By: Jeremy T. Ballreich
Well the trade deadline came and went, and we’ll probably see the newest Lions come Sunday.Lions traded a 5th and a 6th round pick for defensive end Zadarius Smith (Five sacks and Five tackles for loss). He should at least, be in the rotation on this game. The Texans more than likely will still be without star WR Nico Collins who hasn’t been activated this week.
Texans offense has been struggling this year in a lot of categories. Total offense 11th. Passing 13th, Rushing 11th, 3rd down efficiency 16th, Scoring 17th and red zone efficiency at 15th. Their defense seems to be decent.
Total defense they are 2nd, Passing 3rd, Rushing 12th, Scoring defense 14th, Red Zone they are 30th, 3rd Downs they are tied at 9th.
Lions are a statistical anomaly this year. 7th in total offense, Passing 15th, Rushing 16th, Scoring offense 1st, Red Zone efficiency 8th, and 3rd down Efficiency 7th.
Total defense Lions are 22nd, Passing 29th, Rushing 7th, Scoring Defense tied at 5th, Red Zone Defense 4th, and 3rd Down Defense Lions are 1st in the NFL!
While we are not certain on who will play on the defense for the Texans. 2nd year phenom Will Anderson Jr. has been limited in practice all week and a game time decision. This will be a huge blow to the Texans Defense. On the offense with the aforementioned Nico Collins more than likely out, their oline has suffered with their starting LG out. Which has led to sporadic play by 2nd year QB C.J. Stroud. 2nd most sacked QB in the league (30 sacks). Ranked 22nd against the Blitz as a QB.
Polar opposites is Lions QB Jared Goff, who has an impressive 1st in the NFL when blitzed, completing over 75% of his passes in those situations, and 15th for sacks against (15). I expect this to continue whether Will Anderson Jr. plays or not. Goff has overall been the most efficient passer in the league.
Special Teams. Both teams are having their fair share of success. Both have punt return touchdowns, and very good. Texans have Ka’imi Fairbairn whose 21-25 with a long of 59 this season.
Lions have Jake Bates is 11-11 with a long of 51 this season.
I expect a dogfight between these two Division leaders. Should be an excellent Prime Time match up.
If everything goes right:
Lions 32
Texans 24
If it all falls apart
Lions 21
Texans 27
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