Isn't it hard to believe that it's already been a week since we saw the Detroit Lions lay that epic smack down on the Patriots? Now, the focus shifts to the Lone Star State, as the Lions travel down to Texas for a matchup with the 1-2 Dallas Cowboys. Did Detroit save any magic for this weekend's game, or is their tank empty after such a wonderful performance last weekend? Here are three bold predictions for this afternoon's game.
1. Kerryon continues his new “streak”
Before last weekend, it'd been 70 games since Detroit last had a running back crack the 100 yard mark in a single game. Kerryon Johnson rushed for a grand total of 101 yards in the game. In the effort, the offensive line looked better than we have seen it in a really long time. This week, against a Cowboys defense that has allowed 98.3 rushing yards per game, we will see Kerryon reach the 100 yard plateau again, only this time he will finish around the 120 yard mark.
2. Zeke gets shut down
Maybe “shut down” isn't the correct term, but Ezekiel Elliott will not bury the Lions today. Before action starts today, the Lions statistically boast the best passing defense in the league, allowing just 179 through the air per game. But, on the other side of the coin is the fact that Detroit's run defense is statistically the worst in the league, allowing 149.3 rushing yards per game. What makes this stat even more confusing is the fact that Detroit held the Patriots to a grand total of 89 yards on the ground last weekend. This weekend, against a team with an all-world running back, the defense will again be tested. But, Dallas quarterback Dak Prescott has struggled mightily this season, and their offense has primarily been run through Elliott. This week, I predict that Detroit's defense steps up to another challenge against a team that lives and dies by it's running back.
3. Detroit reels in their second win of the season
Yep, I said it. After what I saw last weekend, I'm completely willing to look past the first two weeks of the season. Detroit will hold the Elliott and the Cowboys at bay for the most part, while Matthew Stafford and Kerryon Johnson will hold their own on the offensive side of the ball. While it may not look pretty the whole way through, I am confident that a team which resembles the one that we saw last weekend will take the field today. Detroit wins 30-17.
