Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens: What to watch for in week 13

The Detroit Lions head to Baltimore in week 13 to make a final push for the playoffs. Let’s look at what to watch for in this game.

It’s go big or go home time for the Detroit Lions if they are hoping to be in the playoffs this year. After losing on Thanksgiving to the Vikings, the Lions lost the slight chance they had at winning the division. Now even winning out might not get the Lions a playoff berth. Still, this week’s game is huge, so let’s look into some things to key in on.

1. Stafford’s Health

Late in the game on Thanksgiving, Matthew Stafford threw a gem of a pass to a double-covered Marvin Jones for a touchdown. There, was a little luck involved, but that was quickly canceled out as Stafford was down after the play.

Normally that would have been a huge momentum shift. But instead, Stafford had to play injured throughout the rest of the game and it showed.

Hopefully having a few more days off before this game means that Stafford is fully healed. Last week was proof that this team plays as well as Stafford does. Without him playing well this week the Lions don’t stand a chance.

2. Unleashing Theo

Last week Theo Riddick seemed to be the main running back in the game yet again. Ameer Abdullah has continued to struggle, and while not completely his fault (the line has been rough) it doesn’t bode well for him as the season goes on.

Abdullah missed some practice time this week, and I think that’s going to show in the game. I bet Riddick owns the snap count again this week. Does that mean the Lions actually break the 100-yard threshold? Probably not. But it does mean they may have a better chance of having a complementary running game.

3. Defensive Day

Both of these teams have solid defenses. It’s always been the Ravens play style, and now the Lions are in that conversation. I think this game is going to be full of big defensive and special teams play.

For the Ravens, I see a big day from rushers Terrell Suggs and Matt Judon. The Lions have struggled to protect the quarterback all season, and that will most likely continue. If they keep putting in work it could become a very long day for the Lions.

As for the Lions, I expect at least one interception for Darius Slay. That dude is scary fast, and I bet Joe Flacco throws a deep ball or two that Slay is all over. Winning the turnover battle will be huge for the outcome of the game.

Next: Lions playoff picture heading into week 13

Defense wins championships, and the Lions defense might be what gets them into the playoffs down the road.