The Saints have covered 8 straight weeks now and this is a lot of points for a playoff game even considering how hot the Saints have been. To me the Lions do have the match ups that could keep them close in this game. The Lions are top 3 in the league in sacks by only sending 4 or fewer people meaning they can get pressure on Brees and keep 7 back in coverage. The last time these two played it was 24-17 at one point before the Saints went down the field and Brees threw to Graham on 6 of 8 of his throws. Graham presents a huge mismatch for the Lions, but at the end of the day the Lions can keep up in fire power.
Stafford should be licking his chops in this one going up against a 30th ranked passing defense he and Brees are both over 5,000 yards for the season and both can score. What I like about Detroit is they are #4 in third down defense holding opponents to 32.84 % while the Saints broke an NFL record this year. I still expect the Saints to score and convert, but the Lions should be able to get a stop here and there to keep this game close or in striking distance. Lions also are 12th in Red Zone defense in terms of % of TD's allowed with 49% while the Saints are 28th. Again you can see the Lions holding the Saints to a FG to get that 10 point cover. Detroit is also 4th in TO margin while the Saints are 20th. I like the Saints to win of course but do not sleep on the Lions here they came on red hot at the end of the year and should keep this one close for a very enjoyable game.
