It seems like the Detroit Lions are back to their losing ways after dropping their second-consecutive game at the hands of the St. Louis Rams on Sunday. But they’ll have a shot to showcase quarterback Matthew Stafford’s arm in a matchup against the New Orleans Saints in Week 15.
The Saints, meanwhile, snapped a four-game losing streak with a 24-17 victory over Tampa Bay. They’ll be hoping that a return to the Big Easy on Monday Night will spark a win streak anew to still keep them in the hunt for a wild card spot in the playoffs.
Catch plenty more NFL action coming your way with our complete previews for the Chiefs vs. Ravens and Bears vs. Vikings.
[sc:Football ]Detroit Lions vs. New Orleans Saints Preview
Where: Mercedes-Benz Superdome, New Orleans
When: Monday, December 21, 8:30 PM ET
Line: Detroit Lions (+3) at New Orleans Saints (-3); total: 50.5 – view all NFL lines
TV Broadcast: ESPN
Betting on the Detroit Lions (4-9)
On a day that Calvin Johnson was mostly shut down — he was limited to just one reception for 16 yards — Golden Tate swooped in to give Detroit’s offense some life. Tate led the Lions with 60 yards receiving along with catching the team’s only two touchdowns of the day. Running back Theo Riddick also had a rather big day in the Lions receiving game with Johnson struggling, catching seven passes for 44 yards.
[sc:NFL240banner ]Still, Detroit quarterback Matthew Stafford had trouble reading the coverage on Sunday afternoon, and also held on to the ball too long on many occasions, leading him to getting sacked four times against the Rams. Stafford finished with 245 yards passing with two touchdowns and an interception. At least he could have a much better matchup against the Saints’ secondary up next; New Orleans has allowed 278.8 yards passing per game, 30th in the league. The Saints have also allowed the most passing touchdowns this year (36).
The Lions would also be better served if they could limit New Orleans’ own passing offense. Saints quarterback Drew Brees has been splendid the past two weeks after hurling five touchdowns. If the Lions can hamper New Orleans’ strong-armed signal-caller, they’ll have a good shot at a victory on the road. Detroit actually happens to have a solid passing defense, allowing just 232.6 yards per game (ninth in the league).
The team also has a couple of solid players in their secondary. Free safety Glover Quin has three interceptions this season (including a pick-six), and cornerback Darius Slay has two interceptions this season. Expect the Lions’ secondary to stick to New Orleans’ receivers like glue to prevent big plays from Brees.
The Lions are 1-5 SU and 2-4 ATS in their six road games this season.
Betting on the New Orleans Saints (5-8)
Drew Brees was spectacular in Sunday’s 24-17 victory over the surging Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The New Orleans quarterback threw for 312 yards and two touchdowns to Marques Colston to snap the Saints’ four-game losing streak.
Brees was not short of weapons against the Buccaneers. Willie Snead led the team with seven receptions for 122 yards, while Benjamin Watson had seven catches for 70 yards. Then there was Marques Colston, who was a solid red-zone target with his two touchdowns. As Brees got the passing game going, Tim Hightower did what he could on the ground.
Hightower relatively struggled on Sunday, rushing for just 85 yards behind 28 carries, but he did score a touchdown to keep New Orleans in the lead for good. Expect the Saints to turn in a well-rounded offensive performance, even as they’re set to face Detroit’s passing defense.
New Orleans will need to get on the scoreboard early and often in this coming Monday night’s game as its defense is still struggling to keep opponents from gaining plenty of yardage. The Saints are 31st in the league in total defense, allowing 414.8 yards of offense per game. If the Saints concede an early lead, expect them to air out the ball as often as they can with Brees.
While the Saints have one of the worst defenses in the league, it doesn’t mean that there’s no talent on that side of the ball. Cameron Jordan has been a solid pass rusher for New Orleans with a team-high eight sacks this season, and he has recorded at sack in two of his last three games. Cornerback Delvin Breaux could also force some turnovers; he has two interceptions this season.
The Saints are 3-1-1 ATS in their last five at home.
Writer’s Prediction
The Saints storm to a victory. Create a betting account now and cash in on an amazing matchup on Monday Night Football.
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