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Playoff Implications Abound For Detroit Lions At New Orleans

By Colton Wesley

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) celebrates with center Travis Swanson (64) and teammates after kicking the game winning field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. The Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) celebrates with center Travis Swanson (64) and teammates after kicking the game winning field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. The Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit Lions are looking to pick up a two-game lead in the NFC North on Sunday as they visit the New Orleans Saints.

Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) celebrates with center Travis Swanson (64) and teammates after kicking the game winning field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. The Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 24, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions kicker Matt Prater (5) celebrates with center Travis Swanson (64) and teammates after kicking the game winning field goal as time expired in the fourth quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. The Lions won 16-13. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

The Detroit Lions (7-4) will try to take a two-game lead in the NFC North at the Superdome on Sunday, taking on the New Orleans Saints (5-6), who need a win to stay close in the NFC wildcard race.

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The Lions have won six out of their last seven and are in control of the NFC North after beating the Minnesota Vikings on Thanksgiving. Detroit has trailed in each of their 11 games in the fourth quarter but somehow have defied the odds and found ways to win those games with surprising frequently. The Lions are the first team in NFL history to have each of their first 11 games decided by 11 points or less.

The Detroit defense, which has improved as the season has gone along, will be tested on Sunday by a strong New Orleans offense. Drew Brees is still one of the league’s top passers, completing 71.5% of his passes and throwing 30 touchdowns and eight interceptions. It helps him that he has a full complement of receivers, the leader of whom is rookie Michael Thomas.

The depth of the Saints’ pass-catching unit which includes Brandin Cooks, Willie Snead, Brandon Coleman and tight end Coby Fleener will challenge a Detroit secondary that has not been tested by a unit this strong in several weeks. The Saints also feature a good ground game, led by Mark Ingram, who has rushed for 721 yards this season and averages 5.3 yards per carry.

Defensively, the Saints backfield lacks the backbone it demonstrated one season ago, ranking 26th in passing yards allowed per game. Cameron Jordan and former Lion Nick Fairley have each had some success rushing the passer and the team’s rushing defense gives up just under 100 yards per game.

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