Well today is something Lions fans have been wanting for over a decade and that’s a chance to get into the NFL postseason.
Now only Phillip Rivers and the San Diego Chargers stand in their from making the playoffs a reality as a single win will guarantee them a spot.
Not only can the Lions make their first postseason appearance since 1999, but they can get their first 10 win season since 1995 and further prove that the team is making some serious leaps since their 0-16 season back in 2008.
San Diego Player to Watch: Philip Rivers, QB
A month ago much like the rest of the Chargers, Rivers was a complete non-factor. His throwing looked off, he was making bad decisions and was good for multiple turnovers a game.
However in the past three games, Rivers has completed 63-of-84 passes for 804 yards with seven touchdowns and no interceptions. He’s given the Chargers a three-game winning streak and a chance to make the postseason themselves.
Detroit Lions Player to Watch: Alphonso Smith, CB
With the Chargers’ big passing attack, Alphonso Smith may play a huge factor for the Lions, especially with a secondary that’s been wearing thin in the past couple weeks.
Smith has also come up big when given the opportunity while defensive coordinator Gunther Cunningham doesn’t appear to hesitate to use him in big situations.
Pressure Philip Rivers
A big reason as to why Rivers has been so successful the past few weeks is the amount of time he’s getting in the pocket.
However the Chargers haven’t seen a defensive line like the Lions probably all season.
Detroit certainly has the potential to provide plenty of pressure on Philip Rivers hopefully having him make those bad decisions we saw earlier in the season.
Keep going downfield
Even though Kevin Smith will more than likely be starting this afternoon, he’s still injured and the Lions probably cannot depend too much on the running game.
With that in mind Matthew Stafford and the Lions need to continue to air the ball out down field.
Stafford has been extremely consistent these past two games throwing six touchdown passes and no interceptions. Last weekend Stafford completed 29-of-52 passes for 391 yards and four touchdowns in Detroit’s win against Oakland.
Stafford has proven to be good enough to use all his weapons on offense which would spread out that San Diego defense greatly.
Keep the crowd in the game
One of the biggest weapons for the Lions on defense will be the crowd. With a chance to clinch a playoff spot today the Lions won’t need to get the crowd into the game as they should be loud from the opening kickoff. What the Lions need to do is keep the Ford Field noise elevated throughout the game.
I’m sure we all can remember the Bears getting nine false start penalties on Monday Night Football.
Predictions
It’s certainly the season to be giving and the Lions could give their fans a huge gift on Christmas Eve with a win and a playoff spot. We’re also sure to see a shootout as two of the better young QB’s in the league take to the field this afternoon. In the end though, Jason Hanson fittingly will jettison the Lions into the postseason. Lions win 31-28.
Ref: Detroit News, Detroit Free Press, Mlive.com, NFL.com, AP (image)