Detroit Lions: 2017 Schedule Breakdown And Analysis
By Tony Fischer
Big Games
Thanksgiving vs. Minnesota Vikings: Is there a bigger game in Detroit than Thanksgiving? For the second-straight year the Lions host the Vikings on Turkey Day in what could be a game with divisional implications. The Vikings are looking to improve after last years debacle and with the departure of Adrian Peterson they will have a few less distractions.
Key matchup: Ziggy Ansah vs. Riley Reiff
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Reiff makes his return to Ford Field and will face a healthy Ziggy Ansah and an improved defesnive front. Will Reiff rise to the occasion or will Ansah prove why Bob Quinn let Reiff walk.
Week 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons: The Lions face an early season test when they host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3. It is a fortunate to have the NFC Champions at home before what should be a long tough road trip. Not only is this a chance for the Lions to prove themselves against the reigning conference champs, it is a key NFC matchup that could determine tie breakers later in the season.
Key Matchups: Julio Jones vs. Darius Slay | Matt Stafford vs. Matt Ryan
Slay had a breakout season last year, establishing himself as an upper-tier NFL corner. Julio Jones is a freak of nature. This game will help determine if Slay’s performance in 2016 was a fluke or for real.
Lions fans made plenty of comparisons between Matt Ryan and Matt Stafford last season. Some say that if given the weapons Matty Ice has at is disposal, Stafford could also lead the Lions to the promised land.
Week 17 vs. Green Bay Packers: The good news: The Lions don’t have to play on Lambeau Field in the dead of winter. The bad news: The Lions have to face Aaron Rodgers on the last game of the season. You can bet this game will be for the division title. It has the opportunity to be the biggest win in recent franchise history or another in a long line of end of the season collapses.
Key Player: Matthew Stafford
By the time the offseason is over, Matt Stafford will probably be the highest paid quarterback in the league. If he can win this game, he will earn every cent of it.