29):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2024/12/04/green-bay-packers-detroit-lions-picks-predictions-odds-week-14/76711590007/

SI Betting Packers vs. Lions Final Score Prediction for Thursday Night Football in NFL Week 14 (Final Score Prediction: Lions 27, Packers 20):  https://www.si.com/betting/packers-vs-lions-final-score-prediction-thursday-night-football-nfl-week-14

Sports Book Wire Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions odds, picks and predictions (Prediction - Lions 27, Packers 23):  https://sportsbookwire.usatoday.com/2024/12/04/green-bay-packers-at-detroit-lions-odds-picks-and-predictions-3/

Banged-up Lions face division rival Packers; injury updates and prediction (PREDICTION: Lions 27, Packers 24):  https://lionslowdown.com/2024/12/05/banged-up-lions-face-division-rival-packers-injury-updates-and-prediction/

Picking the Pack: Packers-Lions (Winner: Lions 27 Packers 24):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/packer-central/picking-the-pack-packers-lions


Week 14 TNF: Packers-Lions Preview, Props & Prediction (Pick: Lions 27, Packers 26):  https://www.reuters.com/sports/week-14-tnf-packers-lions-preview-props-prediction-2024-12-05/

Star Tribune NFC North Week 14 picks: Will the Lions or the Packers prevail in divisional showdown on Thursday night? (Packers (+3½) at Lions - Thursday, 7:15 p.m.  The Packers have won seven of their last eight, but the loss was at home to Detroit on a day when Green Bay outgained the Lions 411-261 in yards but fell behind 24-3 en route to a 24-14 loss. There’s no reason to believe Dan Campbell’s Lions — sporting the franchise’s first-ever 11-1 record — will be taking their eyes off the ball at home. Not with the 10-2 Vikings on their rear bumper. Lions 31, Packers 23):  https://www.startribune.com/nfc-north-notes-predictions-nfl-week-14-lions-packers-thursday-night-vikings-bears/601191029

Detroit News (3 pick the Lions to win by scores of 30-27, 31-30, 32-29.  1 picks the Packers to win 31-27):  https://www.detroitnews.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/12/04/predictions-detroit-lions-vs-green-bay-packers/76755669007/

SI All Lions (3 pick the Lions to win by scores of 33-30, 27-21, 33-27.  1 picks the Packers to win 31-28):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/predictions-packers-lions-week-fourteen

Freep (3 pick the Lions to win by scores of 30-27, 31-27, 29-26.  1 picks the Packers to win 27-24):  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/12/05/detroit-lions-predictions-vs-green-bay-packers-playoffs-coming/76778402007/

USA Today (3 pick the Lions to win by scores of 38-31, 28-27, 28-23.  1 picks the Packers to win 30-27):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl-picks/2024/12/05/nfl-week-14-picks-spread-predictions-locks-packers-lions/76776181007/

NFL.com VIDEO Packers vs. Lions preview | Week 14 (5 pick the Lions to win by scores of 31-23, 27-24, 27-24, 29-28, 28-25.  5 pick the Packers to win by scores of 30-28, 28-24, 27-26, 27-25, 26-24):  https://www.nfl.com/videos/packers-vs-lions-preview-week-14-x4367

PFT’s Week 14 2024 NFL picks, Florio vs. Simms (Packers at Lions (-3.5) - The Lions have too many defensive injuries. But not enough (as I see it) to fall to a division rival at home.  Florio: Lions, 31-28.  Simms: Packers, 30-27.):  https://www.nbcsports.com/nfl/profootballtalk/rumor-mill/news/pfts-week-14-2024-nfl-picks-florio-vs-simms

Athlon sports All Lions Lions vs. Packers: Predictions, keys to watch in 'TNF' NFC North showdown (Prediction - Josh: 28-27 Packers: The Lions have won 10 in a row while the Packers are seeking their fourth consecutive victory. However, Green Bay has played better than Detroit the past couple of weeks. All good things must come to an end, and on a short week against a division foe, I think the Packers eke one out on Thursday.  Tommy: 31-28 Lions:  It'll be another dog fight of an NFC North showdown, but the Lions are able to sneak away with another victory on Thursday night. Despite injuries piling up and recent consistencies on offense, Detroit is able to hold on and get another game-winning kick from former brick salesman Jake Bates.:  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/all-lions/detroit-lions-vs-green-bay-packers-predictions-keys-to-watch-in-tnf-nfc-north-showdown

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel (2 pick the Lions to win by scores of 35-31, 24-21.  2 pick the Packers to win by scores of 37-31, 27-24):  https://www.jsonline.com/story/sports/nfl/packers/2024/12/05/green-bay-packers-vs-detroit-lions-predictions-nfl-week-14-thursday/76735589007/

Week 14 NFL picks: Packers or Lions on Thursday night? Chiefs unanimously chosen to beat Chargers (Packers 27-24, Packers 29-27, Packers 28-23, Lions 28-23, Lions 27-25):  https://www.nfl.com/news/week-14-nfl-picks-2024-nfl-season

Packers Wire staff predictions: Week 14 vs. Lions (2 pick the Packers to win by scores of 27-24, 28-23.  1 picks the Lions to win 23-20):  https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/05/packers-wire-staff-predictions-week-14-vs-lions/

MLive Benjamin Raven (Raven’s pick: Packers  - “I think this is where the Lions finally suffer another loss. I’m not out on this team by any means, but it’s been a brutal stretch and the mounting injuries are no joke. The mini bye week will let them get everything figured out and some pieces back. But winning four straight in 18 days is a tough ask.” Packers 24, Lions 20):  https://www.mlive.com/betting/2024/12/lions-packers-predictions-can-green-bay-snap-detroits-winning-streak.html

Lions Wire Lions vs Packers: Last-minute thoughts and final score prediction for Week 14 (Packers 29, Lions 21):   https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/05/lions-vs-packers-game-preview-last-minute-thoughts-final-score-prediction/

CBS Dajani (Green Bay Packers at Detroit Lions (-3.5): This is the game of the week. The 11-1 Lions and 9-3 Packers have a combined win percentage of .833. It's the best combined record entering a Thursday game since 2011 (minimum 10 games played each). Al Michaels rejoices.  We all know the Lions are one of the best teams in the NFL, and they received some extra rest after playing on Thanksgiving. However, that extra rest didn't help, as offensive tackle Taylor Decker, defensive lineman D.J. Reader and cornerback Carlton Davis are among the players already ruled out. The Packers also got a mini bye after defeating the Miami Dolphins last Thursday night in convincing fashion, and I think they could be ready to take off. Green Bay has won seven out of its last eight games after a 2-2 start, and is 4-0 SU and ATS in its last four Thursday road games. Remember, Jordan Love upset the Lions in Detroit last Thanksgiving. I think he can do it again.  The pick: Packers +3.5.  Projected score: Packers 28-27):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-14-picks-odds-spread-best-bets-packers-upset-lions-in-tnf-showdown-bengals-outscore-cowboys/


Non-Score Predictions:


ESPN (6 pick the Lions to win.  3 pick the Packers to win):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/picks

SI (4 pick the Lions to win. 2 pick the Packers to win):  https://www.si.com/nfl/2024-nfl-week-14-staff-expert-picks

CBS (3 pick the Lions to win.  2 pick the Packers to win):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/picks/experts/straight-up/14/



72 Pick the Lions to win.  36 Pick the Packers to win.  The Average Predicted Score is (1873-1745/67):  Lions 28 Packers 26
Posted by LionsFan at 5:02 PM 0 comments

Lions Links for Wednesday 12-4-24

Articles:



Here's how the Lions can clinch a playoff spot this week:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/12/04/how-detroit/76761356007/


Lions waive rookie DB ahead of Week 14 matchup with the Packers:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/04/lions-waive-rookie-db-loren-strickland-roster-moves/

Lions vs. Packers: What's changed for the teams since the last meeting?:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/04/lions-vs-packers-week-14-preview-what-changed-from-last-meeting/

NFC North Roundtable: Lions' Key to Victory against Packers:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/lions-key-to-victory-packers-week-fourteen

Film Review: How Al-Quadin Muhammad Is Part of Defensive Solution:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/al-quadin-muhammad-film-review

5Q: Do Packers Have Enough to Limit 'Stud' St. Brown?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/do-packers-have-enough-to-limit-st-brown

Dan Campbell Warned Officials How Defense Handling QB Scrambles:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dan-campbell-warned-officials-about-scrambles

Belichick: Lions Haven't Rushed Passer 'Effectively,' Need Upgrade:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/belichick-has-concerns-lions-defense





What playoff seeds Detroit Lions would get if they finish any possible combination of 4-1 or 3-2:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2024/12/04/what-playoff-seeds-detroit-lions-would-get-if-they-finish-any-possible-combination-of-4-1-or-3-2/

Injury-ravaged Detroit Lions aim to extend winning streak vs. division foe on Thursday Night Football:  https://www.clickondetroit.com/sports/2024/12/04/injury-ravaged-detroit-lions-aim-to-extend-winning-streak-vs-division-foe-on-thursday-night-football/

Dan Campbell alerted refs to Lions' plans to punish Caleb Williams – cleanly:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/dan-campbell-told-lions-defense-to-get-after-caleb-williams

NFC North: How Lions, Vikings or Packers could win the division -- and Bears could play spoiler:  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42757728/nfl-vikings-lions-packers-bears-nfc-north-best-division

32 NFL observations after Week 13: Kenneth Walker III and James Conner have proven to be tough to tackle (Detroit Lions - No edge rusher picked up more pressure this week than Za’Darius Smith with nine.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-32-nfl-observations-after-week-13-kenneth-walker-iii-and-james-conner-have-proven-to-be-tough-to-tackle

NFL FACT OR FICTION, NFC edition: Saquon Barkley Eagles' biggest add? Falcons spiraling? (5. The injury-plagued Lions will stumble down the stretch, ceding the NFC North.  Detroit has seen a string of brutal injuries, particularly on defense. Aidan Hutchinson was the headliner, but losing the likes of John Cominsky, Marcus Davenport, Kyle Peko, Derrick Barnes and now Malcolm Rodriguez saps the Lions front. Alex Anzalone, the brain of Aaron Glenn's defense, is also out for an extended period. That doesn't even count all the other injuries -- Carlton Davis, Josh Paschal, Levi Onwuzurike, etc. -- that have taken down key contributors.  None of it has mattered. Dan Campbell's club continues to chug along like the Honolulu Blue Engine That Could. Coaching has helped overcome the injury bug, with Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson proving why they'll both be coveted this offseason. So, yes, this is fiction.  Unlike the 49ers, the Lions have avoided injuries that might completely gut their strength. Campbell's club is led by a gritty offense that can pulverize opponents on the ground and dice them up with play-action. Those facets -- even with Taylor Decker's injury -- remain intact.  The NFC North remains a historically tough division. Green Bay has overcome playing without its QB for multiple games. Minnesota refuses to stumble. If the Lions so much as hiccup, they could lose their advantage -- not to mention the No. 1 seed.  Campbell doesn't strike me as the hiccupping kind of guy.  All the metrics suggest that this is still the Lions' division despite having just a one-game lead. Through 12 games, Detroit ranks No. 7 since 1979 in FTN's DVOA metrics. Their 43.2% total DVOA is 21.9 points higher than Green Bay's and 22.9 points higher than Minnesota's. Next Gen Stats gives the Lions a 79% chance to win the division heading into Thursday's matchup with Green Bay.  Reminder: If not for Campbell's self-admitted coaching error in Week 2, this would be an undefeated Lions team.  As long as Jared Goff is under center, Penei Sewell is plowing the road, Sonic and Knuckles are collecting coins and Amon-Ra St. Brown is standing on his head, the Lions will be fine.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-fact-or-fiction-nfc-edition-week-14-2024-nfl-season

2024 NFL Season, Week 14: Four things to watch for in Packers-Lions on Prime Video, NFL+:  https://www.nfl.com/news/2024-nfl-season-week-14-four-things-to-watch-for-packers-lions-prime-video


NFL seeding battles in stretch run for playoffs (NFC No. 1 seed - Lions: 68% , Eagles: 24% , Vikings: 6%, Everyone else: 2%.  Detroit has a one-game lead on both Philadelphia and Minnesota. It also has the toughest remaining schedule of any playoff contender, and third-toughest of any team in the league. The Lions have games remaining against the Bills, Vikings, Packers, Bears and 49ers. Those Vikings and Packers games obviously have a significant effect on the race for the NFC North race as well. Green Bay is two games back, though, and thus needs a second Lions loss in addition to winning their one-on-one battle, but can't have that loss be against Minnesota unless the Vikings also lose another game to set up a tiebreaker situation. That's why the Vikings have a 6% chance at this seed and the Packers are in the "everyone else" group. The Eagles are pretty safe in the NFC East race -- even if they lose to Washington in Week 16.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-seeding-battles-in-stretch-run-for-playoffs-bills-favored-to-win-afc-top-seed-lions-own-best-nfc-odds/


Dan Campbell perfectly handles Jahmyr Gibbs playbook controversy:  https://www.thebiglead.com/dan-campbell-perfectly-handles-jahmyr-gibbs-playbook-controversy

NFC-leading Lions host Packers, aiming for franchise-record, 11-game winning streak, playoff spot (1. Detroit Lions:  All stats referenced in this article are from TruMedia unless stated otherwise.  Grade: A-.  The favorites to represent the NFC in the Super Bowl have appeared unstoppable for the majority of the season, and it’s only getting better with time (just ask the Jacksonville Jaguars).  Behind David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions have the third-best rushing offense by EPA, something that was expected to some degree entering 2024. Jared Goff’s excellence, sans the Week 10 outlier against the Houston Texans (five interceptions), has been the surprising component of this group and has them pacing the league in points scored per drive through 13 weeks.Amon-Ra St. Brown is on the shortlist for the best receiver in the NFL, and that elevates the floor of Detroit’s offense. If Sam LaPorta can regain his 2023 form and/or Jameson Williams can develop into a consistent target earner, something we saw breadcrumbs of on Thanksgiving, Detroit’s offense has the potential to give this starved fan base the postseason run it desires.):  https://apnews.com/article/lions-packers-preview-64a74644ebbf4c3aa67e2f1283b7772c

2024 NFL Defense Rankings: Insights on the Impressive Eagles, Broncos, Lions, and Vikings Units (2. Detroit Lions:  This season, the Detroit Lions have reaped the rewards of their defensive rebuild under head coach Dan Campbell and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. When they took over in 2021, they inherited the worst defense in football. It took them a couple of years, but last season, we saw Detroit improve from near the bottom of the pile to the middle of the pack. This year, they’ve completed that development.  Detroit had fully capitalized on a soft-ish run of games, finishing inside the top three defensively against the Houston Texans, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Indianapolis Colts in the last month. They looked to be charting a similar pattern through the first half of the Thanksgiving game, but things didn’t go as smoothly in the second half, and they finished the week ranked 22nd.  After a mediocre start to the season, they have now been in the top 10 in five of 11 games. However, those strong performances all came against below-average offenses, and they just struggled against a below-average Bears offense. It will be intriguing to see how the Lions fare against some higher-caliber units in the coming weeks. The biggest improvements this season have come in Detroit’s passing defense, which has gone from being below-average to above. As a result, they are forcing more turnovers, performing better on third down, and improving their red-zone efficiency.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-defense-rankings/

Week 14 NFL Offense Rankings: A Change at the Top While the Bills and Broncos Are Trending Up:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/week-14-nfl-offense-rankings-2024/



QB Rankings:

NFL Week 14 QB Power Rankings: Allen is the new No. 1 (6. Jared Goff Detroit Lions QB:  It's hard to separate his ultra-efficient marks from the Lions' sheer wealth of offensive firepower. You don't go 23-6 as a starter since the start of 2023 by accident, though. He distributes it well.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2024-nfl-week-14-qb-power-rankings-bills-josh-allen-is-new-no-1-steelers-russell-wilson-approaches-top-10/

Packers Media:

Packers rule out 4, including CB Jaire Alexander and WR Romeo Doubs, for Week 14 vs. Lions:  https://packerswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/04/packers-rule-out-4-including-cb-jaire-alexander-and-wr-romeo-doubs-for-week-14-vs-lions/



If Packers Upset Lions, Here’s Path to No. 1 Seed in NFL Playoffs:  https://www.si.com/nfl/packers/here-s-how-packers-can-win-nfc-north-earn-no-1-seed-01je959de6yn



Josh Jacobs Feels ‘Great,’ Ready to Rumble Against Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/packers/josh-jacobs-feels-great-ready-to-rumble-against-lions-01je7km4eaqt


Podcast:

Twentyman in the Huddle: Lions-Packers Thursday Night Football preview:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-in-the-huddle-lions-packers-thursday-night-football-preview

Video:


Brandt: Packers-Lions rivalry is 'good, wholesome stuff' | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/brandt-packers-lions-rivalry-is-good-wholesome-stuff-gmfb

Schrager: Lions need their fans 'more than ever' vs. Packers on 'TNF' | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/schrager-lions-need-their-fans-more-than-ever-vs-packers-on-tnf-gmfb

Rapoport on Lions injury report: There 'may not be' integral players on field vs. Packers | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/rapoport-on-lions-injury-report-there-may-not-be-integral-players-on-field-vs-packers-gmfb

Prime Video 'TNF' analytics expert Sam Schwartzstein previews Packers-Lions in Week 14 of 2024:  https://www.nfl.com/videos/prime-video-tnf-analytics-expert-sam-schwartzstein-previews-packers-lions-in-week-14-of-2024



Posted by LionsFan at 6:13 AM 0 comments

Wednesday, December 4, 2024

Lions Links for Tuesday 12-3-24

Articles:


NOTEBOOK: Offense looks to take advantage of red-zone opportunities:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-offense-looks-to-take-advantage-of-red-zone-opportunities

10 QUESTIONS WITH TWENTYMAN: What adjustments will Lions make with newly added defenders?:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-questions-with-twentyman-what-adjustments-will-lions-make-with-newly-added-defenders

As Lions prepare for 4th game in 18 days, Dan Campbell has to ask ... what day is it?:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/12/03/detroit-lions-game-vs-green-bay-packers-short-week/76736801007/





Lions WR Jameson Williams just wanted a highlight when he hurdled Bears DB:  https://lionslowdown.com/2024/12/03/lions-wr-jameson-williams-just-wanted-a-highlight-when-he-hurdled-bears-db/


Terrion Arnold's performance against the Bears is a beautiful problem for the Lions defense:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/03/terrion-arnold-lions-vs-bears-film-breakdown-detroit-defense/


Detroit Lions Aidan Hutchinson says Taylor Decker looks 'great' in Michigan uniform.:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/taylor-decker-michigan-uniform-aidan-hutchinson

Xavier McKinney Says Packers 'Not Worried' About Amon-Ra St. Brown:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/packers-not-worried-amon-ra-st-brown

Jameson Williams Not 'Tripping' About Bears CB Tyrique Stevenson:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jameson-williams-not-tripping-about-tyrique-stevenson






Lions-Bears game sets early Thanksgiving game record as NFL sees highest total viewership for holiday games:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/lions-bears-game-sets-early-thanksgiving-game-record

One goal for each NFL team for the rest of the 2024 season (Detroit Lions: Win the Super Bowl - The Lions rank first in overall team grade and haven’t lost since Week 2. Detroit is the favorite to not only win the NFC, but the Lombardi Trophy, sitting with a 20% chance — narrowly better than the Chiefs at 18%. Dan Campbell brought the Lions to the NFC Championship last year, but it feels as if there’s almost nothing stopping Detroit from reaching Super Bowl 59, if not winning it, especially considering its defensive front-seven should return several starters from injury.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-one-goal-each-team-2024-season

PFF’s 2024 NFL Third-Quarter All-Pro Team: Lamar Jackson, Myles Garrett, Brock Bowers and more (Right Guard: Kevin Zeitler, Detroit Lions - Many thought that Zeitler was at the end of his career when he hit free agency this offseason, but he has turned in a career year through the first 13 weeks of the season. Solid in pass protection, where he has allowed 11 pressures from 360 pass-blocking snaps, he has excelled as a run blocker, trailing only Chris Lindstrom of the Atlanta Falcons among guards with an 88.4 PFF run-blocking grade. Right Tackle: Penei Sewell, Detroit Lions - Sewell has yet to allow a sack in pass protection this season, earning a 76.6 PFF pass-blocking grade with 16 total pressures allowed from 399 pass-blocking snaps. He has dominated as a run blocker too, with his 91.0 PFF run-blocking grade trailing only four offensive linemen.  Safety: Kerby Joseph, Detroit Lions - With a 91.1 PFF coverage grade so far this season, Joseph leads all safeties. In his third season out of Illinois, he is turning in the best season of his career to date and has recorded seven interceptions.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-2024-third-quarter-all-pro-team

Why your NFL team won, lost in Week 13 (Why the Lions won: Despite a Jahmyr Gibbs fumble and no rushing touchdown, the Lions’ rushing attack continued to pace the offense and was highly influential in getting points on the board. The Lions rushed for 194 yards on 33 attempts, averaging 5.9 yards per attempt as a team. Gibbs had four rushes of over 10 yards, while David Montgomery chipped away at the Bears defense, rushing for 88 yards on 21 attempts. Altogether, the running backs combined for 132 yards after contact.):  https://www.pff.com/news/why-your-nfl-team-won-lost-in-week-13

NFC North division race: Here's how Lions, Vikings and Packers can each finish with 14 wins this season:  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfc-north-division-race-heres-how-lions-vikings-and-packers-can-each-finish-with-14-wins-this-season/


QB Rankings:

QB Stock Market Week 14: Joe Burrow deserves better; Caleb Williams knows better (4. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/qb-stock-market-week-14-joe-burrow-deserves-better-caleb-williams-knows-better

Video:




Posted by LionsFan at 5:43 AM 0 comments

Monday, December 2, 2024

Lions Links for Monday 12-2-24

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: St. Brown looking forward to playing in primetime again:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-st-brown-looking-forward-to-playing-in-primetime-again


10 takeaways from Glenn, Johnson & Fipp:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/10-takeaways-from-glenn-johnson-fipp-williams-sewell-arnold

TWENTYMAN: 5 stats that stand out following Lions' Week 13 victory:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/twentyman-5-stats-that-stand-out-following-lions-week-13-victory


Lions won't face Christian McCaffrey in Week 17 after 49ers RB placed on injured reserve:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/12/02/lions-49ers-game-christian-mccaffrey-injury-knee/76713160007/

Mind games? Ben Johnson suggests Jahmyr Gibbs purposefully leaked Lions' code words:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/12/02/jahmyr-gibbs-detroit-lions-code-words-play-calls-ben-johnson/76705927007/


Dan Campbell: 'I don't really give a crap' about Lions' leaked protection calls:  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/12/02/lions-campbell-jahmyr-gibbs-plays/76700418007/





Lions among best DVOA teams through 12 games in NFL history:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/02/lions-brst-dvoa-through-12-games-nfl-history/

Freshly signed Jamal Adams working with Lions LBs in his 1st practice in Detroit:   https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/02/jamal-adams-detroit-lions-defensive-role-practice-week-14/

Lions practice squad strategy is a reflection of Dan Campbell's roster vision:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/02/lions-practice-squad-strategy-dan-campbell-veteran-roster-extension/

Joining Lions, Who Are Kicking 'Everyone's Ass,' No-Brainer for Adams:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/joining-lions-no-brainer-jamal-adams

Notebook: Williams, Arnold Begging for Return Opportunities:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/notebook-williams-arnold-begging-for-return-opportunities


Packers TE Looking To 'Get My Hands' on Kerby Joseph:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/tucker-kraft-looking-to-get-hands-on-kerby-joseph

Detroit Lions Offense Can Carry Team While Defense Adapts:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/podcasts/lions-offense-can-carry-team-while-defense-adapts

Burning Question: Do Teams Have Advantage Due to Lions Leak?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/jermar-jefferson-reacts-online-photo


Kwon Alexander Ready to 'Go to War' for Dan Campbell, Aaron Glenn:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/kwon-alexander-ready-to-help-lions


NFL Week 13: PFF Team of the Week & Player Awards (C: Frank Ragnow, Detroit Lions):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-13-pff-team-of-the-week-player-awards-2024

Cases for/against top 10 NFL MVP candidates; plus, Week 13's risers/sliders and Week 14's best game (3. Jared Goff:  Why he could win: Goff is the leader of the league’s best team and its most dynamic offense. He also enjoyed one of the most impressive stretches we’ve ever seen any quarterback have during a regular season. Over a six-game period, Goff completed 106 of 128 passes (82.8 percent) with 13 touchdown passes and only one interception. He set an NFL record in one of those games -- a 42-29 win over Seattle -- by completing all 18 of his passes in that contest. Goff isn’t as sexy of a name as Allen or Jackson. What he does have is an 11-1 team and an offense that has scored at least 40 points four times this season.  Why he couldn’t: Goff has never gotten the type of love other top signal-callers get in this league. He doesn’t improvise like Allen, Jackson or Mahomes, and he’s still known as the guy Sean McVay didn’t want to keep with the Rams. Goff basically faces the same challenge that Brock Purdy and Dak Prescott dealt with last season: the question about whether he’s an elite quarterback. It also doesn’t help Goff’s cause that he threw five interceptions in a win over Houston. Voters remember that stuff, too. .Final verdict: As impressive as Goff has been, he’s going to be hurt by the overall strength of his team. The Lions arguably have the best offensive line in football, a Pro Bowl wide receiver (Amon-Ra St. Brown), a Pro Bowl tight end (Sam La Porta) and an spectacular tandem at running back (Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery). Add in offensive coordinator Ben Johnson -- who will be one of the hottest names when teams start looking for new head coaches in January -- and you get a quarterback who will be viewed more as a product of his environment than a superstar. Goff needs a lot of help to win this award.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/cases-for-against-top-10-nfl-mvp-candidates-plus-week-13-s-risers-sliders-and-week-14-s-best-game

Week 13 NFL Takeaways: Eagles’ Run Game Is More Than Just Saquon Barkley (NFC North roundup - While we’re on the NFC North, the Detroit Lions-Green Bay Packers game this week should be electric. That one’s on Thursday, and both teams will have a full week ramp-up to it—since each played on Thanksgiving. It’s the first in a series of three games (preceding Packers at Vikings in Week 17, and Vikings at Lions in Week 18) pitting the iron of the NFC North against one another down the stretch, with two games separating the three teams going into Week 13.  I think we learned a little something about each of them in Week 12.  For the Lions, it was about winning in a different way. They’d played two down-to-the-wire games in two months, and hadn’t had to win a clunker in a while. And after a flying start—the Lions outgained the Bears 279 to 53 in the first half, forced three-and-outs on Chicago’s first four possessions and had the ball for nearly 23 of the first 30 minutes—the Lions weirdly hit a ditch, and opened the door for the Bears to roar back from a 16–0 deficit after the break.  There’s a lot for Detroit to clean up, of course, in the aftermath. But there were two very real positives the Lions can build off moving forward. First, they had to be incredibly resourceful on defense, with guys on that side seemingly going down every other play and the line taking the brunt of it. Three of four starters up front, plus key reserve Levi Onwuzurike, were nicked up during the game. Second, they essentially had to end the game twice.  The first was on a fourth-and-14 after a shaky pass interference call on a heave of a throw from Williams bailed out the Bears. The second one, of course, Chicago helped out.  “Whatever you want to call that PI call at the end on the prayer he threw up—we had to win twice,” Lions DT D.J. Reader told me. “We went out there and got it done. Just resilient, no matter what happens, no matter what’s thrown at us, we’re going to go out there and get it done. We fully believe in ourselves.”  And they should.  Hours later, the Packers showed where they are, with gutsy decisions to go get Jeff Hafley to run the defense (and let Joe Barry go), and add Josh Jacobs and Xavier McKinney to the offense and defense, respectively (while letting homegrown guys Aaron Jones and Darnell Savage Jr. go) paying off in giving the roster more ways to win. It doesn’t need to be Jordan Love lighting up the skies every time out—though it was Love against the Dolphins coming through with 274 yards and a 129.2 rating.  Meanwhile, the Vikings, and Sam Darnold in particular, showed a ton of resilience in battling back from a 19–6 deficit late in the third quarter against the Cardinals. To that point, Darnold was 9-of-15 for 89 yards, going 1-of-6 to start the third quarter and leaving the home crowd audibly restless. Then, he did what he’s done all year, fighting through to go 12-of-16 for 146 yards and two scores the rest of the way.  So we get a big one Thursday, with two more big ones to come in January, to shape how things finish up in what’s become football’s best division.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/week-13-nfl-takeaways-eagles-run-game-more-than-saquon-barkley

32 things we learned in NFL Week 13: Division races set to heat up (5. Huge game upcoming, when the Packers and Lions will again play on Thursday, meeting this week in Detroit. The Pack could become the division’s third 10-win team, while the NFC-leading Lions will hope to lock up the conference’s first playoff slot in Week 14.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2024/12/01/nfl-week-13-takeaways-playoffs-division-races/76693968007/

NFL Offensive Line Rankings 2024: Stacking All 32 OLs Entering Week 14 (1. Detroit Lions - Starting five: LT Taylor Decker, LG Graham Glasgow, C Frank Ragnow, RG Kevin Zeitler, RT Penei Sewell.  All-Pro right tackle Penei Sewell spearheads Detroit’s dominant offensive line. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has figured out how to weaponize the former first-round pick in the run game, getting him into space and letting him go to work. Sewell even received a lateral on a hook-and-ladder play against the Cowboys in Week 6 and nearly threw a pass in a Week 13 win over the Bears.  Frank Ragnow might be the NFL’s best center now that Jason Kelce is retired. He missed one game with a pectoral injury but has since returned to offer his usual standout play.  Left tackle Taylor Decker didn’t play in the Lions’ Week 10 comeback victory over the Texans, forcing Dan Skipper to fill on on the blindside. Decker also missed Week 13 with an injury but could return for Week 14.  Jared Goff has myriad offensive weapons to work with, but the Lions’ offensive line is their weekly identity. No team ranks better than Detroit in FTN‘s adjusted line yards (5.24), suggesting the Lions’ front five regularly overpowers its opponents in the run game.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/best-offensive-lines-nfl-rankings/



Podcast:

Detroit Lions Offense Can Carry Team While Defense Adapts:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/podcasts/lions-offense-can-carry-team-while-defense-adapts

Video:







Red Wings woes continue with loss to Vancouver, Lions reload on defense:  https://www.fox2detroit.com/video/1555711

Why Tyler Fulghum predicts a high-scoring game in Packers-Lions:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip?id=42742358

Belichick details his concerns about the Lions to McAfee:  https://www.espn.com/video/clip/_/id/42740525

Rich Eisen: Why the High-Flying Eagles Should Worry the Detroit Lions | The Rich Eisen Show:  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hJI6sl40AU

Posted by LionsFan at 7:02 PM 0 comments

Sunday, December 1, 2024

Lions Links for Sunday 12-1-24

Articles:

NOTEBOOK: Lions add 4 new defenders, prepare for TNF:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-lions-add-4-new-defenders-prepare-for-tnf

Why did Lions' Gibbs had 2 carries in second half vs. Bears: 'It just didn’t quite work out':  https://www.freep.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2024/12/01/detroit-lions-rb-jahmyr-gibbs-second-half-carries-why/76688952007/


Dan Campbell gives uncertain update on Taylor Decker ahead of Week 14:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/01/taylor-decker-injury-update-week-14-lions-vs-packers/


Kwon Alexander's ironic new turn as the Lions remedy for injured LBs:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/2024/12/01/kwon-alexander-injury-history-detroit-lions-lb-corps-addition/

Dan Campbell: Lions' Injuries Are 'Freak Deal':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/dan-campbell-lions-injuries-are-freak-deal


Predicting Lions' Final Five Games of 2024 Season:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/predicting-lions-final-five-games-2024-season


T.J. Lang Blasts Kindle Vildor’s PI Flag against Bears:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/news/t-j-lang-blasts-kindle-vildor-penalty-call




Reaction to Chargers' Tarheeb Still's big day headlines Week 13 postgame quips (Detroit Lions HC Dan Campbell - "If you're not built the way we are, you don't win that game."  The Lions' remarkable 2024 run took another step forward in Week 13, as Detroit held off a late push by the Chicago Bears to secure a 23-20 win. The Bears scored 14 fourth quarter points, but the clock ultimately ran out on their final drive as they searched for a tying or go-ahead score.  The win, which moved the Lions to 11-1 on the season, snapped a streak of defeats in their yearly Thanksgiving game dating back to 2016. In a speech to his team after the game, Campbell credited the group's resilience in holding off their opponent's comeback.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/42723578/week-13-post-win-quotes-tarheeb-daiyan-henley


NFL Winners and Losers: If NFL cares about player safety, Azeez Al-Shaair will face a long suspension (LOSERS - Detroit Lions: For a team with an 11-1 record, you’d think the Lions would be feeling comfortable.  They can’t take a break because there are two teams chasing them hard. One is in their division. The Vikings won on Sunday to stay a game behind Detroit in the NFC North. But as each week passes it looks like the Philadelphia Eagles are the most dangerous threat to the Lions in the NFC.  The Eagles started slow but came on to get an impressive 24-19 win over the Baltimore Ravens to improve to 10-2. The Eagles are 8-0 since their bye. Saquon Barkley continued to make his MVP case with a 25-yard touchdown that gave the Eagles a 21-12 lead and 107 rushing yards on the day. The defense continues to play very well, and it shut out a fantastic Ravens team after halftime. Ravens kcker Justin Tucker’s three missed kicks were a part of that, but the Eagles defense was excellent. The win eliminates any doubt about the Eagles’ viability as a Super Bowl contender.  The Lions just need to keep winning games. The Eagles and Vikings are giving them no choice.):  https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl-winners-and-losers-if-nfl-cares-about-player-safety-azeez-al-shaair-will-face-a-long-suspension-212135630.html

‘He’s So Cooked’ – NFL Fans Fear for Jahmyr Gibbs After Dan Campbell Learns About RB’s Viral Social Post:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-fans-fear-for-jahmyr-gibbs-after-dan-campbell-learns-viral-social-post-lifestyle/

Bears Players Confronted Matt Eberflus About Ending of Brutal Loss vs. Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/bears-players-confronted-matt-eberflus-lions-loss-timeout-fired

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