Lions vs. Saints: Preview, score prediction for Week 6
Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints
After meeting last year, the New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions are meeting again in Week 6. The Lions are currently sitting at a 3-2 record while the Saints are 2-2. With a recent loss to the Panthers and back-to-back wins for the Saints before their bye, the stakes are high for both teams.
Fresh off trading Adrian Peterson, the Saints have to show their consistency on defense isn’t just a fluke. As for the Lions, they have to show their last week was a fluke and they will be able to handle another stacked offense.
Meeting in the Big Easy gives the Saints a clear advantage, but if Matthew Stafford suits up, it might not be as easy as they imagined.
Keys to Victory
The biggest key to a Saints victory is their defense. As we all know, they have one of the most dynamic offenses in the league. Even without Peterson or Willie Snead, the offense got it groove back after an abysmal season opener. Since then, the defense has slowly but surely improved as well. Their defense needs to keep making big plays.
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For the past two weeks, they’ve picked off both Cam Newton and Jay Cutler. They need to continue this trend by nabbing some interceptions, racking up sacks and getting takeaways. Make sure to pressure Stafford when the time is right and don’t let him make big plays with his legs or his arm. If Stafford doesn’t suit up, it’ll be a lot easier but they can’t let their guard down.
As for the Lions, their defense needs to stifle the run and get pressure on Drew Brees. Last week, they kept Carolina at bay with their run game. Despite shutting down the run game, they couldn’t stop Cam Newton. They need to pressure Brees often and get in his face, making him second guess his throws. It’s not going to be easy, but a necessity.
If Matthew Stafford suits up, he won’t be 100 percent and the Saints know it. Stafford might not able to use his legs to make many plays, but getting the ball out quick and not allowing pressure will save him. Most of all, the O-line needs to protect their quarterback and allow him to scramble if necessary.
Betting Odds
Point Spread: New Orleans -4.5
Moneyline: Detroit +185, New Orleans -225
Over/Under: 50
Odds via Sportsbook Review
Next: NFL 2017: Picks against the spread for Week 6
Prediction
I see the hot streak continuing for the Saints. With questions surrounding Stafford and him not being 100 percent healthy, the Saints are in better shape to pull out the win. Coming off back-to-back wins, their confidence is at an all high as well. The Lions won’t go down without a fight, but in the end, it will be a win for the Big Easy.
Final Score: Detroit Lions: 21, New Orleans Saints: 31