Detroit Lions vs. Tennessee Titans: DJC Writer Predictions
By Zac Snyder
The Detroit Jock City writers make their predictions for the Detroit Lions’ 2016 home opener as the team takes on the Tennessee Titans in week two.
After getting a road win in their season opener against the Indianapolis Colts, the Detroit Lions open the home portion of their 2016 season with another AFC South opponent. Here is what the Detroit Jock City writers see ahead when the Lions host the Tennessee Titans on Sunday.
Matt Pelc (0-1) – Last week, the Detroit Lions’ defense seemed to have success early in the game when they were being aggressive and pressuring Andrew Luck, but once they backed off the pressure, he started to have success.
Look for the Lions to do what they did best last week. They should be able to limit the damage of a decent Titans’ running game, but the key will be to not let Marcus Mariota get on track, and let the second-year QB beat them. Mariota is no Luck, but he has potential, and the Lions’ defense has the potential to collapse.
Many Lions’ players commented on how the game in Indianapolis felt like a home game with the fans that traveled to see the opening win. The Ford Field crowd should be revved up and ready to support their team (or boo them if they get off to a slow start as is the Detroit norm these days).
I picked the Lions to lose last week to the Colts, and while I was almost right, I was certainly glad to be wrong. My first inclination is to pick against them for superstitious reasons, but then I remind myself nothing I ever do has any impact on whether the Lions win or lose. Since I had the Lions picked to win this game when the schedule came out in April, I’ll stick to that. Look for Matthew Stafford and the offense to continue to play well as Lions win 27-20.
Colton Wesley (1-0) – The Lions should move the ball effectively against an unimpressive Titans defense; Matthew Stafford and the receivers specifically should have a field day. DeMarco Murray and Derrick Henry make for a formidable tandem of backs for Tennessee and Delanie Walker is an excellent tight end, but I don’t think the Titans will score enough points to keep up with Detroit. Lions win 38-24.
Erik Schlitt (1-0) – The Lions struggled defending the Colts tight ends last week and Tennessee has a Pro Bowler in Delanie Walker. I expect Marcus Mariota to look for Walker often on Sunday. While Tennessee is a run first offense, they struggled last week in Minnesota, only gaining 64 yards on the ground. Expect the Titans to refocus themselves in this area.
The Titans stacked the boxed against Minnesota and held Adrian Peterson in check. But that was against a Shaun Hill led offense. They won’t be able to do that against Detroit and Matthew Stafford. If the Lions interior offensive line can limit stud defensive lineman Jurrell Casey’s impact, the Detroit offense could feast.
At the end of the day, I think the Titans defense will struggle to slow down Matthew Stafford, and the Titans offense can’t keep pace with Cooterball. Lions 24, Titans 17.
Matt Snyder (0-1) – The Lions were one of only two teams to pass for 300+ yards and rush for 100+ yards in Week 1. The Titans defense held the Vikings to just 301 total yards (7th best of Week 1), and ranked in the top half of the NFL in yards allowed in 2015. The key for the Lions will be in not letting their scoring drives stall for field goals. A second key would be to try playing defense. The Lions defense finished Week 1 ranked third from the bottom in total yards and points allowed. Prediction: Lions 27, Titans 21.
Zac Snyder (1-0) – The offense exceeded expectations while the defense failed to meet expectations last week against the Colts. Moving home to face the Titans, I expect that will change – at least on one side of the ball. The home field atmosphere should help out the Lions defense with the roar of Lions fans helping to make things difficult on the Titans offense. Lions 27, Titans 17
Next: Lions 2016 Game-by-Game Predictions
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