yahoo
As the Detroit Lions prepare to face the Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Arizona, on Sunday at 4:25 p.m. ET (Fox/97.1 FM), four analysts from The Detroit News—Nolan Bianchi, Richard Silva, John Niyo, and Bob Wojnowski—have shared their predictions for the matchup.
Nolan Bianchi sees the game as a chance for Detroit's offense to get on track against a mediocre Cardinals defense. However, he cautions that a similar opportunity slipped away in Carolina, where the Panthers stifled the Lions with pressure and run defense. Bianchi notes that Detroit's defense has struggled against tight ends and No. 1 receivers, and he expects Arizona's Trey McBride to be unstoppable. While he believes the Lions are the better team on paper, he acknowledges that hasn't translated to consistent results through four weeks. His pick: Lions 31, Cardinals 28.
John Niyo anticipates a high-scoring affair, pointing out that Detroit's defense ranks last in yards allowed and 31st in points allowed, despite the offense committing only one turnover. He also highlights that Arizona's defense has been similarly poor, with the league's worst pressure rate. Niyo expects Jared Goff to have time to find big plays through the air, similar to the loss at Carolina. He adds that the Cardinals don't threaten downfield, but the Lions have shown they can accommodate any attack. His pick: Lions 34, Cardinals 24.
Richard Silva stops short of calling it a must-win but admits the conversation around the team would be ugly if the Lions don't enter their bye week at 3-2. He thought Detroit would score over 30 points for a fourth straight week against Carolina and that the defense would do enough, but that prediction failed. Silva echoes head coach Dan Campbell's expectation that most games will go down to the wire, and he wouldn't be surprised by any outcome. He notes that the Cardinals have been mediocre but feisty, with individual talents like Trey McBride, Jeremiyah Love, and Budda Baker. His pick: Lions 31, Cardinals 28.
Bob Wojnowski emphasizes the importance of this game, as the Lions risk falling to 2-3 at the bye. He stresses that they must handle a depleted Cardinals team that has lost 17 of its past 19 games. Wojnowski acknowledges that defensive coordinator Kelvin Sheppard is under fire, with Detroit ranked last in many defensive categories. He points out that Arizona quarterback Jacoby Brissett is a journeyman who rarely throws deep, with tight end Trey McBride as his main target. The Cardinals will be missing two starting offensive linemen, so the Lions should be able to pressure Brissett without heavy blitzing. Wojnowski notes that Jared Goff hasn't thrown an interception in four games, and the offense's margin for error is slim. If kicker Jake Bates attempts four field goals again, the Lions could be in trouble; more likely, Bates will kick at least four extra points, and Detroit will secure a much-needed win. His pick: Lions 38, Cardinals 27.
Key Analysis
The consensus among the analysts is that the Lions will emerge victorious, but the game may be closer than expected. Detroit's defensive struggles are a major concern, while Arizona's weak pass rush could allow Goff and the offense to exploit downfield opportunities. The health of the Cardinals' offensive line and the Lions' ability to contain McBride will be critical factors. A win would send Detroit into its bye week with a 3-2 record, easing pressure on the coaching staff and players.
Originally reported by yahoo.