NFL Predictions: Lions vs. Saints Preview

Written by Jake Thompson
Saturday, 03 December 2011 23:33

We’ll preview the NFL game between the Lions and the Saints with predictions on how the action will unfold.

The Detroit Lions (7-4) hit the road to take on the New Orleans Saints (8-3) in the Sunday NFL late game this week, and our preview will attempt to figure out what to expect.  Start time of the Lions vs. Saints game is set for 8:20 PM ET, and you can catch this one live on the NBC channel.  Legends Sportsbook has the odds favoring the home-team Saints by 9.5 on the point spread, while the total is currently at 53.5.

New Orleans is undefeated at home this season, and they were 45-27 winners in the last meeting between these teams.  The Saints were 14-point favorites in that 2009 game, while New Orleans also went into Detroit in 2008 and left with a 42-7 win as 7-point favorites.  The under has been a winner in 2 of the 3 head-to-head meetings between these NFC squads since 2005.

Lions’ Offense vs. Saints’ Defense:

Detroit averages 28.7 points per game but there are some issues at running back with Jahvid Best (concussion) and Kevin Smith (ankle) unlikely to play.  The Lions throw the ball very well and will be going up against a New Orleans defense that occasionally gives up big points.  The Saints usually get a nice lead and their defense can pin their ears back, but they might not be as comfortable if Detroit can put some early points on the board.  New Orleans gave up 33 points to another high-flying passing attack against Houston earlier this season.

Saints’ Offense vs. Lions’ Defense:

The Saints score 32.9 points per game while passing for 324.2 yards a game.  New Orleans also has a capable rushing attack that has averaged 4.8 yards per carry, and this team is nearly impossible to stop.  As scary as those statistics sound, the Saints are actually averaging an astronomical 41.6 points per game when playing at home this season.  Detroit will be without suspended defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh for this one which makes me think that the Saints will once again put some big points on the scoreboard.

Lions vs. Saints Predictions:

This game figures to be a high-scoring affair and it will be interesting to see if the Lions can keep up since it seems probable that New Orleans will move the ball well.  Detroit can get mistake prone and will get blown out if they don’t start the game with a few successful drives.  I think they are talented enough to take advantage of the holes in the Saints’ defense, but ultimately they will come up just short.  Although I’m making predictions on the Lions to cover the point spread, a bet on the over is my favorite wager for Sunday.

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Lions 27

Saints 34