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[Detroit Lions]

Lions, Giants injury news: 4 OL starters on Wednesday’s report

The Detroit Lions (6-4) and New York Giants (2-9) have declared their initial Week 12 injury reports, and while the Giants were on the practice field, the Lions only ran a walkthrough after a tough road game on Sunday night. With a walkthrough on the docket for Wednesday, all of the Lions’ players’ participation levels are estimates from the coaching staff, assuming the team had run a regular practice.

Let’s take a look at the latest injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from the last injury report will be bolded.

Injured list updates​

• TE Sam LaPorta (back, IR), eligible to return in Week 15
• TE Shane Zylstra (ankle, IR)
• LT Giovanni Manu (knee, IR)
• LG Christian Mahogany (knee, IR) — eligible to return in Week 14
• G Miles Frazier (knee, PUP) — injury evaluation clock has started
• EDGE Marcus Davenport (shoulder, IR) — injury evaluation window has started
• EDGE Josh Paschal (back, NFI) — injury evaluation window has started
• LB Zach Cunningham (hamstring, IR) — eligible to return in Week 13
• CB D.J. Reed (hamstring/IR) — injury evaluation window has started
• CB Khalil Dorsey (wrist, concussion, IR)

LaPorta was added to the injured reserve list ahead of Week 11, and at this time, his potential to return this season appears completely unknown.

“Obviously, it’s enough to where we’re talking about four weeks here,” Lions coach Campbell said on Sunday night. “So, obviously, we’re going to hope that this thing calms down. And after those four games, we can get him back, but we’re really just taking this day-to-day, week-to-week.”

No practice​

• LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
• RT Penei Sewell (ankle)
• CB Terrion Arnold (concussion)
• S Brian Branch (toe) — Injured in Week 11
• S Kerby Joseph (knee)

Sewell, for the third game in a row, required attention from the trainers during this week’s game, but did not miss an offensive snap. In Week 11, he needed a tape job on his left ankle, and the Lions could scale back his practices this week in order to allow that ankle to heal up a bit.

Decker continues to manage his season-long lingering shoulder, and while he has seen some breaks at practice, Detroit opted to give him some rest to start the week.

Arnold suffered a concussion in Week 10 and was unable to practice or play in Week 11. The NFL’s concussion protocols are thorough, but not entirely clear (like they used to be before tweaking them), so we will have to wait and see how Arnold progresses throughout the week before we get a clear picture of his status for the Giants game.

Branch has a new toe injury. It’s too early to know much of anything about it yet, but it’s worth monitoring given the amount of injuries in the secondary.

Joseph has been dealing with his knee injury all season and was shut down several weeks ago, hoping it would improve quickly. Unfortunately, it has been a slow process. While Campbell insists he’s improving, it’s fair to wonder how quickly he’ll re-acclimate to football after missing so much time.

Limited practice​

• RB Sione Vaki (ankle)
• WR Isaac TeSlaa (oblique)
• TE Brock Wright (ankle)
• RG Tate Ratledge (knee) — Injured in Week 11
• C Graham Glasgow (knee) — Injured in Week 11
• EDGE Josh Paschal (back, still on NFI) — Days remaining in evaluation: 6
• EDGE Marcus Davenport (shoulder, still on IR) — Days remaining in evaluation: 13
• CB D.J. Reed (hamstring, still on IR) — Days remaining in evaluation: 13

Vaki was limited in practice last week and given a questionable designation. While he played his typical allotment of snaps, he was moved from his kick returner role to a blocking role, but it’s unclear if that was injury-related or strategic.

TeSlaa was added to the injury report on Saturday, but was active on game day and played on 20 offensive snaps, but had just one target in the game. This isn’t far off his normal expectations, but the Lions will likely take things slow with him this week, just to be sure he’s recovered.

Wright stepped into TE1 duties with LaPorta on injured reserve, and did not appear limited by his ankle injury. Because he is expected to hold onto this role for the next three weeks (at a minimum), expectations are that the Lions will be cautious in practice with him.

Ratledge was injured in Week 11 and needed to be examined by trainers. He was able to return, only to exit late in the game again. While he was not on the field for the Lions’ final two drives, he did get on the field for Jake Bates’ late field goal. The following week, after a player is injured during a game, it’s not uncommon for players to take the next practice off. Hopefully, like in the game, we’ll see him return quickly.

Glasgow enters the week on the injury report with a new injury. He did not miss any time on Sunday, and he starts with a limited designation, so there likely isn’t a big concern here, but it’s still worth watching.

Paschal is entering the final week of their 21-day evaluation period. As we saw with Rodriguez last week, even with a dwindling clock, there’s no guarantee that he will be activated this week. The deadline for a decision is on Tuesday, November 25.

Davenport has two weeks remaining in his injury evaluation process, and until we get another update from Campbell, the expectation is that he may need to utilize all of his time.

D.J. Reed could have a chance to potentially return this week, a bit earlier than anticipated, according to comments made by Campbell on Monday. If true, that’ll be a huge boost for the Lions’ secondary and will give Reed time to adjust back to game action against the Giants, which should help get him ready for the Packers on Thanksgiving.

“D.J. Reed looks pretty positive here. We’re going to get him a week of work here and see where he’s at,” Campbell said.

Full Practice​

• RB Jacob Saylors (back) — Upgraded to full practice
• WR Kalif Raymond (cramping) — Injured in Week 11
• G Miles Frazier (knee, still on PUP) — Days remaining in evaluation: 6
• LB Malcolm Rodriguez (knee)

Saylors missed Week 10 but returned to mainly limited practice in Week 11 and was also given a questionable designation. Like Vaki, he played his usual number of snaps; however, he was reinstated to his returner role.

Raymond briefly exited Week 11 with some cramping issues, but it would be surprising if that was an issue moving forward.

Frazier being bumped to full practice is something to keep an eye on. He’ll likely still need to ramp up to be considered in the starting lineup because of so much time he missed as a rookie in training camp, but it appears the injury is fully behind him at this point.

Rodriguez was removed from the PUP list on Tuesday, but the Lions used every last minute of his 21-day evaluation period. So while on the active roster, the Lions may continue to take things slow with Rodriguez as he continues his reacclimation.

No longer on the injury report​

• EDGE Aidan Hutchinson (elbow)
• CB Amik Robertson (hamstring)

Hutchinson missed one practice last week but played over 90% of defensive snaps in the game and didn’t seem bothered by his elbow injury. He should be in good shape moving forward.

Robertson injured his hamstring last Thursday, but it wasn’t a hindrance late in the week or in the game on Sunday.

Giants’ initial injury report​

Starters are bolded

No practice:

• WR Darius Slayton (hamstring)
• TE Thomas Fidone II (foot)
• EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder)
• LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (illness)
• CB Paulson Adebo (knee)
• CB Cor’Dale Flott (personal)
• CB Rico Payton (illness)

Limited practice:

• QB Jaxson Dart (concussion)
• EDGE Chauncey Golston (neck)
• DL Rakeem Núñez-Roches Sr. (toe)
• CB Deonte Banks (hip)
• S Tyler Nubin (neck)

Full practice:

• RB Eric Gray (knee, still on PUP)

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...njury-news-4-ol-starters-on-wednesdays-report

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions, Giants injury news: 3 starters return to practice on Thursday

The Detroit Lions (6-4) and New York Giants (2-9) were back on the practice field on Thursday, and with Detroit holding a walkthrough on Wednesday, this marks the first true look at where Lions players’ injuries stand. On a positive note, the Lions were able to return three starters to practice on Thursday, including left tackle Taylor Decker, right tackle Penei Sewell, and safety Brian Branch.

Let’s take a look at the latest injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from the last injury report will be bolded.

No practice​

• CB Terrion Arnold (concussion)
• S Kerby Joseph (knee)

Arnold remains in the NFL’s concussion protocol and is still unable to practice at this time. On Wednesday, Lions coach Dan Campbell noted that Arnold was “still kinda day-to-day” in his recovery, which essentially means they’re in a wait-and-see mode at this time.

Joseph continues to miss practice, and with him unavailable for such an extended period, it’s hard to predict when he’ll be ready to play in games, even if he begins practicing soon.

Limited practice​

• RB Sione Vaki (ankle)
• WR Isaac TeSlaa (oblique)
• RT Penei Sewell (ankle) — Upgraded from estimated no practice on Wednesday
• LT Taylor Decker (shoulder) — Upgraded from estimated no practice on Wednesday
• RG Tate Ratledge (knee)
• C Graham Glasgow (knee)
• EDGE Josh Paschal (back, still on NFI) — Days remaining in evaluation: 5
• EDGE Marcus Davenport (shoulder, still on IR) — Days remaining in evaluation: 12
• CB D.J. Reed (hamstring, still on IR) — Days remaining in evaluation: 12
• CB Khalil Dorsey (wrist) — Started evaluation clock — Days remaining in evaluation: 20
• S Brian Branch (toe) — Upgraded from estimated no practice on Wednesday

Vaki was estimated to have been able to practice on Wednesday and was even spotted dressed in uniform for Thursday’s practice, but during the portions of practice open to the media, he did not appear to be involved. We’ll have to see how his situation progresses on Friday before we know much more.

TeSlaa hasn’t missed any time since showing up on the injury report last Saturday, but the Lions typically take things slow with mid-week injuries, so expect his participation levels to remain low for now.

Sewell has been working through different injuries for the past three weeks, but when game day comes, he’s played virtually every snap. After getting a break on Wednesday, he’s back at practice and is expected to be good to go in the game.

Decker continues to go through each practice week, taking at least one practice off as he gives his shoulder a break. He hasn’t missed a snap since before the bye week and is expected to start on Sunday, even if he takes Friday’s practice off.

Ratledge left for a portion of Week 11 with a knee injury but was estimated to have practiced on Wednesday and did practice on Thursday, indicating he’s in a decent spot to start at right guard against the Giants.

Glasgow, like Ratledge, was estimated to have practiced on Wednesday and did practice on Thursday, and should be in line to start on Sunday afternoon.

Paschal has less than a week left in his evaluation window, meaning the Lions have until next Wednesday to decide on his status. It’s possible that he returns for this weekend’s matchup with the Giants, or he could be held out until Thanksgiving against the Packers.

Davenport has less than two weeks remaining, meaning he could miss both the Giants and Packers games, or potentially return to one or both of those games. Of the four injury-list players practicing, Davenport appears to be the furthest away, based on the coaches’ comments.

Reed still has over a week remaining in his injury evaluation window, but Campbell has suggested multiple times that the Lions believe that Reed could return as soon as this week.

“I’m hopeful, but I think a lot of it’s going to be determined by (Thursday)—like these full-speed practices tomorrow and then Friday,” Campbell said on Wednesday. “He looked pretty good last week, so we’ll see.”

As for Reed, he told the media last week that he will be ready to go once called upon, whenever that happens.

“I’m a gamer, so I’m ready,” Reed said. “But that’s not my call. Obviously, they’re going to be smart about it. But if you ask me, I’m ready to play. That’s my mindset.”

Branch was estimated to have missed Wednesday’s practice, but Campbell didn’t seem overly concerned about his status when he talked to the media that afternoon. An official return to practice is a good sign.

“I feel okay. Branch, I think we’re going to be okay,” Campbell said. Adding later, “But I feel good about Branch, a lot better.”

Full practice​

• RB Jacob Saylors (back)
• TE Brock Wright (ankle) — Upgraded from estimated limited practice on Wednesday
• G Miles Frazier (knee, still on PUP) — Days remaining in evaluation: 5
• LB Malcolm Rodriguez (knee)

Saylors has been nursing a back injury for a few weeks now, but he was able to play in last week’s game, and he looks to be on the right path to play against the Giants this Sunday as well.

Wright was upgraded to a full practice on Thursday, but it wouldn’t be surprising if he gets some lighter work this week to ensure he’s ready to step back into TE1 duties this weekend.

Frazier continues to work his way through the PUP process, but with less than a week remaining in his evaluation window, a decision on his status needs to be made by next Wednesday.

Rodriguez was just removed from the PUP this week, so he’ll be on the injury report as the team continues to oversee his reacclimation. He is expected to play against the Giants this weekend, the first time he’s taken the field in nearly a year.

Giants’ injury report​

Starters are bolded

No practice:

• TE Thomas Fidone II (foot)
• EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder)
• CB Paulson Adebo (knee)
• CB Cor’Dale Flott (personal)

Limited practice:

• QB Jaxson Dart (concussion)
• WR Darius Slayton (hamstring) — Upgraded from no practice
• EDGE Chauncey Golston (neck)
• LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (illness) — Upgraded from no practice
• DL Rakeem Núñez-Roches Sr. (toe)
• CB Deonte Banks (hip)
• CB Rico Payton (illness) — Upgraded from no practice
• CB Nic Jones (hamstring) — New injury
• S Tyler Nubin (neck)

Full practice:

• RB Eric Gray (knee, still on PUP)

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...ews-3-starters-return-to-practice-on-thursday

 

[Detroit Lions]

NFL Week 12 staff picks: Moneyline, spread, over/under predictions

The NFL season grinds along, and the playoff picture, at least those who will and won’t be in the mix, is starting to take shape. As it stands right now, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Detroit Lions—top two seeds in the AFC and NFC, respectively—are on the outside looking in, as well as the Minnesota Vikings and Baltimore Ravens. It’s been a wild 11 weeks so far, and it’ll be an exciting race to the finish.

As we have done in past seasons, our staff will be making weekly predictions for every game on the NFL schedule. Each of the Pride of Detroit staff will pick the moneyline (winner of the game, no spread), but some of the members will also pick against the spread and even the over/under lines—there’s an easy-to-use toggle button in the widget below to cycle through the settings and in the week’s ahead, check out our records when it comes to making picks. You can also check out all of the odds for this week’s games courtesy of FanDuel Sportsbook.

We’re back to non-divisional matchups on Thursday night—bummer. At 8:15 p.m. ET over on Amazon Prime, the Buffalo Bills (7-3) take on the Houston Texans (5-5) from NRG Stadium for this week’s installment of “Thursday Night Football.”

Four teams are on bye this week—the Denver Broncos, Miami Dolphins, Los Angeles Chargers, and Washington Commanders—so the NFL has 12 games scheduled for Sunday. The NFL’s International Series has concluded, so no more international football until next season.

The local Detroit audience will have a couple of options to choose from in the 1 p.m. slot. On CBS, most Michigan residents will get a matchup of interest when the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-4) travel to the Windy City to face off with the top dog in the NFC North—the Chicago Bears (7-3). Over on FOX in the same time slot, the Detroit Lions (6-4) host the New York Giants (2-9) to round out your local coverage at 1 p.m. ET. In the late window, FOX has an NFC East showdown between the Philadelphia Eagles (8-2) and Dallas Cowboys (4-5-1) from the Lone Star State at 4:25 p.m. ET.

“Sunday Night Football” closes out the day of football with a matchup between two of the top teams in the NFC when the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-4) travel to California to take on the Los Angeles Rams (8-2) at 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC.

On ABC/ESPN, the San Francisco 49ers (7-4) host the Carolina Panthers (6-5) from Santa Clara for “Monday Night Football” at 8:15 p.m. ET.

Here is who our staff is picking on the moneyline, spread, and over/under for all 14 games on the NFL Week 12 schedule:

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...picks-moneyline-spread-over-under-predictions

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions, Giants injury designations: Terrion Arnold, Kerby Joseph OUT

The Detroit Lions (6-4) and New York Giants (2-9) have declared their injury designations ahead of the Week 12 battle on Sunday afternoon at Ford Field. While the Lions will be missing a couple of starters in their secondary, the Giants will be without their quarterback—a significant blow for their chances on Sunday.

Let’s take a look at the latest injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from the last injury report will be bolded.

Ruled OUT​

• G Miles Frazier (knee, still on PUP) — Days remaining in evaluation: 4
• EDGE Josh Paschal (back, still on NFI) — Days remaining in evaluation: 4
• EDGE Marcus Davenport (shoulder, still on IR) — Days remaining in evaluation: 11
• CB Terrion Arnold (concussion)
• S Kerby Joseph (knee)

Frazier is nearing the end of his injury evaluation window, but as we saw with Malcolm Rodriguez last week, he won’t be activated ahead of this Sunday’s game. The Lions have been working on cross-training him at guard and tackle, in the hopes that when he does return, he’ll be able to contribute as a reserve at multiple spots.

“We’ve really worked him at both spots. I mean, he’s doing some tackle for us, but then he’s kicking in at guard, too,” Campbell said on Friday. “So, right now, we’re just trying to get him—it’s kind of like, alright, well if he’s going to go, he’s got to be able to play multiple spots if something happens.[…] So, he’s kind of doing a little bit of everything right now.”

Paschal is also nearing the end of his injury evaluation window, but whenever Campbell is asked about which players are close to returning, Paschal’s name is not included. That could mean that the Lions plan on waiting to activate him as long as possible, and then, even once activated, he may need more time before being ready to contribute.

Davenport is “close” to returning to game action, per Campbell, but it won’t happen this weekend. The Lions are in no rush to make a decision on Davenport’s status, which may not happen until after Thanksgiving.

Arnold was not able to clear the NFL’s concussion protocol and will need to sit out another game. With a short week next week (the Lions play on Thanksgiving Day), there’s a chance Arnold may be pressed to clear protocols ahead of the Packers game as well.

Joseph’s chances of playing this weekend were “slim,” according to Lions coach Dan Campbell, but the coach insisted the All-Pro safety was making progress towards returning soon.

“Doing better. Doing a lot better, progressing. Progressing, progressing,” Campbell noted on Friday.

Questionable​

• RB Sione Vaki (ankle)
• WR Isaac TeSlaa (oblique)
• RT Penei Sewell (ankle)
• LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
• RG Tate Ratledge (knee)
• C Graham Glasgow (knee)
• CB D.J. Reed (hamstring, still on IR) — Days remaining in evaluation: 11
• CB Khalil Dorsey (wrist) — Started evaluation clock — Days remaining in evaluation: 19

Vaki has been seen at practices this week working off to the side with trainers, suggesting he may need some additional time before he’s ready to fully contribute. That being said, only a small portion of practice is open to the media, and his involvement may increase behind closed doors.

TeSlaa was able to play through his injury last game, and while he was limited in practices, he appears to be on track to play again this Sunday.

Sewell was estimated to have not practiced on Wednesday but was back practicing on Thursday and Friday, suggesting he’s in a good spot to start against the Giants.

Decker didn’t practice on Friday, but that has become a common practice of late as he manages his lingering shoulder injury. At this time, he’s expected to start at left tackle, barring anything unforeseen.

Ratledge was injured in Week 11, but he’s practiced all week and appears to be in a good spot to start on Sunday.

Glasgow’s back injury is behind him, but a knee injury limited him this week. However, he’s been able to practice all week, and expectations are that he should be on track to start at center in this game.

Reed still has over 10 days remaining in his injury evaluation window, but when Campbell was asked if any of the players on the team’s injury list had a chance to play this week, the veteran corner was identified as someone who could pull it off.

“He looks good. He looks good. He looks like he’s back off the injury, he’s running around well,” Campbell said of Reed on Friday. “Certainly, any of that’s going to be the more he gets back on the field and just gets his feet back under him, it’s been a minute, but yet, he’s played a lot of ball too. And so, it’s not going to take very long. It really is like riding a bike. But happy to see him out there, and I know he’s ready to go.”

Dorsey just opened his injury evaluation window, so he’s not expected to be ready for activation after just two practices, but there remains a chance with a questionable designation.

Not listed with an injury designation​

• RB Jacob Saylors (back)
• TE Brock Wright (ankle)
• LB Malcolm Rodriguez (knee)
• S Brian Branch (toe)

Saylors returned from injury last week and practiced in full all of this week, so he looks good to go for Sunday. Expect him to remain in a kick returner role moving forward.

Wright, who will likely be relied upon for TE1 duties for the remainder of the season, has practiced in full this week and doesn’t appear to be limited by his ankle injury.

Rodriguez was removed from the PUP list this week, and after another week of practice, the Lions are expecting him to return to game action this weekend.

“I feel pretty good about Malcolm going (in this game),” Campbell said on Friday.

Branch was estimated to have been unable to practice on Wednesday, but he returned to practice on Thursday and looks to be in a good position to start on Sunday with no injury designation.

Giants’ injury designations​

Giants QB Jaxson Dart has not cleared the NFL’s concussion protocol and has been RULED OUT for this game.

Interim head coach Mike Kafka said QB Jaxson Dart is still in the concussion protocol and has been ruled out for Sunday’s game

— New York Giants (@Giants) November 21, 2025

Here’s Campbell on the Giants turning to Jameis Winston for this game:

“I think the core of what they do, and the pro-style offense itself is not going to change. And I think even if Dart had played, there wasn’t going to be a ton of quarterback run, things of that nature. So, I think run game itself stays intact, I think the pass game – there is some vertical pass game to it. I don’t think it changes a ton. And look, I know Winston very well, man. This guy, he can put it on a dime. He’s not afraid to freaking rip it in there, he’s competitive, smart guy. And so look, he’s going to give him a chance. He’s played a lot of games, man, won a lot of games. But we’ve been prepared for both, we’ve made sure that we prepared just in case if you got a little different flavor with Dart. But we kind of felt like Winston was probably going to be the guy.”

Full injury report (Starters are bolded):

Ruled OUT:

• QB Jaxson Dart (concussion)
• TE Thomas Fidone II (foot)
• EDGE Kayvon Thibodeaux (shoulder)
• CB Paulson Adebo (knee)

Questionable:

• RB Eric Gray (knee, still on PUP)
• CB Deonte Banks (hip)
• S Tyler Nubin (neck)

Not listed with an injury designation:

• WR Darius Slayton (hamstring)
• EDGE Chauncey Golston (neck)
• DL Rakeem Núñez-Roches Sr. (toe)
• LB Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles (illness)
• CB Cor’Dale Flott (personal)
• CB Rico Payton (illness)
• CB Nic Jones (hamstring)

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...-designations-terrion-arnold-kerby-joseph-out

 

[Detroit Lions]

Discussion: Which Detroit Lions players will be key vs. the Giants?

The Detroit Lions may be 12.5-point favorites over the New York Giants this week, but they better not take them lightly. Despite their 2-9 record, the Giants have been scrappy this year. Not only have both of their wins come against teams currently in playoff spots (Chargers, Eagles), but they’ve played almost everyone close, and even held mutli-score leads on several opponents in which they ultimately lost to.

“This team has been in a ton of these games, man,” coach Dan Campbell said this week. “And a few of these games they’ve been up a couple of scores and lost a tight one there a few times. And so they’ve been in most of these games, had a chance to win them, they’re competitive, they play hard. It’s a good unit. I know they made the change (at coach) a week ago, but they had a chance last week again in that game.”

In other words, the Lions will need some elite performances from individuals in order to avoid an upset and stay in the NFC playoff picture.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

Who are the Lions’ key players vs. the Giants?​

My answer: On offense, let’s start up front. Containing Brian Burns will be one of the biggest goals for the offense, which is admittedly no easy task. Burns ranks second in the NFL with 13.0 sacks.

So it will be on the Lions’ tackles to be at the top of their game. Taylor Decker and Penei Sewell are playing pretty well, but they’ll need to be at their best, while both continue to fight off lingering injuries. Additionally, with the amount of stunting that the Giants do, it will be on the veteran tackles to ensure they’re communicating properly with the shaky interior linemen.

Defensively, there will be a lot of pressure on Detroit’s second-level defenders. The linebacking corps will be essential in slowing down the Giants’ efficient running game, even with Giants QB Jaxson Dart declared out for this game and Cam Skattebo out for the year. New York has managed to keep a steady run game throughout it all, and they’ll likely try to lean on it to clock-control the game and keep it close.

Luckily, Campbell has been phenomenal this year. He currently ranks third in PFF grade among linebackers (88.4), with outstanding marks against the run (92.7, first in NFL) and pass rush (75.7, 13th).

Which Lions players do you think are key this week? Share your thoughts in the comment section at the bottom of this page.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...oit-lions-key-players-new-york-giants-preview

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions vs. New York Giants Week 12 preview: 5 key stats

The Lions have now dropped three of their last five games—more than they lost in the entire 2024 regular season—after hitting an unwelcome offensive rock bottom against the Eagles, producing their first single-digit performance (9 points) since that forgettable Week 7, 2023 loss to the Ravens. Sitting third in the NFC North, Detroit once again finds itself—much like in the Commanders matchup—as a hefty favorite against a backup quarterback in what feels like a must-have bounce-back opportunity.

Dan Campbell faces the franchise that drafted him and with whom he spent his first four NFL seasons, though he’ll do so without former coaching partner Brian Daboll, now replaced on an interim basis by Mike Kafka. Kafka’s presence is only one piece of the Giants’ offensive churn in a tumultuous season where Russell Wilson torpedoed his own starting gig, rookie spark plug Jaxson Dart remains out with a concussion, and both enigmatic tornado-in-a-trailer-park running back Cam Skattebo and second-year star receiver Malik Nabers are lost for the season. After finally piecing together a competent offensive line for the first time in over a decade, New York’s skill talent has dropped like flies. Because of this upheaval, this preview leans more toward the opposite side of the ball—where the Giants field the second-most expensive defense in football.

Campbell and several other members of the Lions have emphasized this week that the Giants are better than their 2–9 record suggests. They were particularly frisky in Dart’s starts and sit at 1–4 in one-score games, with late-game collapses against the Cowboys, Broncos, and Bears, plus last week’s loss to the Packers after leading 20–19 midway through the fourth. Detroit will need to fight for a full 60 minutes while continuing to recalibrate an offense still adjusting to life without its usual dominant offensive line or Pro Bowl tight end Sam LaPorta.

This preview dives into five key statistical matchups as the Lions begin a stretch of three games in 18 days, entering Week 12 on the outside looking in at the playoff picture.

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all statistics are sourced from NFL Pro, TruMedia, FTN Fantasy, or Pro Football Reference and exclude garbage time.

Road To Victory

The Lions offense, driven so heavily by its ground game, has been far more volatile this year than it was over the previous two seasons. Detroit’s offensive line hasn’t consistently controlled the point of attack, climbed to the second level, or carved out clean lanes for Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery against the Packers, Chiefs, Vikings, or Eagles. In losses, the Lions are stumbling to just 3.3 yards per rush, a 40.7% rushing success rate, and a 3.5% explosive run rate — the worst yards-per-carry figure of any team in the league in defeats. In contrast, in wins, the rushing offense averages 5.2 yards per rush, a 44.6% success rate, and an 8.2% explosive run rate, showing a clear separation in performance. When the run game fires, the offense hums. When it doesn’t, everything clogs.

Regardless of opponent, Detroit needs to get the rushing attack recalibrated and figure out what this iteration of the offensive line can be counted on to do. But the Giants present an ideal test case — the perfect opponent to learn what’s worth leaning into, what should be shelved, and where Hank Fraley’s group up front can reassert its identity.

New York Giants Season Run Defense

• 5.5 yards/rush (32nd)
• 53.7% rushing success rate (30th)
• -0.14 EPA/rush (32nd)
• 15 rushing touchdowns (t-30th)
• 2.09 rushing yards before contact/rush (31st)
• 3.44 rushing yards after contact/rush (30th)
• 12.8% explosive run rate (31st)

As bad as those numbers are, they actually all get worse when isolating Weeks 7–11, where the Giants are surrendering 6.0 yards per rush and a 14.8% explosive run rate. This is a run defense that is rotting out from the inside.

They’ll also be without one of their few reliable run defenders in Kayvon Thibodeaux this week, and have been without strudy linebacker Micah McFadden for the bulk of the year. This leaves Brian Burns and rookie Abdul Carter — both far better pass rushers than run defenders — handling edge responsibilities. Plus Bobby Okereke, having arguably the roughest season of his career, and the rotating cast next to him (lately Demetrius Flannigan-Fowles) which has offered little support. Most surprisingly, Dexter Lawrence has fallen off a cliff in run defense: his stop rate has plummeted from 11.9% in 2023 (4th among DTs) to just 5.7% (t-87th). Outside of safety Jevon Holland and nickel Andru Phillips, the Giants’ DBs don’t exactly relish the high-speed collisions demanded in run support.

Second-year defensive coordinator Shane Bowen’s unit whiffs at a 22.8% avoided-tackle rate in the run game — one of the worst in football — setting the table for Gibbs and Montgomery to slice through arm tackles and turn small creases into chain-moving gains. If the Lions are going to reestablish their identity and give Jared Goff the cleanest possible runway following last week’s collapse, this is the opponent to do it against.

Gaping Holes Through Gap Scheme

While we’re in the laboratory examining the Giants’ run defense, it’s worth putting their struggles under the microscope for additional context. As noted, their dismal run defense has worsened over a five-game losing streak since Week 7.

New York Giants Run Defense since Week 7 – Man/Duo Runs

• 8.4 yards/rush (31st)
• 52.4% rushing success rate (28th)
• -0.46 EPA/rush (31st)
• 5.7 rushing yards before contact/rush (32nd)
• 2.7 rushing yards after contact/rush (28th)
• 23.8% explosive run rate (32nd)
• 23.9% avoided tackle rate (25th)
• 9.1 yards/attempt vs stacked yards (32nd)

New York Giants Run Defense since Week 7 – Power/Counter Runs

• 7.2 yards/rush (t-30th)
• 53.8% rushing success rate (25th)
• 0.13 EPA/rush (23rd)
• 4.5 rushing yards before contact/rush (32nd)
• 2.7 rushing yards after contact/rush (24th)
• 30.8% explosive run rate (31st)
• 38.5% avoided tackle rate (30th)
• 7.6 yards/attempt vs stacked yards (32nd)

Since Week 7, the Giants have been a sieve against gap-scheme runs, giving Hank Fraley’s front line a tailor-made opportunity to reset the tone. New York is routinely blown off the ball on man/duo concepts and completely unravels against power/counter. Their issues are consistent: a lack of backbone to withstand man-based blocking, linebackers losing track when pullers enter the picture, and a defense unable to tackle or survive—even with stacked boxes.

For Detroit, the blueprint is clear: lean into the gap family, use duo to generate vertical displacement, stress linebackers and tacklers with power/counter, and keep the looks fresh with varied personnel and formations. With Penei Sewell serving as a tone-setting mauler capable of taking over games when allowed to pave the way, the Lions should have every chance to regain their downhill identity and let the ground game stabilize the offense. While the Giants rank in the Top 10 in some zone-blocking metrics during this span, they cannot hold the point of attack against physical run games—meaning their $135M defense struggles to consistently shorten drives, force third-and-longs, and wreak havoc.

Taking a Giant Risk

To counteract some of their run-defense deficiencies, Bowen has increasingly pulled different levers—specifically dialing up second-down pressure in an attempt to force tougher third-down situations. The Giants are outside the Top 15 in first-down blitz rate and outside the Top 20 on third down, but where they try to make an impact is second down. They blitz on 31.8% of dropbacks on second down, trailing only the Vikings and Broncos. Unfortunately, that aggression has not translated to success against opposing quarterbacks.

Giants Second Down Passing Defense When Blitzing

• 74.4% completion percentage (28th)
• 7.3 yards/attempt (18th)
• 114.8 passer rating (23rd)
• 7 passing touchdowns (32nd)
• 58.1% offensive success rate (27th)
• -0.35 EPA/dropback (29th)
• 14.0% explosive pass rate (17th)
• 6.3 YAC/reception (24th)
• 24.5% pressure rate (29th)

The Giants have been their own worst enemy on second-down blitzes, giving up big chunks through the air while generating a worse pressure rate and more yards after the catch than when they drop back into coverage. If New York wants to avoid consistently having the chains moved on them and letting the Lions sustain drives, they’ll need to be more disciplined with second-down pressures and lean on coverage to force mistakes rather than gambling on an ineffective blitz.

Second down has also been a point of struggle for the Lions; since Week 8, they rank 31st in the NFL with a 44.8% offensive success rate, with the Browns offense and their quarterback debacle only being worse.

Overall this season, the Lions passing game and Jared Goff had thrived against the blitz, posting a 119.3 passer rating (4th), 9.4 yards per attempt (2nd), and a 50.0% success rate (8th). Since Week 8, those numbers dip to a 109.4 passer rating (10th), 8.5 yards/attempt (7th), and a 40.0% success rate (22nd), but Goff and Detroit’s offensive line will look to exploit the Giants’ over-aggression, punish blitzes, and complement their hoped-for success in the run game—leaving New York with few defensive answers.

Coverage Management

The defenses with the highest man-coverage rates are the New York Jets at 42.8% (under Aaron Glenn), the Lions at 40.1%, and the Giants close behind in third at 39.3%. Unlike Detroit, which allows only a 35.6% offensive passing success rate in man coverage (4th), the Giants allow a 44.0% success rate (22nd) despite specializing in it. They have seen some success, however, by limiting yards after the catch to 3.6 per reception (4th—just behind the Lions) and recording 12 quick pressures (t-12th). The Lions’ offense, which thrives on yards after the catch, has recently been affected by these quick pressures, occasionally throwing Goff off his rhythm.

Jared Goff, though, has generally excelled against man coverage over his recent Lions career, currently leading the NFL with a 129.1 passer rating and a 51.9% passing success rate (3rd) in such situations. He has recently relied particularly on one weapon to punish defenses that rely on man coverage: Jameson Williams. Since Week 9, Williams leads the NFL with 164 receiving yards against man coverage, with only Pop Douglas (2nd – 104 yards) even also having triple-digit production. In that span, Williams also leads the league with 94 yards after the catch, three receiving touchdowns, and six first downs. Williams has been on a tear and will look to continue exploiting the Giants’ coverage as the Lions return to Ford Field for a three-game homestand.

Jameis & The Giant Protection

While most of this preview has focused on the Giants’ defense, their instability at skill positions—and the smaller sample-size group that will face the Lions—makes one offensive area worth highlighting: the line. For years, particularly during their Super Bowl seasons of 2007 and 2011, the Giants’ offensive line was a resounding strength. Lately, though, it has been… clownish.

From 2020–2024, the Giants allowed a 39.9% pressure rate—the worst in the NFL. They ranked in the bottom five in pressure allowed four of those five seasons, finishing last in 2022 and runner-up twice. For the first time in years, however, New York has built a line that is genuinely respectable.

Left tackle Andrew Thomas is playing at an All-Pro level, while right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor has thrived in his second season with the Giants during a contract year. Both left guard Jon Runyan and veteran right guard Greg Van Roten have performed satisfactorily on the interior. Together, the unit has allowed a 36.7% pressure rate, ranking 17th in the NFL.

This line gives backup quarterback Jameis Winston a real chance to put the Lions’ secondary under duress. Against a pass rush led by Aidan Hutchinson and Alim McNeill—which has been slightly underwhelming at times—the Giants’ improved protection could allow Winston to make plays and keep New York competitive, depending on which version of Winston shows up.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...-vs-detroit-lions-week-12-preview-5-key-stats

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions updated depth chart: Week 12 vs. Giants

Ahead of every Detroit Lions game in 2025, we will provide readers with an updated depth chart of the team’s roster based on information gathered throughout the week. In Week 12, the Detroit Lions (6-4) are back on the road and taking on the New York Giants (2-9).

To help you prepare for this matchup, we have a detailed Lions depth chart that not only ranks all players but also provides the latest news on roster moves, injury statuses, and other relevant developments. For your viewing experience, we have listed the player’s number (in parentheses), bolded the projected starters, and added an asterisk* after the rookies’ names.

Quarterbacks (2)​

• Jared Goff (16)
• Kyle Allen (8)

Running back (5)​

• Jahmyr Gibbs (0)
• David Montgomery (5)
• Sione Vaki (33) — ankle — Questionable
• Jacob Saylors (25) — back — Not listed with an injury designation
• Craig Reynolds (13)

Wide receiver (5)​

• Amon-Ra St. Brown (14)
• Jameson Williams (1)
• Kalif Raymond (11)
• Isaac TeSlaa* (18) — oblique — Questionable
• Dominic Lovett* (19)

Tight end (3)​

• Brock Wright (89) — ankle — Not listed with an injury designation
• Ross Dwelley (82)
• Anthony Firkser (86) — elevated from the practice squad for this game

Injured list:

• Sam LaPorta (87), Reserve/IR (back), eligible to return in Week 15
• Shane Zylstra (84), Reserve/IR (ankle), eligible to return at any time

Projected offensive line (8)​

Projected Starters

• LT Taylor Decker (68) — shoulder — Questionable
• LG Kayode Awosika (74)
• C Graham Glasgow (60) — knee — Questionable
• RG Tate Ratledge (69) — knee — Questionable
• RT Penei Sewell (58) — ankle — Questionable

Reserves

• LT Dan Skipper (70)
• C/G Trystan Colon (57)
• C/G Michael Niese (62)

Injured list:

• G Miles Frazier* (71) — Reserve/PUP — injury evaluation clock has opened
• OT Giovanni Manu (59) — Reserve/IR (knee) — eligible to return at any time
• LG Christian Mahogany (73) — Reserve/IR (broken leg) — eligible to return in Week 14

Defensive end (4)​

• DE Aidan Hutchinson (97)
• DE Al-Quadin Muhammad (96)
• 4i Tyler Lacy (78)
• DE Tyrus Wheat (99)

Injured list:

• DE Josh Paschal (93) — Reserve/NFI — injury evaluation clock has opened
• DE Marcus Davenport (92) — Reserve/IR (pectoral) — injury evaluation clock has opened

Defensive tackle (6)​

• 3T Alim McNeill (54)
• NT DJ Reader (98)
• 3T Tyleik Williams* (91)
• NT Roy Lopez (51)
• DL Mekhi Wingo (94)
• DL Quinton Jefferson (79)

Linebacker (6)​

• MIKE Jack Campbell (46)
• WILL Alex Anzalone (34)
• SAM Derrick Barnes (55)
• WILL/MIKE Malcolm Rodriguez (44) — removed from PUP — knee — Not listed with a designation
• SAM/MIKE Trevor Nowaske (53)
• WILL Grant Stuard (15)

Injured list:

• MIKE Zach Cunningham (52) — Reserve/ IR (hamstring) — eligible to return in Week 13

Cornerback (6)​

• CB D.J. Reed (4) — activated from IR on Saturday
• CB/NB Amik Robertson (21)
• NB Arthur Maulet (27)
• CB Rock Ya-Sin (23)
• CB Khalil Dorsey (30) — activated from IR on Saturday
• CB Nick Whiteside (38)
• CB Terrion Arnold (6) — concussion — Ruled OUT

Safety (4)​

• S Brian Branch (32) — toe — Not listed with an injury designation
• S Thomas Harper (12)
• NB/S Avonte Maddox (29)
• S Daniel Thomas (2)
• S Kerby Joseph (31) — knee — Ruled OUT

Specialists (3)​

P Jack Fox (3)
K Jake Bates (39)
LS Hogan Hatten (49)

Kick/punt returners​

• Punt return — Kalif Raymond (11)
• Kick return — Jacob Saylors (25) and Kalif Raymond (11) or Sione Vaki (33)

Kick coverage specialists​

• Kickoffs — Jake Bates (39)
• Holder — Jack Fox (3)
• Gunners — Khalil Dorsey (30) and S Daniel Thomas (2) or Isaac TeSlaa* (18)
• Personal protector (PP) — Grant Stuard (15)

At a glance, look at the Lions’ projected depth chart for this game:​

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...s-updated-depth-chart-week-12-new-york-giants

 

[Detroit Lions]

Amon-Ra St. Brown called for Jahmyr Gibbs’ game-winner vs. Giants

Before Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs blasted through the New York Giants’ defensive line for a 69-yard, go-ahead touchdown on the first play of overtime, Amon-Ra St. Brown had a feeling. Gibbs had been nearly unstoppable on the day, rushing for 150 yards on just 14 carries, and St. Brown pleaded with Lions coaches to go right back to him.

“The craziest thing ever. Overtime’s starting. I told (receiver coach/assistant head caoch) Scottie Montgomery, ‘Scottie, let’s run the ball. Trust me, we’ve just got to run in,‘” St. Brown said. “Scottie’s like, ‘Yeah, I agree. Let’s do it.’ I told (running backs coach Tashard) Choice, ‘Just run it.’

Then, when they took the field, St. Brown told both Gibbs and right tackle Penei Sewell to be ready.

“I don’t even know the play at this point. I’m like, ‘Penei, we’re going right. Jahmyr’s about to score. We’re about to score,’” St. Brown said.

Gibbs heard it, and that’s all he needed to hear.

“He said, ‘Score.’ I was like, ‘Bet,’” Gibbs said.

Sure enough, the Lions called Gibbs’ number, and ran a play—duo—right behind Sewell, who made one of the key blocks to spring the Lions’ running back.

“He’s dang good at duo,” Jared Goff said of Gibbs. “We were running it behind Penei and Tate (Ratledge), and they are really good at that deuce block up to the backer. It’s been a good run for us, and that’s not the first time he’s taken that exact play to the house.”

Gibbs to the HOUSE #NYGvsDET FOX pic.twitter.com/3ELgGitRYf

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 23, 2025

Gibbs finished with 219 yards—a career-high—on just 15 carries. It clears his previous high (152) by a significant margin, and it’s the second-most rushing yards from a back in a single game this season, just behind Colts’ Jonathan Taylor, who rushed for 244 yards in Week 10.

Even coach Dan Campbell had a feeling Gibbs may call game.

“I had a good feeling, I think we all did, about Gibbs,” Campbell said. “He just—you could feel it today. We were blocking him pretty good, and it was just, it was a good job. And he finished it.”

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...called-for-jahmyr-gibbs-game-winner-vs-giants

 

[Detroit Lions]

Updated NFL playoff picture: Detroit Lions get little help in Week 12

The Detroit Lions got back to their winning ways with a nail-biting victory over the New York Giants. Unfortunately, Detroit didn’t get much help in the playoff race, as they maintain a spot out of the playoff picture. However, their win over the Giants ensured they didn’t fall any further behind. And there’s a small chance Detroit slides into a spot at the end of “Monday Night Football.”

Let’s take a look at the entire NFC playoff picture through every Week 12 game but Monday night’s contest.

NFC North standings through Week 12​

1. Bears: 8-3
2. Packers: 7-3-1
3. Lions: 7-4
4. Vikings: 4-7

The Bears continue to eke out wins, and now they’re just one win away from guaranteeing their first winning season since 2018. However, Chicago’s upcoming schedule will tell a lot about the team. Here are their final six games:

• at Eagles (8-3)
• at Packers (7-3-1)
• vs. Browns (3-8)
• vs. Packers (7-3-1)
• at 49ers (7-4)
• vs. Lions (7-4)

With the Bears and Packers still to face each other twice, the Lions will have an opportunity to gain ground or surpass both them. Of course, the Lions still have a game against both teams, too, including this Thursday’s game against the Packers.

The Vikings, now four games behind the Bears, need an absolute miracle to win the division, and they probably have to win out for even a small chance to make the playoffs.

NFC playoff standings through Week 12​

Division leaders:

1. Rams: 9-2
2. Eagles: 8-3
3. Bears: 8-3
4. Buccaneers: 6-5

Wild Card teams (top three advance):

1. Seahawks: 8-3
2. Packers: 7-3-1
3. 49ers: 7-4*
4. Lions: 7-4
5. Panthers: 6-5*
6. Cowboys: 5-5-1
7. Falcons: 4-7
8. Vikings: 4-7
9. Cardinals: 3-8
10. Commanders: 3-8
11. Saints: 2-9
12. Giants: 2-10

*plays on Monday night

On Sunday, our Week 12 rooting guide went 1-6, with the only favorable outcome being a relatively meaningless Jaguars win over the now 3-8 Cardinals. The only teams above the Lions in the standing who lost were the Eagles—a team Detroit is unlikely to catch after last week’s head-to-head loss—and the Buccaneers. The NFC South is now suddenly wide open with the Bucs on a three-game losing streak and Baker Mayfield in a sling. But it doesn’t seem likely two teams from that division make the playoffs, so it may not matter.

Instead, Lions fans should really focus on four teams. It’s oversimplifying it, but the Lions, Bears, Packers, and 49ers appear to be fighting for three spots (assuming Rams, Eagles, Seahawks, and the NFC South winner take up the other three). Root like hell for the Bears, Packers, and 49ers to lose every game they possibly can, and that starts with Monday night’s tilt between the 49ers and Panthers. The Cowboys are also threatening to enter the conversation, but they have games against the Chiefs, Lions, and Chargers still on their docket.

If you’re wondering why the 49ers hold a spot over the Lions right now, it’s because they hold the conference record tiebreaker over Detroit. San Francisco is 7-2 in conference play to the Lions’ 4-3.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...playoff-picture-detroit-lions-no-help-week-12

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions, Giants snap counts: How defense adjusted to 3 players returning from IR/PUP

The Detroit Lions (7-4) pulled out a win over the New York Giants (2-10) in overtime in Week 12, overcoming several self-inflicted mistakes and holding off a scappy team that put it all on the line. The Lions slightly altered their approach on both sides of the ball this week and may have given some hints about how they plan to deploy their personnel moving forward.

Let’s take a look at how the Lions utilized their personnel against the Giants in Week 12.

Quarterbacks:​

• Jared Goff: 68 snaps (100%)
• Kyle Allen: 0 (0%)

Goff had a better game than in Week 11, finding ways to escape pressure and pushing the ball into tough spots. While he ended with a decent stat line—28 of 42 for 279 yards, 2 TD, an interception, and a 91.3 passer rating—it certainly could have been better, as Lions receivers dropped, at least, five passes in this game.

Running backs:​

• Jahmyr Gibbs: 50 (74%)
• David Montgomery: 23 (34%)
• Sione Vaki: 0 (0%) — special teams snaps 20 (62%)
• Jacob Saylors: 0 (0%) — 20 (62%)
• Craig Reynolds: Inactive

With a career-high 264 all-purpose yards and three touchdowns, including the game-winning score, Gibbs has once again made the case that he should be in the conversation for best player in the NFL. While the Lions likely entered this game looking to split Gibbs’ carries with Montgomery, it quickly became clear that they had no answer for Gibbs, and the Lions leaned on him to carry them to victory.

Gibbs to the HOUSE #NYGvsDET FOX pic.twitter.com/3ELgGitRYf

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 23, 2025

Wide receivers:​

• Amon-Ra St. Brown: 66 (97%)
• Jameson Williams: 66 (97%)
• Isaac TeSlaa: 28 (41%) — 9 (28%)
• Kalif Raymond: 27 (40%) — 8 (25%)
• Dominic Lovett: 0 (0%) — 2 (6%)

With tight end Sam LaPorta on injured reserve, the Lions have leaned on their receivers more, and that shows up in their snap counts. Not only are St. Brown and Williams seeing slight upticks in their snaps, but TeSlaa and Raymond have also seen their time on the field increase.

Raymond injured his ankle in this game, which opened up the door for more TeSlaa opportunities to increase, and on a short week, the Lions may need their rookie to step into a WR3 role against the Packers on Thanksgiving Day.

Tight ends:​

• Brock Wright: 60 (88%) — 6 (19%)
• Dan Skipper: 15 (22%) — 6 (19%)
• Ross Dwelley: 3 (4%) — 7 (22%)
• Anthony Firkser: 2 (3%) — 11 (34%)

While still technically an offensive lineman, I’m grouping Skipper in with the tight ends because that’s how the Lions are using him right now. With Wright elevated into LaPorta’s TE1 role, the Lions need a reliable run blocker that they feel comfortable lining up in space as their TE2, and the 6-foot-10 Skipper fits the bill. The towering offensive tackle will line up in-line, in the slot, and even out wide. And while they haven’t thrown the ball to him in 2025, defenses are surely aware of his 2024 touchdown reception and have to account for him when defending.

Offensive line:​

• Graham Glasgow: 68 (100%) — 6 (19%)
• Kayode Awosika: 68 (100%) — 6 (19%)
• Tate Ratledge: 68 (100%) — 6 (19%)
• Penei Sewell: 68 (100%)
• Taylor Decker: 68 (100%)
• Trystan Colon: 0 (0%) — 6 (19%)
• Michael Niese: 0 (0%) — 6 (19%)

For the first time in nearly a month, the Lions did not suffer an in-game injury to an offensive lineman. Of course, they had four players carrying a questionable injury designation into the game, but they all managed to play through their ailments.

Defensive end:​

• Aidan Hutchinson: 77 (94%) — 1 (3%)
• Al-Quadin Muhammad: 31 (38%) — 6 (19%)
• Tyler Lacy: 20 (24%) — 6 (19%)
• Tyrus Wheat: 5 (6%) — 18 (56%)

After leaning on Muhammad and Lacy opposite Hutchinson for the majority of the season, the Lions continue to incorporate more Alim McNeill on the edge in their 4i (big set) role, primarily used to stop the run. And while most fans seem disappointed with the Lions’ choice to deploy more big sets than traditional pass rushers, Detroit is getting the results it wants against the run.

The Giants' 25.6% rushing success rate vs. the Lions was their worst performance of the season.

— Jeremy Reisman (@DetroitOnLion) November 24, 2025

However, with the Lions soon to return Josh Paschal and Marcus Davenport from injury, look for this room to switch things up again in the near future.

Defensive tackle:​

• Alim McNeill: 69 (84%) — 6 (19%)
• DJ Reader: 46 (56%) — 1 (3%)
• Tyleik Williams: 45 (55%)
• Roy Lopez: 30 (37%) — 6 (19%)
• Mekhi Wingo: Inactive
• Quinton Jefferson: Inactive

With McNeill spending some time on the edge, it opens up the Lions’ usage of defensive tackles. Leaning on four big bodies on the interior line goes against modern norms, but again, this is all done with the mindset of stopping the run, first and foremost.

Linebacker:​

• Jack Campbell: 82 (100%) — 7 (22%)
• Alex Anzalone: 79 (96%)
• Derrick Barnes: 66 (80%) — 5 (16%)
• Malcolm Rodriguez: 4 (5%) — 26 (81%)
• Trevor Nowaske: 0 (0%) — 25 (78%)
• Grant Stuard: 0 (0%) — 25 (78%)

After deploying three linebackers nearly 100% of defensive snaps the last several weeks, the Lions scaled back the usage of Anzalone and Barnes a tick this week. They’re still amongst the league leaders in this usage (if not the leader) because of the versatility each brings to the Lions’ scheme.

Rodriguez was activated off PUP this week and made a solo special teams tackle on the opening play of the game. Like Zach Cunningham—before he landed on injured reserve—Rodriguez found the field on defense for a handful of snaps in goal line and short yardage stacked fronts.

Cornerback:​

• Amik Robertson: 79 (96%) — 1 (3%)
• Rock Ya-Sin: 70 (85%) — 12 (38%)
• D.J. Reed: 31 (38%)
• Arthur Maulet: 5 (6%) — 2 (6%)
• Khalil Dorsey: 0 (0%) — 18 (56%)
• Nick Whiteside: Inactive
• Terrion Arnold: Inactive (injury)

Reed was activated off injured reserve and was eased back into game action. On most downs, the Lions deployed Robertson and Ya-Sin on the outside, with Reed spelling Ya-Sin on a handful of snaps. However, when the Lions shifted into subpackage looks, they took two approaches: Using Reed and Ya-Sin on the outside with Robertson in the slot, or Robertson and Ya-Sin/Reed on the outside with Maulet in the slot. Dorsey, who also returned from injured reserve this week, got his feet wet on special teams.

Look for Reed and Dorsey’s roles to grow in the coming weeks.

Safety:​

• Brian Branch: 82 (100%) — 6 (19%)
• Thomas Harper: 81 (99%) — 1 (3%)
• Daniels Thomas: 0 (0%) — 25 (78%)
• Avonte Maddox: 0 (0%) — 2 (6%)
• Kerby Joseph: Inactive (injury)

Pretty straightforward safety usage, with the only real change coming with Maddox, who saw his special teams role reduced, likely due to the return of Dorsey.

Specialists:​

• Jake Bates: 12 (38%)
• Jack Fox: 11 (34%)
• Hogan Hatten: 11 (34%)

After a few weeks of working through errors, the Lions’ special teams unit bounced back in a big way. Not only did Bates hit a 59-yard field goal to send the game into overtime, but Fox got a game ball from coach Dan Campbell after dropping four punts inside the 20, with two reaching inside the 10-yard line.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...e-adjusted-to-3-players-returning-from-ir-pup

 

[Detroit Lions]

Detroit Lions scouting report: Packers’ strengths, weaknesses, key injuries

Not everything needs a sequel, but the Detroit Lions are excited for their second battle with the Green Bay Packers. After getting boat raced in the season opener, losing 27-13, now the Packers come to Ford Field on Thanksgiving, where the Lions hope to serve up a victory for the fans on the holiday afternoon.

After starting 2-0 and being perceived as Super Bowl favorites, the Packers have taken a step back from being the top team in the league. They’re still one of the top teams in the NFC, but with some questionable performances, they aren’t as strong as they first appeared. Both of these teams need to win, as they’re behind the Chicago Bears in the NFC North race, and the winner can get a stronger grasp at trying to regain the lead.

Let’s take a look at the Packers in my Week 13 scouting report.

Green Bay Packers​

2025 season thus far (7-3-1)​

Week 1: Defeated the Detroit Lions 27-13
Week 2: Defeated the Washington Commanders 27-18
Week 3: Lost to the Cleveland Browns 13-10
Week 4: Tied the Dallas Cowboys 40-40
Week 5: BYE
Week 6: Defeated the Cincinnati Bengals 27-18
Week 7: Defeated the Arizona Cardinals 27-23
Week 8: Defeated the Pittsburgh Steelers 35-25
Week 9: Lost to the Carolina Panthers 16-13
Week 10: Lost to the Philadelphia Eagles 10-7
Week 11: Defeated the New York Giants 27-20
Week 12: Defeated the Minnesota Vikings 23-6

Stats:

• 13th in points scored, 5th in points allowed
• 6th in DVOA
• 8th in offensive DVOA (4th in pass DVOA, 13th in run DVOA)
• 9th in defensive DVOA (9th pass DVOA, 17th in run DVOA)
• 23rd in special teams DVOA

They say Week 1 is a mirage and that statement has been wishy washy this season. There have been some surprises since what’s happened in Week 1, but the league is somewhat sticking to what went down back in September. A big talking point after Week 1 was how the Packers looked like a Super Bowl contender with how they dismantled the Lions. Since then, they’ve been brought down to earth a bit and while still in the playoff discussion, aren’t as dominant as people thought.

Quarterback Jordan Love has thrown for 2,560 yards (11th) and has 15 passing touchdowns (16th) but he’s not been able to come up big this season when the team’s needed him the most. After starting out strong, his last three games have been forgettable, averaging a 58.8 completion percentage, 163 yards, and not even a touchdown per game at 0.6. He’s not turning the football over, with only three interceptions on the year, and maybe his newest injury his hindering him, but he certainly isn’t winning this team any football games lately.

The running game the past three weeks has had to do some of the heavy lifting, as running back Josh Jacobs found the end zone against the Eagles with rushing 74 yards, but only got 40 against the Giants and missed last week due to his injury. Backup Emanuel Wilson had his best game in the start against the Vikings last week. Rushing for 107 yards and two touchdowns, he was the offense for the team.

The Packers receiving core still doesn’t have a standout WR1, despite drafting one in the first round this year in Matthew Golden. Their top receiver currently is Romeo Doubs, who has 41 catches for 522 yards and six touchdowns, but their leader in touchdowns was tight end Tucker Kraft who is done for the season with a torn ACL. Christian Watson has been a big boost for the receiver room, as his return from injury has shoved him back into the spotlight with 17 catches for 283 yards and two touchdowns in five games.

When it comes to the defense, though, that is the best side of the football for this team. Defensive end Micah Parsons continues to be one of the best pass rushers in the NFL with 10 sacks, fifth-best in the league. With Parsons demanding more attention, that means EDGE Rashan Gary can have more chances at the quarterback and he’s making the most of it with 7.5 sacks this season. The secondary has been playing great, too, leading the NFL in fewest yards per attempt at 5.9, allowing 2176 yards (fifth-best), and just 13 touchdowns (tied for seventh-best). Safeties Evan Williams and Xavier McKinney have been doing their best to create turnovers with five interceptions between them and a fumble recovery.

Green Bay hasn’t had a difficult schedule so far, and the only other win they have over a team with a record over .500 is against the Steelers. They’ve lost to the Browns and Panthers, and tied with the Cowboys—not the best kinds of losses and ties you want on your record. Their schedule sees a tick up in difficultly starting this week as the Lions will want revenge from their first meeting. They still have to play the Bears twice, along with the Denver Broncos and Baltimore Ravens. If the Packers want to make the playoffs, they’ll need to win at least three to four of their remaining six.

Injury notes

Key players ruled out: OL Elgton Jenkins (IR), TE Tucker Kraft (IR)

Key players to monitor: QB Jordan Love (shoulder), RB Josh Jacobs (knee), WR Jayden Reed (IR), CB Keisean Nixon (neck), DL Karl Brooks (ankle), WR Matthew Golden (shoulder/wrist), CB Nate Hobbs (knee), LB Quay Walker (neck), EDGE Lukas Van Ness (foot), WR Dontayvion Wicks (calf), WR Savion Williams (foot), OT Zach Tom (back), LB Edgerrin Cooper (foot/shoulder), S Javon Bullard (ankle)

Compared to the season-opener, Green Bay is dealing with more injuries this time around. Starting with the offense, offensive linemen Jenkins is on IR and will miss this week, though he should return this season. Love is dealing with a shoulder injury on his non-throwing arm, so he should play and didn’t appear to have any setbacks against the Vikings. Jacobs will be the biggest name to watch as he was a game-time decision in Week 12. On a short week, he could return to the field. Starting right tackle Zach Tom was limited in practice with a back injury; he will probably play, in my opinion.

The wide receiver room has been dealing with injuries left and right. First, Reed started practicing last Friday in his return from the IR, but I think, on a short week again, he won’t have enough time to return this week. Golden and Wicks were limited in practice, while Williams missed it with his foot injury. The only fully healthy wide receiver on the roster is Watson, as he was a full participant in practice.

Looking at the defense, the secondary is dealing with some injuries, as Hobbs and Bullard were limited in practice, while Nixon missed it with a neck injury. The front four has some bodies limited, as Walker and Cooper were limited in practice, while Brooks and Van Ness missed. The defense is the backbone of this team, so if they are down starters in almost every position, things could be rough for them on Thursday.

Biggest strength: Pass rush

When it comes to the Packers defense, they’re playing good football and it was tough to determine which was the better unit between the pass rush and the secondary. I ended up leaning towards the rush. The Packers are only tied for 10th in the NFL with 29 sacks, but it’s more than just the sacks for them. They have the fourth lowest blitz percentage at 17.7 percent and only two teams with a lower percentage are doing better than them on the rush (Seattle Seahawks and Los Angeles Rams). According to PFF, they have the fifth-highest pass rush grade at 81.3.

Sack city in Green Bay. Micah Parsons and Devonte Wyatt are eating pic.twitter.com/s2HGaSbcaD

— Lily Zhao (@LilySZhao) November 23, 2025

The biggest draw for them is obviously Parsons, who has the highest pass rush grade per PFF at 92.9 and has the third most pressures in the NFL at 60. Gary is loving the attention Parsons is drawing as he is getting more one-on-one opportunities and if he’s not hitting home, he’s getting pressure on the quarterback. The Packers have the eighth most pressures at 92, they’re 10th in pressure rate at 22.3 percent, and seventh in quarterback knockdowns at 35.

When this pass rush gets home, they win games. Their worst performances came against the Eagles, Panthers, and Cowboys where they had two sacks combined. If an offense can scheme around their pass rush or have its offensive line hold up, it can be the reason Green Bay loses.

Biggest weakness: Running game

Despite the Packers having a solid starting back in Jacobs, the running game isn’t as strong and effective as the team is used to. Not only is Jacobs currently dealing with an injury, but when healthy, he’s not having the impact he’s used to having with the football. He has 11 touchdowns, second-most in the NFL, but it’s mostly off short-yardage attempts. While he’s scoring frequently, when you average 3.8 yards a carry, it’s tough to give your offense life.

Explosive plays can help keep your offense moving, and when your offense has to rely on the passing game to move the sticks or get a critical first down, it makes you more predictable. Without looking, how many rushes do you think the Packers have over 20 yards?

The answer is one, and it wasn’t even by Jacobs.

The longest run was by Love, who ran for 25 yards. Jacobs’ longest rush is 18 yards, and Wilson’s longest was for 12 yards. The Packers are used to having some sort of balance on the ground to give its quarterback some breathing room, but this year it’s not happening. The offensive line is ranked 21st in run blocking per PFF at 59.1 so while they can get some of the blame, you can’t ignore who’s carrying the football either.

Key matchup: Lions’ offensive line vs. Packers’ defensive line

Last time these two teams battled, the biggest talking point for the Lions was how poorly their offensive line played. With two young guards, it was a big learning moment for not just the players but the Detroit coaches, too. This time, the line has more experience, and left guard Christian Mahogany is out with an injury, replaced by Kayode Awosika.

Communication was a big talking point about the failures for Detroit in Week 1, and we saw the Lions put up 50 points the following week at home against the Bears. Now at home, and with more reps together, can the Lions do a better job at stopping the Packers defensive line led by Parsons? All of the starters outside of Awosika are currently battling an injury, so that increases the difficulty in their task. If the Lions can keep Goff clean and quickly strike against the Packers defense, they might feast Thanksgiving afternoon.

Vegas line for Sunday: Lions favored by 3

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...een-bay-packers-strengths-weaknesses-injuries

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions waive 3, make room for players returning from injury

On Tuesday, the Detroit Lions announced that they have released three players from their active roster: defensive lineman Quinton Jefferson, cornerback Nick Whiteside, and nickelback Arthur Maulet—confirming a report from earlier in the day. These moves were presumably made in order to make room for multiple players returning from injury ahead of their Week 13 matchup with the Green Bay Packers on Thanksgiving Day.

Jefferson, a veteran defensive lineman, was originally brought in to help the Lions’ defensive line with depth. He was only active in Week 6, played on 14 defensive snaps, and did not record a stat. He’s been a weekly healthy scratch since. While Jefferson provided some veteran leadership, the return of Alim McNeill from PUP, combined with extra roster space needed, surely led the Lions to make this decision.

Whiteside joined the Lions mid-training camp, was released at cutdowns, then re-signed to the team in Week 6. Whiteside played a vital role in the Lions’ Week 7 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, as part of the Legion of Whom, but has mainly been a special teamer since the Lions’ bye week. After the Lions returned D.J. Reed and Khalil Dorsey from injury last week, Whiteside was a healthy scratch in a suddenly loaded secondary. It wouldn’t be surprising to see the Lions make an effort to return him to the practice squad.

Maulet was likely let go for a lot of the same reasons just laid out when discussing Whiteside, and could also be a candidate for a spot on the practice squad, as he was the Lions’ starting nickel corner for a handful of weeks.

Additionally, the Lions also announced that they have re-signed defensive back Erick Hallett to the practice squad. Hallet has terrific positional versatility and can play all five spots in the secondary, but with veteran Avonte Maddox on the active roster, the younger Hallett can use this time to further develop.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...3-make-room-for-players-returning-from-injury

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions, Packers injury news: Kerby Joseph not expected to play in Week 13

The Detroit Lions (7-4) and Green Bay Packers (7-3-1) will face off on Thursday in Week 13, and as a result, both teams’ practices will only be walk-throughs. That means all practice participation levels are estimates based on projections from coaches, had a typical practice been held.

Let’s take a look at the latest injury report and get you up to date with what we know. Note: Any changes from the last injury report will be bolded.

No practice​

• WR Kalif Raymond (ankle)
• TE Brock Wright (neck)
• C Graham Glasgow (knee)
• EDGE Josh Paschal (back, still on NFI) — Downgraded on Tuesday — Days remaining in evaluation: 0
• S Kerby Joseph (knee)

Following last Sunday’s game, things didn’t look good for Raymond to play this Thursday. However, Lions coach Dan Campbell isn’t ready to rule him out just yet. While the ankle is “stiff” and “swollen,” Campbell said they’d need to see how he was doing on Wednesday before making a decision.

Wright swapped out an ankle injury for a neck injury in Week 13 and has been estimated to have missed two practices, which is not ideal on a short week. If Wright can’t go, the Lions would need to turn to Ross Dwelley, who played a TE3 role all season.

Glasgow has been dealing with a knee injury for two weeks now, so it’s not out of the question that he took Monday off as a precaution. However, a second missed practice raises some concerns. The Lions will be hoping for good news on Wednesday, or they may need to turn to Trystan Colon at center.

Paschal is on the final day of his injury evaluation window, and while he’s appeared to have made steady incremental progress, an 11th-hour downgrade raises some red flags. While he’s expected to be activated to the 53-man roster very soon, this could be an indicator that he’s not ready to return, and with no more days remaining for evaluation, he may end up being shut down for the year.

Joseph hasn’t formally been ruled out for this week’s game, but Campbell noted that he doesn’t expect him to be available for Thursday’s game. This will be his sixth game missed, but Campbell believes it’s for the best in the long term.

“To Kerby’s credit, man, he is rehabbing, he’s putting in the work,” Campbell said on Tuesday. “He knows the work he’s putting in now will hopefully keep us from having to ride this wave up and down. ‘OK, he’s back, now he’s not able to go.’ That’s kind of what all this is about, is man, getting him to a point (where) we strengthen some of these; stabilize some of this, the muscles in this area, and get him to where, ‘Alright, here we go, man.’ Doesn’t mean it’s going to alleviate some of the pain, but it’s going to make him feel a lot better, and he will be more than functional. He will be able to produce and be ready for the next week.”

Limited practice​

• RB Sione Vaki (ankle/thumb)
• RB Jacob Saylors (back/knee)
• WR Isaac TeSlaa (hand)
• RT Penei Sewell (ankle)
• LT Taylor Decker (shoulder)
• RG Tate Ratledge (knee)
• CB Terrion Arnold (concussion)

Vaki added a thumb injury to his injury list this week, but he has been managing to play through his injuries of late and has a chance to continue that path this week.

Saylors, like Vaki, added another injury to the list this week, but he’s estimated to have been able to practice, which is a good sign for his ability to play against the Packers.

TeSlaa swapped out an oblique injury for a hand injury this week, but he’s still been estimated to have practiced, which is a good thing considering Raymond’s status is cloudy at the moment. At this time, the rookie appears in line for a WR3 role.

“He’s gotten better and better and better. And we are, we’re asking him to do more,” Campbell said of TeSlaa on Tuesday. “And so, I do believe it’s going to come. I do believe he’ll get an uptick in production; he’ll get used a little bit more here. But I like where he’s at, he’s doing a good job.”

Sewell is likely going to take things a bit slow this week, as they finally had a game without him incurring a new injury. There doesn’t appear to be any major concerns surrounding his ankle, with regard to availability this week.

Decker typically takes days off to rest his shoulder, so it’s not overly surprising to see him estimated to be taking things easy this week. A day off wouldn’t be out of the norm, even in a week of walkthroughs.

Ratledge, like Sewell, is a full week removed from his ankle injury, and he managed to play every snap last weekend, and should be on track to start on Thursday.

Arnold continues to work his way through the NFL’s concussion protocol. Campbell noted that Arnold cleared the first hurdle on Monday and can take the necessary steps to clear protocols, even without the team holding a formal practice. He still has more steps to complete, but they’re hopeful he can return.

Full practice​

• G Miles Frazier (knee, still on PUP) — Days remaining in evaluation: 0
• EDGE Marcus Davenport (shoulder, still on IR) — Days remaining in evaluation: 7
• S Brian Branch (toe/ankle) — Upgraded from limited

Frazier is in the final days of their injury evaluation window, and a decision on his status is imminent.
He’s been estimated to have practiced fully this week, and a move to the active roster is expected.

Davenport still has a week remaining in his injury evaluation window, but Campbell continues to reiterate that there’s a chance the edge rusher can return to the field this week.

“It would be big to be able to get him back,” Campbell said on Tuesday. “He’s done a lot to get back. the amount of work that he’s put in and the amount of rehab. And look, it’s not his fault things have happened. All you can do is go back to work and do everything you can to return and get your body healed up and come back better than you were. And he’s done everything that that requires. So, we’re hopeful. He walked through yesterday, he’s going to walk through again today, and we’ll see.”

While there are still hurdles to jump through, Campbell said it will come down to how Davenport “feels” this week, and if he believes he’ll be ready to go, there’s a chance we’ll see him on Thanksgiving Day.

Of note, the Lions have reportedly already informed nickelback Arthur Maulet that they will be releasing him, with the expectation being that this will open up one of the necessary spots.

Branch had a second injury added to his ailment list this week, but he’s estimated to have been able to practice through them and was upgraded to a full practice on Tuesday, which is an encouraging sign that he’s on track to play on Thanksgiving.

Packers’ injury report​

Note: Starters are bolded.

Did not practice

• WR Savion Williams (foot)
• EDGE Lukas Van Ness (foot)
• DL Karl Brooks (ankle)

Limited practice

• RB Josh Jacobs (knee)
• WR Matthew Golden (wrist)
• WR Jayden Reed (foot/shoulder, still on IR)
• WR Dontayvion Wicks (calf)
• RT Zach Tom (back)
• LB Quay Walker (neck)
• LB Edgerrin Cooper (foot/shoulder)
• CB Nate Hobbs (knee)
• CB Keisean Nixon (neck) — Upgraded to limited practice
• S/NB Javon Bullard (ankle)

Full practice

• WR Romeo Doubs (wrist)
• QB Jordan Love (left shoulder)
• WR Christian Watson (knee)

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...-kerby-joseph-not-expected-to-play-in-week-13

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions News: National predictions for Detroit Lions vs. Green Bay Packers

Gather ye stuffed turkey hats, the Thanksgiving Day game in Detroit is back again.

A holiday tradition for many families here in Michigan, the Detroit Lions will welcome the Green Bay Packers to a rematch on their home turf on Thursday afternoon.

The Week 1 loss to the Packers 27-13 sent many into a tailspin that was quickly corrected the following week and basically each week since. The Lions are looking to settle the score, but a few national NFL analysts and writers aren’t quite sure they can pull it off.

Here are your Week 13 predictions, thoughts, and score predictions:

CBS Sports’ John Breech: Packers 20, Lions 17

“If this turns into a defensive battle, I think the Packers win. If this turns into a shootout, I think the Lions win. In their past nine Thanksgiving games, the Lions haven’t topped 25 points a single time, so I’m going to go ahead and say a shootout doesn’t happen. Turkey won’t be the only thing swallowed on Thursday, Goff is going to get swallowed up by the Packers defense.”

Sporting News’ Bill Bender: Lions 28, Packers 20

“This is more about the Packers’ offense. Will Matt LaFleur be as aggressive as he was the last time Green Bay played Detroit on Thanksgiving? Injuries to Tucker Kraft and Josh Jacobs have slowed down that offense, which has averaged 17.5 points the last four weeks. Jordan Love has a 91.8 passer rating for his career against the Lions.”

USA TODAY’s Tyler Dragon: Lions 28, Packers 24

“Detroit’s offensive line and defense are an issue right now. The Packers already beat the Lions and have the defense that can cause them problems. However, I believe Jahmyr Gibbs will feast on the Packers and be the difference.”

Finally, six of the NFL experts who were polled at ESPN think the Lions will pull off a win, three did not.

And onto the rest of your notes.

• Heads up Eminem fans heading to the game tomorrow:

Eminem Lions

Available 11.26 @ 10 AM EST in-store at Lions Supply inside Ford Field and 4 PM EST at Mom's Spaghetti. Online at 10 AM EST at https://t.co/QP6ehwhuQz and https://t.co/3TpxAGQQy6.

— Detroit Lions (@Lions) November 22, 2025

• There will also be a special holiday-themed menu at Ford Field featuring classic Turkey Legs, and two new additions for this year: Fourth & Feast Fries and the Jahmyr Gibbs Spin Dash Combo.

• The City of Detroit put together some info on the holiday road closures, transportation suggestions, and parking options. If you can find a spot, metered street parking is free all day Thursday and Friday.

• This is an interesting take.

Shedeur Sanders… Lions QB?

Kurt Benkert on what’s at stake for Shedeur Sanders for the rest of the season @KurtBenkert | @heykayadams pic.twitter.com/n3pI1Dv1qg

— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) November 25, 2025

• The Lions posted an awesome view of the Jake Bates 59-yarder, including the Giants’ reactions.

My favorite is #95 on the Giants. https://t.co/y7YTYtgLNe

— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) November 24, 2025

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...ctions-for-detroit-lions-vs-green-bay-packers

 

[Detroit Lions]

Green Bay Packers vs. Detroit Lions Thanksgiving preview: 4 key stats

The Green Bay Packers and Detroit Lions square off in a rematch of Week 1’s jarring triumph by Matt LaFleur’s team. Dan Campbell had previously won six of seven against LaFleur—including three straight at Lambeau Field—before that opener snapped Detroit’s run of success. Both teams now sit looking up in the NFC North standings as they try to keep pace with the -3 point-differential, 8–3 Chicago Bears.

Since their hot start—manhandling the Lions and then the once-formidable Jayden Daniels-led Commanders in Week 2—the Packers have gone 5-3-1, marked by inconsistency and notable low-scoring setbacks to the Browns and Panthers, plus a tie against the Cowboys. The Lions defense will look to rebound after allowing an unprecedented number of explosive passes to the Jameis Winston and Wan’Dale Robinson-led Giants. Fortunately for Detroit, Jordan Love has been held under 200 passing yards in three straight games (and six of 11 this season), and Green Bay has failed to reach 300 total yards in three straight games (also six of 11).

Detroit’s defense needs to respond from its uncharacteristic showing against the Giants to keep the Packers offense from finding any rhythm. Meanwhile, the Lions offense remains in the shop for repairs and a tune-up but will aim to operate more efficiently than it did in Week 1. Prior to last Thanksgiving Day’s win over the Bears, the Lions had lost seven straight on the holiday as part of a stretch where they dropped 11 of 12 from 2001-12. To keep the winning momentum going, this preview digs into three key statistical matchups the Lions must control.

Note: Unless otherwise indicated, all statistics are sourced from NFL Pro, TruMedia, FTN Fantasy, or Pro Football Reference and exclude garbage time.

Packers going three-wide​

The inconsistent stretches of the Packers offense from last year have carried into this season. They rank top-five in both success rate and EPA per play, yet sit 13th in points per game (23.9) with several other metrics outside the top 10. One area they’ve consistently generated movement however is out of 11-personnel. While they use 11-personnel (1 RB, 1 TE, 3 WR) only 55.7% of the time—20th in the NFL—it has been their most reliable and most explosive grouping. That reliance will likely increase without stud tight end Tucker Kraft.

Packers offense – 11-personnel

• 51.1% success rate (4th)
• 0.14 EPA/play (5th)
• 13.9% explosive play rate (5th)
• 17.0% explosive pass rate (2nd)

Despite a rotating cast of skill players, Matt LaFleur’s offense with Jordan Love has hit jackpot-level explosives out of 11-personnel this season. The Packers will be without Jayden Reed and Savion Williams, with Matthew Golden questionable (wrist), while Christian Watson (knee), Romeo Doubs (wrist), and Dontayvion Wicks (calf) will play but have recent ailments. Malik Heath (Week 11 healthy scratch) or Bo Melton (two catches in Week 10, had converted to CB) may also factor in, along with Luke Musgrave, John FitzPatrick, and Josh Whyle at tight end.

The Lions defense still leads the NFL in the rate of base-personnel usage—four defensive backs—at 62.9% of snaps. They’ve also used base on 26.0% of snaps against 11-personnel (2nd). Detroit placing a premium on allocating resources to stopping the run can create stress points when teams counter with lighter, three-receiver sets. Across all defensive alignment looks, the Lions have had mixed results defending 11-personnel.

Lions defense – Defending 11-personnel

• 5.7 yards per play (t-17th)
• 37.0% offensive success rate (1st)
• -0.03 EPA/play (19th)
• 13.0% explosive play rate (23rd)
• 16.6% explosive pass rate (27th)
• 6.9% explosive run rate (9th)

Down-to-down, Detroit wins more plays than any defense in football against 11-personnel—the league’s No. 1 success-rate defense. But the explosive plays allowed, especially through the air, remain a major flaw that undermines that consistency. That issue has started to define the otherwise promising Year 1 under new defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard, who now gets his first in-season rematch against the same offense. The hope is that returning contributors—D.J. Reed, Terrion Arnold, Marcus Davenport, Malcolm Rodriguez, and eventually Kerby Joseph—help curb those explosives, starting Thursday, and as they look to punch their ticket for January.

Third down cheese curds​

The Packers’ third-down offense has been remarkable—and historically efficient—especially on third-and-long (7+). From that long down-and-distance, they’ve recorded a 44.8% conversion rate, that not only leads the NFL this season but ranks third-best of any team in the last 15 years, trailing only the 2011 Saints and 2018 Chiefs. The next-closest team this year, the Rams, sits at just 33.3%.

Jordan Love may still struggle with getting to his “easy buttons” on early downs, but on third-and-long he repeatedly pulls a rabbit out of his hat and a freaking bouquet of flowers from his sleeve.

Packer offense – Third-and-long (7+ yards)

• 10.6 yards per play (1st — next closest 8.5)
• +0.59 EPA/play (1st)
• 30.5% explosive play rate (1st)
• 28.8% explosive pass rate (1st)
• 42.9% explosive run rate (1st)

Green Bay’s offense suddenly wakes up when they’re backed into these normally unmanageable situations. Unsurprisingly, they lean heavily on 11-personnel in these moments—using it on 96.6% of third-and-long snaps (5th). Even with that predictable tendency, they still lead the league in virtually every metric listed above from 11-personnel.

Detroit, meanwhile, has been one of the worst defenses in football at defending third-and-long—despite being a top-tier third-down defense last season.

Lions defense – Third-and-long

• 31.1% third down conversion rate (30th)
• 8.3 yards per play (29th)
• -0.33 EPA/play (30th)
• 20.3% explosive play rate (31st)
• 24.1% explosive pass rate (31st)
• 7.7% explosive run rate (t-9th)
• 6.2 YAC/reception (25th)
• 39.7% pressure rate (24th)

To make matters worse, the Packers have excelled in third-and-long despite allowing a 48.2% pressure rate and only 4.6 YAC per catch in those situations. Pressure alone doesn’t derail Love there—which raises the burden for coverage, spacing, and tackling. If the Lions want to beat the Packers—and stay on track for January—they have to solve this down-and-distance.

Getting Goff Under Center​

It remains unclear whose undercarriage Jared Goff will be working under with Graham Glasgow ruled out (and Frank Ragnow nearing a return). Whether it’s Trystan Colon or Kingsley Eguakun snapping, the Lions should lean more into under-center passing.

Since Jeff Hafley took over the Packers defense in 2024, Goff has consistently torn up Green Bay when dropping back from under center.

Jared Goff passing — Under center vs. Packers since 2024 (3 games)

• 38/43 passing (88.3%)
• 333 passing yards
• 7.7 yards/attempt
• 1 TD, 0 INT
• 106.7 passer rating
• 65.1% passing success rate
• 2.80 seconds time to throw
• 0 sacks
• 27.9% pressure rate

Goff has been incredibly efficient attacking the Packers from under center while avoiding negative plays. The zero sacks and sub-28% pressure rate are especially notable considering that on 65 shotgun dropbacks across their last three meetings, Green Bay has pressured him on 35.4% of attempts and sacked him six times. Going under center helps the offensive line present run/pass conflict, slows down the Packers’ front just enough to stabilize protection, and allows the Lions to find their rhythm. Leaning into that approach again would give Goff his best platform to operate.

Cloudy days for the Sun God​

Amon-Ra St. Brown is one of the most valuable skill players in all of football, but he has found less success against the Packers since Hafley arrived.

Amon-Ra St. Brown per-game receiving vs. Packers since 2024

• 6.3 targets
• 5.3 receptions
• 48.0 yards (9.0 yards/reception)
• 2.3 YAC/reception
• 0.3 receiving touchdowns
• 18.8% explosive play rate

Despite a mixture of Eric Stokes, Keisean Nixon, and Javon Bullard rotating on him, St. Brown hasn’t been able to put his stamp on these matchups. Detroit will need him to snap that trend—and he should get the volume to do it, having drawn 25 targets over the last two weeks (11.5/game over his last six).

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...etroit-lions-thanksgiving-preview-4-key-stats

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions’ Dan Campbell addresses game management criticism from Packers game

Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell is facing a lot of criticism following his team’s 31-24 loss to the Green Bay Packers. In particular, Campbell is under heat for continuing to go for it on fourth down, passing up another field goal late in the game. Additionally, some believe the Lions offense didn’t show enough urgency in the fourth quarter, bleeding too much time off the clock while the team was still down two scores.

In his post-game press conference, Campbell addressed it all. He admitted some mistakes, but also stood by some of his other decisions. Here’s a breakdown of his postgame comments:

Campbell defends fourth down aggression, admits to poor play-calling​

The Lions have now failed to convert seven fourth downs in a row over the past three games, including two critical misses on Thursday against the Packers. Despite the recent failure, it hasn’t discouraged Campbell from keeping the aggression high.

“Going into it we liked those plays. So no, I wouldn’t say necessarily that’s going to have an effect on me,” Campbell said. “You always want to convert them, and we’ve had a lot of conversions here. It just didn’t work out here today.”

That said, Campbell did admit that on Detroit’s first fourth-down attempt—and run play on fourth-and-3 from midfield—was a poor play call.

“I didn’t like one of those fourth-down calls. I don’t know how good of an opportunity we really gave our guys on that first one,” Campbell said.

Some believe that because of the Lions’ offensive situation—down top tight end Sam LaPorta and No. 1 receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown—Detroit should tone down the aggressiveness. But Campbell disagrees, saying he believes in the weapons they have, like Jameson Williams, Tom Kennedy, Isaac TeSlaa, and Jahmyr Gibbs.

“I certainly don’t want to say that it doesn’t influence you or affect you. But yet, I do have a lot of trust in Tom Kennedy. I do have a lot of trust in Jamo, especially when we know what the coverage is and we’ve got him running. We’ve still got Gibbs,” Campbell said. “And so, if you like the players and you like the play, there’ll be sometimes you may not like the coverages you think you may get. Or if it’s you know the ball’s going to go to this player and it’s this route that you’re going to have to win them, maybe you don’t like it. But in the moment it felt like the right thing to do today.”

To Campbell’s credit, the Lions’ second fourth down conversion was nearly a game-changing play in the positive. Down 10 points early in the fourth quarter, the Lions passed up a 38-yard field goal attempt to go for it on fourth-and-3. The play was there. Jared Goff scrambled to his right and tried to throw to Jameson Williams while on the run, but the throw was behind him and Williams couldn’t catch it despite getting both hands on it. Goff believes Williams would’ve scored with a better pass.

“I’ve got to give him a better throw, and he makes the catch. He might score right there and the drive might be over. That’s the one that will hurt me for a while,” Goff said.

Williams, too, took the blame for the play.

“I dropped it. That’s all,” Williams said. “I catch that, we get a first down, we keep going.”

Slow fourth-down possession was intentional​

One of the other big criticism from Campbell’s game management was how the offense handled their final possession. The Lions were trailing 31-21 when the offense got the ball with 9:02 remaining in the game. What followed was a 13-play, 67-yard drive that bled over six minutes off the clock. Several times throughout the drive, the Lions went in to a full huddle and used most of the play clock. Fans at Ford Field were so antsy that you could hear them urge the team show more urgency.

Campbell knew how it looked, but he defended the strategy, noting that he wanted to make sure that if they got the ball back, they could run out the remainder of the clock on a potential game-tying drive.

“I know that’s frustrating when you’re a fan watching. But I know how we needed to play against that defensive front. And it was about playing for the last possession,” Campbell said. “We were going to do that. (The) defense was going to get the stop, we were going to use our timeouts, get one more shot to go win the game and that’s how we were playing it. I wanted to play it just like that.”

While it’s certainly unconventional to potentially shrink your chances to get the ball back by dwindling the clock, it’s worth pointing out his strategy almost worked. Had Dontayvion Wicks not made a spectacular grab on fourth-and-3, the Lions would have gotten the ball back with about 1:50 left at their own 45-yard line. That’s plenty of time to score. And with the Packers only having one timeout remaining, Green Bay wouldn’t have been able to do much to stop the Lions from draining most of the remaining clock.

Ultimately, though, the strategy didn’t work because the Lions never got the ball back.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...s-game-management-criticism-from-packers-game

 

[Detroit Lions]

5 winners, 6 losers from the Detroit Lions’ loss to the Green Bay Packers

In a pivotal NFC North tilt on Thanksgiving Day, the Detroit Lions fell flat and it could have dire consequences down the stretch. It was sadly more of the same from the Lions: a few splash plays on offense with too many defensive lapses mixed in.

Detroit is officially running out of games to turn their season around. Having lost both of their matches versus the Green Bay Packers, the Lions are not only playing catchup in the NFC North, but the Wild Card race as well. We have seen the Lions in recent seasons dominant opponents left and right. We have seen the Lions win hard-fought battles thanks to gutsy playcalling and execution. In 2025, both aspects have come back to bite the Lions. It is not an exaggeration to say that the Lions need to play near-perfect football down the stretch.

Let’s take a look at some winners and losers from a rough Thanksgiving game.

Loser: Super Bowl aspirations​

The playoff dream is not yet dead, but it is firmly on life support. Sitting at 7-5 on the season with five games to go, the NFC North is likely out of reach barring a significant turnaround from the Lions or a collapse from the other teams in the division. That leaves a Wild Card spot as the likeliest avenue for Detroit, but even that seems grim at this point. How many wins are still on the table for the Lions?

Since the NFL schedule expanded to 17 games in 2021, only five Wild Card teams have made the playoffs with nine wins or fewer. Of those five, only the 2023 Green Bay Packers won a playoff game. Winning in the playoffs is difficult. Winning in the playoffs as a Wild Card team is very difficult. Winning in the playoffs as the third Wild Card seed is extremely difficult. Nine wins might be enough to make the playoffs, but it would be a serious uphill battle. As for achieving 10 or more wins and maybe securing the second Wild Card spot, it would mean having to beat three of the Dallas Cowboys, Los Angeles Rams, Pittsburgh Steelers, and Chicago Bears—a tall task given how the Lions are presently playing—plus some losing from the teams ahead of Detroit.

I think many of us knew that a record of 15-2 would be unrealistic to duplicate, but we were at least hoping for a team capable of calling itself among the league’s best. The Lions are sadly just a fringe playoff team at this point.

Winners: Jameson Williams, Tom Kennedy, and Isaac TeSlaa, WRs​

Amon-Ra St. Brown was one of the few players Detroit could not afford to lose. With the star receiver quickly ruled out due to an ankle injury and already missing Kalif Raymond, the Lions were down to Jameson Williams and the bottom of their depth chart.

A week after getting blanked on three targets, Williams rebounded nicely against Green Bay. He led the way with seven catches for 144 yards, setting a new career-high. He again flashed his wheels, turning on the jets on a 44-yard catch and run and scoring on a brilliant 22-yard reception in which he demonstrated amazing contact balance. Already missing Sam LaPorta and potentially St. Brown, the Lions needed Williams to be their de facto WR1, and he delivered.

Elevated from the practice squad, Kennedy was likely penciled in as a special teams replacement for Raymond. Kennedy was effective as a kick returner (three returns for 81 yards), but few of us expected him to be a go-to option on offense. Kennedy caught the ball all four of his targets for 36 yards, coming second on the team in receiving yards. He finished just a yard ahead of TeSlaa, who added two catches for 35 yards and a touchdown. It was far from a breakout performance from Kennedy and TeSlaa, but they made some big plays when called upon.

That being said, a receiving corps of Williams, Kennedy, TeSlaa, and Dominic Lovett (who did not play a snap on offense) is not sustainable. The Lions are going to be a tough situation if St. Brown and Raymond are out long-term, especially with the playoffs riding on these final few weeks.

Loser: Amik Robertson, CB​

Robertson had been stellar when thrust into the CB1 role, and though he was expected to lose that title upon the return of D.J. Reed and Terrion Arnold, the performance drop was not expected. A week after getting credited with nearly 100 receiving yards allowed against the New York Giants, Robertson had yet another rough outing against the Packers. Robertson was beat on the 51-yard touchdown to Christian Watson, just one of the numerous times Green Bay picked on Robertson. Per PFF’s live stats, Robertson was targeted nine times by the Packers for 95 yards allowed—the next closest Lions defender was D.J. Reed with five targets and 44 yards allowed. Robertson did have three passes defended, but it still feels like more famine than feast for him in coverage recently.

Winner: Brian Branch, S​

In a rare occasion, Jack Campbell was not the Lions’ leading tackler on the day. Instead, it was Brian Branch hovering around the ball for most of the game. He was again effective in run defense, but his coverage looked much sharper than in recent weeks. He had a pair of pass breakups and, perhaps more importantly, he was not penalized at all on Thursday. Branch was physical but not illegal, and this was perfect example of a good Branch game.

I do have to ding Branch for the first Wicks touchdown, a play in which he seemingly stopped running while in coverage. It clearly appears to have been a miscommunication between him and the safety Thomas Harper, but had he kept running, he could have broken up the touchdown—a fourth-down stop that could have been the difference in a 31-24 game.

Loser: Aidan Hutchinson, DE​

I dislike putting Hutchinson as a loser because he is one of the few players on this team capable of consistently rushing the passer. However, the difference between him and Micah Parsons is becoming difficult to ignore. Hutchinson has a single multi-sack game this year, way back in Week 4 against the Cleveland Browns. He is bringing pressure, sure, but this game was a prime example of why pass rushers need to finish the job. Parsons had 2.5 sacks against the Lions and now has seven over his last three games—he is a one-man wrecking crew.

It is a lofty expectation to say that Hutchinson needs to match that production, yet the Lions need him to play at that level. The Lions had two quarterback hits against the Packers, neither of which came from Hutchinson. As for the Packers, they had seven, four of which were from Parsons. Both Parsons and Hutchinson are relied upon by their team to dominate matchups, but only Parsons is doing that.

Loser: Kelvin Sheppard, DC​

The Legion of Whom is dead and we are left with the carcass. Somehow, the Lions are playing worse with their now-healthy starters. Terrion Arnold returned to the lineup, albeit in limited fashion (just 17 snaps on defense)— despite the limited snaps, he allowed a touchdown. Marcus Davenport was also healthy against the Packers, but he was largely absent on the box score (zero sacks, tackles, or even hits). Coupled with D.J. Reed coming back last week, this defense should be getting better, not worse.

Detroit Lions defense since Week 8:
• Passer Rating — 102.6 (25th)
• EPA/play — -0.05 (23rd)
• Sack Rate — 6.0% (20th)
• Turnover Rate — 0.6% (28th)

— Al Karsten (@FootballGuy_Al) November 27, 2025

They are not rushing the pass effectively. They are not creating turnovers. They are not blanketing coverage. They are not stopping the splash plays. They are not avoiding penalties. Their only positive is run defense, but it matters little when quarterbacks have all the time in the world to pick apart a secondary. In back-to-back weeks, the Lions have made Wan’Dale Robinson and Dontayvion Wicks look like superstars. Sheppard needs to turnaround his defense quickly before the season is truly lost.

Winner: Jared Goff, QB​

It was not Goff’s best game, but given the injury woes that the Lions have incurred recently, I was impressed. Over the previous two games, St. Brown had been peppered with targets (25 in total). When he exited the game on Thanksgiving, I thought that the passing attack was dead in the water. Goff had been hot and cold when targeting Williams throughout the season, but I was unsure that he could handle the duties of WR1 without St. Brown. Williams got his aforementioned credit, but Goff also deserves credit for airing the ball out despite a depleted arsenal around him.

The only knocks I have on him were holding onto the ball too long at times, leading to two of his three sacks, and the off-target pass to Williams on fourth down. Otherwise, it was a surprisingly good outing for Goff without his usual go-to targets.

Loser: Ross Dwelley, TE​

The Lions were in a dire situation without Sam LaPorta and Brock Wright. Ross Dwelley was the next in line at tight end, but expectations were low for the veteran that had only been targeted once this season. A contribution or two as a receiver would be a bonus, but at bare minimum, the Lions needed him to help with blocking a tough Packers front seven.

Not only was Dwelley absent as a receiver (just one reception for three yards), he was subpar as a blocker. Dwelley was getting manhandled by the Packers linebackers, rarely generating room for Jahmyr Gibbs or David Montgomery on the perimeter. Dwelley was responsible for the failed fourth down attempt that opened the second half. Isaiah McDuffie blew by the tight end without issue and corralled Gibbs in the backfield for a loss of two on fourth-and-3.

The drop off from LaPorta to Wright was always going to be significant, but without Wright as well, tight end is essentially a nonexistent position for the Lions. Detroit might as well utilize a sixth offensive lineman.

Loser: Officiating​

I will not comment on the multiple missed delay of games. I will not comment on the multiple missed holding calls. Moments like these are sadly the norm when facing the Packers. The Lions are used to garbage officiating.

We are not used to garbage like this.

With the Packers on the doorstep of the Lions’ end zone and a pivotal fourth-and-1 upcoming, Packers right guard Anthony Belton jumped, leading to a false start penalty and forcing Green Bay into a field goal situation. Except it didn’t. Instead, the officiating crew somehow deemed that Matt LaFleur called a timeout before the play. Except he didn’t:

Before a crucial 4th-down, the #Packers had a false start, but the officials said Matt LaFleur called a timeout before the penalty…

It sure does not look like he did.

Green Bay then got a TD.pic.twitter.com/Q2dmMEc2dR

— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 27, 2025

As a Lions fan, you think you have seen it all when it comes to officiating blunders, but alas, the league finds new ways to screw the Lions. Making this decision is flat-out unacceptable for any level of football, let alone the upper echelon of professional football in the world. The right guard clearly moved early and LaFleur clearly called a timeout late. It is an open and shut case—nobody in the world would have batted an eye at a false start penalty getting called. Instead, the officials gift the Packers a timeout, a redo, and a touchdown. Add it to the list of new ways the Lions have been victimized by bad and bizarre officiating. The post-game pool report did little to ease the situation:

Perhaps the worst pool report of all time.

Just garbage, short answers from the official. https://t.co/YDIsNrAjjt

— Pride of Detroit (@PrideOfDetroit) November 27, 2025

Those Packers receivers are that good, I guess.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...6-losers-detroit-lions-loss-green-bay-packers

 

[Detroit Lions]

Chicago Bears vs. Philadelphia Eagles discussion: Black Friday live chat

Maybe you’ve had enough football for this Thanksgiving weekend. Maybe you’re a football junkie like me.

Either way, we’re here for you on this Black Friday. This year features a huge matchup for NFC playoff implications, and it obviously matters a lot to a 7-5 Detroit Lions team that is in some desperate need of help to punch their way into the postseason.

Friday’s game between the Chicago Bears and Philadelphia Eagles could be one of the games that eventually tips the scales in or out of the Lions’ favor.

The New York Times’ playoff prediction model currently only gives the Lions about a 39% chance to make the playoffs after their loss to the Packers combined with a Cowboys win over the Chiefs. However, if the Bears lose to the Eagles on Friday, those odds jump a few percentage points to 41%. If the Bears win, Detroit’s postseason hopes drop to just 33%.

The Lions are in a spot where they likely have to win at least three of their remaining five games—maybe more. But they also need a little help, and that helps likely comes in the form of the Bears and/or Cowboys losing down the stretch. So if you’re watching the NFL on Black Friday, you’re a big Eagles fan for the day.

If you want to watch the game and discuss it with fellow Lions fans as part of our awesome community, you’ve come to the right place. Simply scroll down to the comment section at the bottom of the page and join our live discussion of the game.

Don’t have a Pride of Detroit account yet? Here are the instructions and the perks of becoming a FREE member:

Join the conversation!​

Sign up for a user account and get:

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Also, here’s everything you need to know to watch Eagles vs. Bears:

When: Friday, Nov. 28 — 3 p.m. ET
Where: Lincoln Financial Field — Philadelphia, PA
TV channel: Amazon Prime
Streaming: Amazon Prime, NFL Plus
Announcers: Al Michaels, Kirk Herbstreit, Kaylee Hartung
Line: Eagles by 7, per FanDuel

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...phia-eagles-discussion-black-friday-live-chat

 

[Detroit Lions]

NFL playoff picture: Detroit Lions plummet after disastrous 2 days

The Detroit Lions’ playoff chances were nearly cut in half over the course of past two days. The Lions’ Thanksgiving loss to the Green Bay Packers—in addition to the Cowboys and Bears winning—has shifted the course of Detroit’s playoff chase, and now they are big underdogs to make the postseason after entering the week with high probabilities to return to the dance.

Using the New York Times playoff simulator, Detroit entered the week with a 73% chance to make the playoffs. After the three worst possible outcomes of the week, the Lions’ chances now sit at just 32%—a 41% drop-off.

Let’s take a look at why by looking at the latest NFC playoff picture standings.

NFC North playoff picture​

1. Chicago Bears: 9-3
2. Green Bay Packers: 8-3-1
3. Detroit Lions: 7-5
4. Minnesota Vikings: 4-7

The Lions are now two full games behind the Bears and a game-and-a-half behind the Packers. Detroit could theoretically still jump both, but it will require near perfection from them down the stretch. Helping them is a Week 18 matchup with the Bears that would not only help them make up a one-game difference, but it would give them the head-to-head tiebreaker over Chicago.

Only one problem: the Bears may actually be good. Yes, they still have a brutal schedule (Packers 2X, Browns, 49ers, Lions), but they have now won nine of their last 10 and just took down the Eagles in their own home.

Green Bay will also be hard to catch. While they, too, have a tough schedule (Bears 2X, Broncos, Ravens, Vikings), Detroit will have to beat them by two games over five weeks to catch them.

In other words, a third-straight divisional title is looking pretty unlikely. The New York Times is putting their chances at just 4%.

NFC playoff picture​

Division leaders:

1. Rams: 9-2*
2. Bears: 9-3
3. Eagles: 8-4
4. Buccaneers: 6-5*

Wild Card race (top three advance)

1. Seahawks: 8-3*
2. Packers: 8-3-1
3. 49ers: 8-4*
4. Lions: 7-5
5. Cowboys: 6-5-1
6. Panthers: 6-6*

*still has a Week 13 game left to play

Here’s the good news: there are only these six teams realistically fighting for three Wild Card spots. The two highest teams kept off the list—the 4-7 Falcons and Vikings—both have playoff odds currently at 1% or lower.

Here’s the bad news: They’re essentially two spots out of a playoff spot with five games to go. They need to catch one of the following four teams, who all essentially have a two-game lead over them.

• 9-3 Bears
• 8-3-1 Packers
• 8-3 Seahawks
• 8-4 49ers

They’re clearly two games behind the Bears. They’re 1.5 games behind the Packers, which is essentially the same thing as two games, because even if the Lions tie a game down the stretch, the Packers would have the head-to-head tiebreaker. They’re 1.5 games behind the Seahawks and likely to be two games behind after they play the Vikings this week.

The 49ers are a little more complicated. Detroit is technically only one game behind the 49ers, but San Francisco has a big lead on the primary tiebreaker: conference record. San Francisco is 8-2 in conference play compared to Detroit’s 4-4. With only four conference games left for the Lions, the best they can do is tie the 49ers at 8-4 in conference play. That said, the 49ers’ two remaining conference games are against the Bears and Seahawks, so there’s a possibility they lose both of those games, but it would involve the Lions running the table against their remaining NFC games (vs. Cowboys, @ Rams, @ Vikings, @ Bears).

The next tiebreaker for the Lions and 49ers would be record in common games. The common games on each team’s schedule are: Rams, Buccaneers, Giants, and Bears. Detroit is 3-0 in those games with two more remaining (Bears, Rams). The 49ers are 2-2 with only one remaining (Bears). So the extremely narrow window is there for the Lions to jump San Francisco.

Detroit also has to now worry about the red-hot Dallas Cowboys—winners of three straight—who are just a half game behind the Lions now. Of course, Detroit can quickly bury them with a win over Dallas on Thursday, but if the Lions lose that game, they’d have to jump two teams in the final four games. That would almost certainly require a run of the table in their final four games. If the Lions lose on Thursday, the New York Times places their playoff odds at just 14%.

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/nfl-...detroit-lions-plummet-after-disastrous-2-days

 

[Detroit Lions]

Lions coach Dan Campbell downplays pass-rush issues vs. Packers

From the initial eye-test, it certainly seemed like the Detroit Lions didn’t generate enough pressure on Green Bay Packers quarterback Jordan Love on Thanksgiving. Per NFL Pro, Love had an average of 3.09 seconds to throw—the third-most time he’s had all season. Love used that time to dice up the Lions’ defense for completions on 18-of-30 passes, 234 passing yards, and four touchdowns.

But after digesting the film, Lions coach Dan Campbell downplayed their pass rushing issues on the day, noting that when taking into account how fast Green Bay got the ball out, he counted just three realistic opportunities for the Lions to generate pressure where they failed to do so.

“When you go through it and you look at them—and what I do is, I count it up, basically how long does it take for this ball to get off? What is the depth of the pocket? Is this a three-stop (drop), five-step, play-action? Is it deeper than that? Longer than that? And, really, there was about three plays in there where we got time to get there and we’re not getting there. Everything else was ball out or we got disruption and the balls out and they’re making a play,” Campbell said.

The Lions did not record a sack against the Packers, and they were credited with just two quarterback hits. PFF did credit the Lions with 17 pressures on the day. In the past three games, Detroit has logged just two total sacks.

And while Campbell certainly downplayed the loud criticisms of the pass rush, he did admit they do need to be better.

“On those three plays, we’ve gotta be better. We’ve got to find a way to get there,” Campbell said. “The guys who have a one-on-one have to show up and have to become disruptive faster than we were the other night on those because it will make a difference.”

Source: https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detr...ampbell-downplays-pass-rush-issues-vs-packers