Detroit Lions (0-0) vs San Diego Chargers (0-0) Preview

Earlier I did talk about the Lions injury woes. The Chargers do have some as well. For example, they won’t be playing with Antonio Gates and their back up tight-end, Ladarius Green, could be out with a concussion. Those are two solid weapons for Phillip Rivers so it will be interesting to see how he moves the ball with Kennan Allen trying to bounce back from a poor 2014 campaign. Also, it will be interesting to see what kind of chemistry is developed between Phillip Rivers and new wide receiver, Stevie Johnson (fantasy sleeper if you ask me). The Chargers pass defense could be much improved with another year of experience in the league (Jason Verrett and Jahleel Addae) but they have tough match ups with guys like Golden Tate and Calvin Johnson running routes. It might help with Brandon Flowers having a great deal of experience in their secondary, as well. Don’t forget the Chargers have a solid three man front in Kendall Reyes, Corey Liuget and Sean Lissemore…oh and they have Manti Teo and his girlfriend (too soon?).

When it comes down to it, this could be a defensive battle or a defensive meltdown for both teams. Theres a lot of talent on both teams and they both have great starting quarterbacks. If you ask me, the Chargers wide receivers are nothing like Golden Tate and Clavin Johnson and they won’t have Eric Ebron running down the middle to fend off double teams on a receiver. The match-up is in the Lions favor, as well as the scheme. If you put player vs. player on paper, the Lions have the edge. I would expect to see Ameer Abdullah early and often and if we see short yardage, Joique Bell will fight his way to a first down. Overall, the keys to victory are there and I’m sure the Lions are thinking the same thing. Just like we posted earlier this week, if I had to chose a winner, I’m going to chose the team that always comes to play in season opener and thats the Lions. Make it a last fourth quarter drive for Stafford and the Lions.