Detroit Lions Amon-Ra St. Brown against Saints Paulson Adebo Is Key Matchup

Amon-Ra St. Brown is on the verge of a second consecutive 1,000-yard receiving campaign. Just seven yards away from the mark, he should easily eclipse the threshold this afternoon against the New Orleans Saints.

Through 10 games this season, the third-year wideout has averaged a career-best 99.3 reception yards per game. Additionally, in his last six games, he's posted no less than 77 receiving yards, and has averaged an astounding 110.3 receiving yards per game.

Yes, you read that right: St. Brown has averaged 100-plus yards receiving over his last six contests. And, during this same span of games, he also had a four-game stretch where he produced 102 or more yards each time out. It was highlighted by his eight-catch, 156-yard effort in the Lions’ shootout win over the L.A. Chargers in Week 10.

At this juncture, you can basically pencil St. Brown in for at least eight catches and 80 yards on a weekly basis.

The USC product's next test will come on Sunday against the Saints’ 12th-ranked defense (3,523 yards allowed).

Dennis Allen's squad has allowed the seventh-fewest yards through the air (2,159), and has limited opposing passers to just a 59 percent completion percentage this season. Additionally, no quarterback has thrown for over 270 yards against New Orleans in 2023. 

In this Week 13 matchup, St. Brown will likely be matched up regularly with Saints third-year cornerback Paulson Adebo. 

Adebo, who's enjoying a career-best campaign, has amassed a career-high four interceptions, 13 passes defensed and two forced fumbles in nine games this year. Adebo, who was born in Farmington, Mich., has also posted an impressive passer rating against of 46.6 in 2023.

And, for his efforts, the 24-year-old has earned a 90.3 overall grade from Pro Football Focus (the second-best grade among all qualified CBs), including a league-best 90.4 pass-coverage mark. 

It won't be easy for Detroit to throw against Adebo and New Orleans’ stingy pass defense.  

Yet, it's common knowledge that Lions offensive coordinator Ben Johnson will still feed St. Brown a healthy dose of targets. And, St. Brown, with his immense skill set, is bound to separate from Adebo on at least a few of his routes. 

When all is said and done in the matinee tilt, I believe the star Detroit receiver will end up with eight catches, 88 yards and a touchdown.