This game figures to be an airshow. The Saints have the best passing offense in the NFL and the Lions have the fourth best passing offense. Neither team has shut down corners or fleet footed safeties. Drew Brees will light it up, with Matt Stafford and Calvin Johnson close behind.
The Lions are a franchise on the rebound after long years in the cellar. They went 10-6 this year, with nearly all their losses against winning teams (the Bears, with Jay Cutler and Matt Forte, were the only non-winning team to beat them). Matt Stafford is a talented young quarterback with a great arm enjoying a fantastic season of over 5,000 yards, 41 touchdowns, and a passer rating of 97.2. His top target is also the best receiver in the league, Calvin Johnson.
The Saints have enjoyed a long period of success, including a Super Bowl, under quarterback Drew Brees. For all the ridiculously awesome statistical years Brees has had in his career, this one is his best. He set the NFL record for passing yards in a single season, as well as personal bests in completion percentage, touchdowns, and passer rating. Brees doesn't have a remarkable wideout like Johnson, but he has trusted hands Marques Colston, Jimmy Graham, and Darren Sproles to throw to. The Saints' offense is also more balanced than it has been in previous years, with solid running backs Darren Sproles and Pierre Thomas gaining over 1,000 yards in tandem. The Saints have won eight games in a row and are playing as well as anyone has this season.
I have to go with the Saints in this one. Their defense is lackluster, but their offense is so good and very balanced. They have so many different ways they can put up points, and no one has managed to stop Brees this year, despite everyone knowing how good he was. These two teams met once during the year and the Saints pretty well crushed the Lions, 31-17. I think the score will be closer this time but the victory will remain in New Orleans. The Saints will focus their entire secondary on Calvin Johnson, and manage to contain him enough for Brees and Co. to do their work.
Saints: 37
Lions: 31
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