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Four analysts from The Detroit News—Nolan Bianchi, Richard Silva, John Niyo, and Bob Wojnowski—have shared their forecasts for the Week 10 matchup between the Detroit Lions and New England Patriots at Allianz Arena in Munich, Germany. The game is scheduled for 9:30 a.m. and will be broadcast on Fox and 97.1 FM.
Nolan Bianchi: Lions 28, Patriots 23
Bianchi notes that the Patriots are reeling from a lopsided loss to the Packers, which is never an ideal scenario for an upcoming opponent. He points out that New England still boasts considerable talent from its Super Bowl-contending roster last year but has struggled to find consistency this season. Bianchi warns that the Patriots' defensive front could pose problems for Detroit, especially given the Lions' recent difficulties in protecting quarterback Jared Goff. However, he expects the Lions' defense to capitalize on a depleted Patriots receiving corps. Bianchi also highlights that both teams are eager to rebound: New England's defense wants to bounce back after allowing 45 points, while Detroit's offense aims to regain its rhythm after scoring 20 points or fewer in three consecutive games.
John Niyo: Lions 27, Patriots 24
Niyo observes that the Patriots recently got a taste of the NFC North and did not enjoy it. He cautions that the Lions should recognize that New England might be the second-best offense they have faced this season. The key for Detroit's defense, according to Niyo, will be keeping rookie quarterback Drake Maye in the pocket to get off the field on third downs. He suggests that injuries in the Patriots' backfield could allow the Lions to generate more pressure and force Maye into poor decisions, similar to those that hurt him against Green Bay. On the other side, Niyo emphasizes that Detroit's offensive line needs a significant bounce-back performance. While the Patriots' secondary appears vulnerable, Niyo notes there is real talent there, along with a front seven capable of containing running back Jahmyr Gibbs and the Lions' ground game.
Richard Silva: Lions 28, Patriots 24
Silva views this game as a valuable test for Detroit's defense, which allowed 31.8 points per game from Weeks 1 to 4 but has since improved dramatically, surrendering an average of 15.5 points over the last four contests. He acknowledges that the Patriots have been inconsistent but points out that they rank 10th in Expected Points Added (EPA) per play this season—the second-highest ranking among all of the Lions' opponents so far, with the Buffalo Bills (Week 2) being the exception. Simply put, Silva argues that the Patriots are statistically among the better offenses Detroit will face, and a strong defensive performance would further validate the unit's turnaround. He does not believe traveling to Germany will have a greater impact on the Lions than on the Patriots; any effects, in his view, would likely surface in Week 11 when Detroit returns to Ford Field to host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who will be coming off a bye. But that, as Silva says, is a problem for next week.
Bob Wojnowski: Patriots 31, Lions 27
Wojnowski takes a different stance, picking the Patriots for the upset. He notes that the Lions have played considerably better than New England recently, which in the NFL often means one thing: beware of the bounce-back. The Patriots (5-4) have lost two of their last three games and were embarrassed at home by the Packers, 45-27, with Drake Maye now tied for the league lead with 11 interceptions. Wojnowski expects New England to be an ornery bunch. The Lions (6-2) have won four straight and their defense is improving, but aside from a 20-17 victory over Green Bay and Jordan Love, they have not faced a top-notch quarterback. The Patriots have not resembled their Super Bowl team, but they are expected to get star receiver A.J. Brown back from injury. Wojnowski also points out that Detroit's offense has hit a rare three-game sputter, and Jahmyr Gibbs could face tough sledding against a stout run defense. He suggests that general manager Brad Holmes' questionable decision to essentially stand pat at the trade deadline will be judged quickly—especially if Maye finds his groove in Germany and turns the Lions' secondary into sauerkraut.
Originally reported by yahoo.