After getting embarrassed by Buffalo, the Lions have had four extra days to stew. Now, Detroit gets a banged-up Jets team at Ford Field—and a chance to make a statement.
It’s almost Sunday, and Detroit fans have had to wait since last Thursday to get the taste out of their mouths after being manhandled by the Buffalo Bills. I fully expect Detroit to bounce back and dominate the New York Jets, especially with this game being played inside Ford Field.
Both teams are dealing with injuries, but the Jets are more banged up than the Lions. New York is currently dealing with several injuries. Starting tight end Mason Taylor has been ruled out with a thumb injury, while starting safety Minkah Fitzpatrick has also been ruled out.
New York also ruled out backup linebacker Kiko Mauigoa, while Joseph Ossai is listed as questionable. Rookie edge rusher David Bailey, who is currently the favorite to win Defensive Player of the Year, was limited at practice earlier this week, but he is good to go. Bailey has recorded a sack in each of his first two games.
Jets wide receiver Adonai Mitchell is dealing with a finger injury and was seen wearing a club on his hand at practice Friday. It remains unclear if Mitchell will play, but if he is out, that would give Detroit one less pass catcher to worry about.
Detroit will get back two starting offensive linemen: left guard Christian Mahogany and right tackle Blake Miller. Last week, it was evident that Detroit missed Miller, especially after backup tackle Larry Borom was forced into the starting lineup. Borom allowed 11 pressures and two sacks to Jared Goff.
Ironically enough, Ben Bartch, who filled in for Mahogany last week, has been ruled out with a foot injury. Detroit called up offensive lineman Seth McLaughlin to the active roster, giving the Lions some extra insurance along the offensive line.
After placing safety Avonte Maddox on season-ending IR, Detroit has also ruled out safety Thomas Harper, leaving the Lions extremely thin at the position with just Chuck Clark and Christian Izien available. We may see newly signed safety Bishop Fitzgerald get some action as well, especially with Detroit so thin at safety.
Speaking of safeties, we did get another minor update on Kerby Joseph. Joseph said he is hopeful that he will return at some point this season. That’s still not exactly great news, but if we can get Joseph back at any point this season, I would consider that a win.
As for the Lions-Jets game, I believe Detroit will come out firing and see its offense start to flourish once again. As long as Detroit can score enough points, I don’t think this Jets offense will be able to keep up, despite how bad the Lions’ defense has been to start the season.
My final score prediction is that the Lions win this game comfortably, defeating the Jets 35–17.
