Andrew Tie
The Lions are in a position they haven't been in for over a decade: they could clinch a playoff berth with a win today. The 9-5 Lions will be hosting the 7-7 Chargers later today in a matchup that should be close. I fully expect a back and forth game that will be decided by one possession at the end of the game.
Looking at statistics, they are pretty close. Detroit scores on average 28.2 points per game, while San Diego averages 25.6; the Lions give up 23.7 points per game, while San Diego gives up 22.4. Both Matthew Stafford and Phillip Rivers have topped 4,000 passing yards on the season. But here's what to look for. Chargers WR Vincent Jackson's status is unknown for this afternoon's game. He didn't practice all week, and if he isn't ready, I think this seriously hurts the Chargers's offense. After all, he does have 1,036 yards on the season. Where the Chargers can counteract a potential loss in passing is their rushing offense. They boast a strong 1-2 punch in Ryan Mathews and Mike Tolbert. Combined, they have rushed for 1,458 yards and 13 touchdowns. I would expect the Chargers to rely heavily on Mathews if Jackson is out for today. On the Lions' side, who else would you look for than Calvin Johnson? This isn't anything new, but he's the best wide receiver in the game today. He's a beast, and I expect him to have a big day again.
Match-ups to watch:
Ryan Mathews vs. Lions's Run Defense
The Lions give up 135.8 yards per game on the ground, one of the best ratings in the league. I know the Lions are better at pass coverage with great pass rushers such as Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and Kyle Van den Bosch, but still. If the Lions want to make the playoffs, they better be prepared to stop Mathews, who is averaging 113.3 ypg in the last four weeks. I expect Mathews to find the endzone at least once today, and look for Mike Tolbert as a weapon in the passing game.
Matthew Stafford vs. Chargers's Pass Defense
Stafford has really emerged this season as one of the better quarterbacks in the league. Unlike the previous two seasons, he has stayed healthy thus far. He's been on a tear the past three weeks, passing for 342 ypg with a 7:1 TD-INT ratio. That's sick. It gets interesting here because the Chargers have the sixth best defense in passing ypg with just 201.5 ypg. Something's got to give.
Overall, this should be a great game to watch. There will be big plays by both offenses and both defenses. I expect Mathews to win his matchup and Stafford to win his. Given that the game is in Detroit and the fact that the Lions have a chance to reach the playoffs for the first time since 1999, I expect the Lions to rise to the occasion.
Lions 27
Chargers 21
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