PREGAME ANALYSIS:
Three Keys to the Victory:
- Tackle Well: Peyton Manning cannot throw the ball very far anymore so he will be throwing quick hitters all over the field. He will complete a bunch of them, so the Lions have to tackle the receiver where they catch the ball. Any extra yards after the catch will kill the Lions chances at victory today.
- Run the Ball: Matthew Stafford was the Lions leading rusher last week with 20 yards. That cannot ever happen again if Detroit wants to seriously compete.
- Keep Matthew Stafford off the deck: The Minnesota Vikings have a good defensive line, there is no doubt about that. However, the pass rush of the Denver Broncos is significantly better and might actually be the best pass rush in the NFL. Matthew Stafford was battered and bruised last week and this week won’t be any better unless the Lions play better up front.