Detroit needs a win badly heading into its Week 15 matchup with the Denver Broncos. After losing two of three, confidence in this team's ability to make a deep playoff run is withering.
The Lions shouldn't struggle to run the ball against Denver, as the Broncos have the league's worst run defense, in terms of yards per game. As a result, the offense should be able to regain its identity, with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs on the ground.
However, the Broncos boast one of the league's most opportunistic defenses, and are tied for the league lead in takeaways. With Jared Goff's recent stretch of turnovers, this isn't the most appealing situation for the Lions.
I believe the Broncos will force two turnovers that come at costly times for the Lions. This will be detrimental, and ultimately result in a disappointing loss.
Broncos 24, Lions 16
This Week 15 matchup features two teams which have been going in different directions as of late.
The Broncos have won six of their last seven games. Meanwhile, the Lions have gone just 2-2 in their last four games, and have failed to look like a complete team since their Week 9 bye.
Denver is led by Russell Wilson under center, who has been playing some of his best ball since joining the Broncos a season ago. Additionally, the team's defense has been the definition of opportunistic, having recorded a league-high 24 takeaways. And, along with that, the Sean Payton-led squad has permitted just 18.7 points a game since allowing 70 points to the Dolphins in Week 3.
It all bodes well for the Broncos, going up against a Lions team which struggled on both sides of the ball a week ago in Chicago.
Yet, on Saturday night, in front of its home fans, I believe that Detroit -- led by a strong effort from its ground game -- bounces back with a much-needed victory.
Lions 27, Broncos 20
This is a must-win game for the Lions, which are hoping to rebound on the national stage.
Denver struggled early in the season, but has found its groove as of late. It's also a big game for Dan Campbell, who will look to defeat mentor Sean Payton for the first time in his head coaching career.
Jared Goff, who's been turnover prone of late, shouldn't be as bad this week, right? And, if he is, maybe we will get our first look at Teddy Bridgewater.
I do think the Lions will prevail if they can use the ground game to their advantage. Russell Wilson is no longer as formidable as he once was, and Detroit will need to contain the surging Courtland Sutton. All in all, the Broncos are definitely a beatable team, and the Lions will come out on top.
Lions 24, Broncos 17
I can't see the Lions losing a primetime game at Ford Field, especially against Sean Payton this week.
The Lions have an opportunity to showcase their ability to run the football against a Broncos rush defense that gives up a fair amount of yards.
Detroit will play cleaner, and if it avoids the dreaded turnovers, Jared Goff will lead the offense to multiple touchdown drives.
Lions 24, Broncos 23
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