Detroit Lions Get Tough Injury News Ahead of International Showdown

It’s officially Germany week, and the Detroit Lions have already made their way overseas, departing Thursday night as they prepare to take on the New England Patriots.

Detroit has already ruled out three starters: center Cade Mays, cornerback DJ Reed and safety Kerby Joseph. Reed is dealing with a hip injury, Mays is nursing an ankle injury, and Joseph is continuing his recovery from a knee injury. However, Joseph did log a full practice on Thursday, marking his first full practice since Week 6 of last season.

Last season, the Patriots won the AFC before ultimately falling to the Seattle Seahawks in the Super Bowl. This year, New England got off to a slow start but has begun to find its footing. After opening the season 1–2, the Patriots won their next three games. However, they’ve cooled off recently, going 1–2 over their last three contests, including losses to the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.

Last week, New England’s defense was heavily exposed by Green Bay’s passing attack. Starting wide receivers Christian Watson and Matthew Golden combined for 17 receptions on 18 targets for 335 yards and two touchdowns. Both receivers also recorded a reception of at least 43 yards.

I would expect Detroit to follow a similar game plan. The Lions have an elite wide receiver in Amon-Ra St. Brown and an incredible deep threat in Jameson Williams. If Green Bay was able to exploit New England’s secondary, Detroit should have opportunities to do the same.

Despite allowing Green Bay’s wide receivers to have their way, New England did manage to shut down tight end Tucker Kraft, holding him to just one reception for one yard.

The Patriots will also be without starting cornerback Carlton Davis, further weakening their secondary.

One player I strongly believe could find the end zone this week is St. Brown, who has now gone five consecutive weeks without scoring a touchdown. St. Brown previously lived in Germany, and his mother is German. With the opportunity to play in the country, I wouldn’t be surprised if he finds some extra motivation to snap his scoring drought.

Here are some of the numbers that stand out when looking at New England’s pass defense:

* 67.5% completion percentage allowed: Third-highest in the NFL.

* 2,256 passing yards allowed: Among the highest totals in the league.

* 32 completions of 20-plus yards allowed: Second-most in the NFL.

* Seven completions of 40-plus yards allowed: Tied for fourth-most.

* Pass-defense EPA: Ranked 31st over the last four games.

Despite sitting at 5–4, New England is still a respectable opponent, and although the Patriots have beaten just two teams with winning records, Detroit shouldn’t take them lightly.

I wouldn’t be surprised if Jahmyr Gibbs has another relatively quiet game, as New England has been solid against the run. The Patriots are allowing just 3.9 yards per carry and have surrendered only one rushing attempt of 20 or more yards all season.

New England also has 25 sacks this season, the ninth-most in the NFL, and an overall pass-rush grade of 82.8, which ranks second in the league. The Patriots have the ability to make life difficult for Jared Goff, especially if Detroit struggles to establish its running game.

On the other side of the ball, Drake Maye has taken a bit of a step back after his breakout season. He currently has 18 passing touchdowns, is averaging 253.6 passing yards per game and leads the league with 11 interceptions.

I believe Detroit’s defense has a legitimate opportunity to force a turnover. The Lions have recorded an interception in each of their last four games, giving them four consecutive weeks with at least one pick.

Don’t be surprised if Goff has a monster performance in Germany, airing it out and attacking New England’s vulnerable secondary much like Green Bay did last week. With the Patriots struggling to defend explosive passing plays, Detroit has the personnel to take advantage.

The point spread currently has Detroit favored by 2.5 points, and I believe the Lions will cover. My prediction is a 31–21 Detroit Lions victory as they improve their record with a big win overseas.