The Detroit Lions got shocked at home last weekend when the Niners scored 10 points in less than the last two minutes to put them away.  The Falcons got back on track with a nice 31-17 win over the Panthers last weekend.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Lions have the ball:  With Jahvid Best out this weekend, look for Matt Stafford to try to carry the offense this weekend.  As long as he has time to throw the ball, he’s going to have a good game as the Falcons are giving up 282.8 yards passing per game so far this year.  Calvin Johnson is in line for a HUGE game against the Falcons’ suspect secondary.  Brandon Pettigrew, Titus Young and Nate Burleson are also likely to get in on the action for the Lions.  Maurice Morris and Keiland Williams are going to share the ball whenever the Lions decide to run the ball, and that likely won’t be much.

When the Falcons have the ball:  The Lions’ D is going to have to focus on stopping Michael Turner and that’s not going to be easy.  The Lions are giving up 129.5 yards rushing per game so far this year and 5.2 yards per carry, so Turner might get his fair share of yards.  The Lions are also going to have to get a good pass rush on Matt Ryan, or he’s going to make some plays with Roddy White and Tony Gonzalez being his main targets.

PREDICTION:  FALCONS 30, LIONS 27

The Detroit Lions are ready for another challenge this season when the 49ers come in for a visit this Sunday.  The Lions are 2-0 at home this season and they have outscored their opponents 72-16 so far.  The Niners are 2-0 on the road and they have outscored their opponents 37-31.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Lions have the ball:  The Lions are probably going to come out throwing against the Niners this weekend.  The 49ers are allowing 264.4 yards passing per game this season, so Matt Stafford could have a huge game.  He has only been sacked six times so far this year, so protection shouldn’t be a problem this weekend.  WR Calvin Johnson (29 rec, 451 yards, 9 TD grabs) is a complete mis-match for anyone in the Niners’ secondary, so he’s in line for a big game.  Stafford will also throw the ball to Brandon Pettigrew, Titus Young, Nate Burleson and Jahvid Best quite often in this game.  Jahvid Best will be looking to build on the best effort of his NFL career last Monday Night, but the Niners’ have a tight run D as they are only allowing 76.4 yards rushing per game and 3.6 yards per carry.

When the 49ers have the ball:  The Lions are going to have to key RBs Frank Gore and Kendall Hunter as the Niners are going to come out running the football in this game in an effort to control the clock.  The Niners have allowed 14 sacks already this year, so the Lions should be able to get in Alex Smith’s face a lot in this game.  The safeties of the Lions need to be on high alert in this game as TEs Vernon Davis and Delanie Walker are Smith’s favorite targets in the passing game.

PREDICTION:  LIONS 24, 49ERS 17

The Detroit Lions are rolling so far this year as they are averaging 33.8 points and 375.8 yards per game so far this year.  The Lions won their only home game this year against the Chiefs, 48-3.  The Bears are 0-1 on the road as they lost 30-13 at New Orleans.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Lions have the ball:  The Lions are going to come out throwing the ball on Monday Night against a Bears’ D that is giving up 301.5 yards passing per game so far this year.  The Lions need to give Matt Stafford time to throw the ball, and that means keeping DE Julius Peppers out of his face.  Calvin Johnson is off to an amazing start for the Lions (24 grabs, 321 yards, 8 TD grabs) and the Bears will have no choice but to try to double cover him.  That will leave Brandon Pettigrew, Nate Burleson and Titus Young likely with man to man coverage.  Jahvid Best is going to give the Bears a double dose of problems with his catching the ball out of the backfield and his running against a Bears’ D that is giving up 124.3 yards rushing per game and 5.1 yards per carry so far this year.

When the Bears have the ball:  Matt Forte is the Bears’ whole offense right now.  If the Lions stop him from both running the ball and catching it out of the backfield, they are going to destroy the Bears this Monday Night.  The Lions should blitz more than usual in this game as the Bears’ O-Line is pretty lousy at pass protection.  Jay Cutler has been sacked 15 times already this year and he gets antsy when he gets popped early in a game, which is the goal the Lions’ front seven should have.

PREDICTION:  LIONS 27, BEARS 17

This is a matchup of two extremely hot teams.  The Lions and Cowboys both had nice comeback victories last weekend.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Lions have the ball:  The Lions like to pretend to be balanced on offense, but they are a passing team first and foremost.  This week though, Matthew Stafford is going to have to get rid of the ball quickly against a Cowboys’ D that already has 13 sacks on the season.  Look for TEs Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler to be used a lot on short passes to slow the Cowboys pass rush a little bit.  But, if Stafford gets time to throw the ball, he should be able to shred the Cowboys’ secondary (which isn’t up to full speed due to injuries).  Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and rookie Titus Young are going to make their fare share of plays this weekend in Dallas.  Look for Stafford to use Jahvid Best more out of the backfield in the passing game than running the ball this Sunday.

When the Cowboys have the ball:  The Cowboys are likely going to try to run the ball a little more than usual, as I can’t see them wanting to get into a firefight with the Lions.  The Lions have given up 113.0 yards rushing per game and 5.0 yards per carry so far this year, so expect Felix Jones to be more heavily involved in the offense this Sunday.  The Lions are going to want to hit Tony Romo early and often in this game, until he cries uncle.  If they can get him out of the game, Jon Kitna isn’t going to beat the Lions.  Dez Bryant and TE Jason Witten are the two guys the Lions are going to have to stop if they want to win this Sunday in Dallas.

PREDICTION:  LIONS 24, COWBOYS 20

The Lions and Vikings split last year’s meeting with each team winning on their home field.  Both of these teams get off to good starts in games, but while the Lions have been finishing them off, the Vikings have faded in the 3rd and 4th quarters.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Lions have the ball:  The Lions are going to come out throwing the ball in an attempt to jump to an early lead and take the Vikings out of their offensive game plan.  Matt Stafford has not been sacked so far this year, but the Vikings will try to change that as they have four of them.  If the Lions can keep Vikings’ DE Jared Allen out of the backfield, Matt Stafford is likely going to have a big game.  The Vikings are giving up 280 yards passing per game as their secondary has been picked on quite often already this year.  WRs Calvin Johnson, Nate Burleson and rookie Titus Young have all been playing well this year and they could clean up against the Vikings this Sunday.  TEs Tony Scheffler and Brandon Pettigrew are going to make it hard for the Lions to double Calvin Johnson, as Stafford likes throwing to them too.  Jahvid Best already has 237 yards (118.5 avg. per game) in rushing and receiving yards which should help keep the Vikings’ D honest this weekend.

When the Vikings have the ball:  The Lions are going to have to sack up to stop Adrian Peterson.  The Lions don’t think that Donovan McNabb has much of a chance beating them through the air, so the front seven must be able to handle Peterson who already has 218 yards rushing this year.  Donovan McNabb only has 267 yards passing and 1 TD pass so far this year, so the Lions’ secondary should be able to handle dealing with him.  The Lions will also likely blitz a lot to force the issue.  They just need to worry about WR Percy Harvin as he is a gamebreaker.

PREDICTION:  LIONS 27, VIKINGS 17

The Lions are going to be really amped up for the home opener against a Chiefs’ team that can’t be feeling to good about themselves after getting dominated 41-7 at home by the Bills last weekend.  The Lions are going to try to jump the Chiefs really quick in this game and break down their will to win.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Lions have the ball:  I see the Lions coming out in a double tight formation (2 WR, 2 TEs and 1 RB) this Sunday and to come out chucking the ball down the field.  The Chiefs are vulnerable at safety due to Eric Berry suffering a season ending injury in the season opener.  The Chiefs gave up 4 TD passes last week against a Bills’ team that has nowhere near as much talent at WR and TE as the Lions have!  Calvin Johnson and Nate Burleson are going to give the Chiefs’ corners fits all day long.  TEs Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler are going to go after the Chiefs’ safeties over the middle of the field.  Matt Stafford is going to have a HUGE game this Sunday as long as he has time to throw the ball.  He wasn’t sacked at all last weekend.  Jahvid Best is really fast, especially on the turf and he’s going to challenge the LBs of the Chiefs, early and often.

When the Chiefs have the ball:  The Chiefs can’t fire on all cylinders offensively without running the ball.  That means that the Lions’ D should be keying on Jamaal Charles, Dexter McCluster and Thomas Jones whenever they are on the field.  DT Ndamukong Suh is going to wreak all kinds of havoc up front for the Lions in this game.  LBs Stephen Tulloch, DeAndre Levy and Justin Durant should be kept clean to make plays from sideline to sideline due to the D-Line tying up all the blockers on the O-Line.  WRs Dwayne Bowe and Steve Breaston are still dangerous, but the Lions should be able to give the corners help over the top seeing how the Chiefs don’t really have much of a threat at TE.  Chiefs’ QB Matt Cassel is playing with a cracked rib, so don’t be surprised to see the Lions’ defensive players take some shots at him.

PREDICTION:  LIONS 27, CHIEFS 16

The Lions are hot as a firecracker to start the 2011 season.  They won all four preseason games and they won their last four regular season games of the 2010 season, including a 23-20 win over the Bucs in Tampa.  The Lions appear to have really helped the defense in the draft and free agency on paper.  But, we’ll find out tomorrow if it’s all going to come together defensively or not.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Lions have the ball:  The Lions are going to come out aggressively offensively tomorrow against the Bucs.  If the Lions keep the young DEs of the Bucs out of the backfield, Matt Stafford is likely going to have a big game.  Calvin Johnson caught 10 passes for 152 yards last year in the game against the Bucs, and Drew Stanton was starting at QB.  I think Johnson is going to have a HUGE game tomorrow in Tampa.  Stafford is going to spread the ball around some though, as Nate Burleson, Titus Young, Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler are all going to get looks in this game.  The Lions will run the ball just enough to keep the Bucs’ D honest.  Jahvid Best is a gamebreaker when he gets the right matchup because of his speed.  He is also really good at catching the ball out of the backfield.   Maurice Morris rushed for 109 yards against the Bucs last year but he might not play much due to a hand injury.

When the Buccaneers have the ball:  The Lions are going to want to stop LeGarrette Blount first tomorrow.  He rushed for 110 yards on 15 carries (7.3 ypc) with 1 TD run against the Lions last year.  Stopping Blount will be Ndamukong Suh, Corey Williams and Stephen Tulloch’s main job in this game.  The Lions are going to also need to get a good pass rush on Josh Freeman, because if he has time to throw the ball, he’s going to inflict damage.  Mike Williams caught 6 passes for 96 yards (16.0 avg) with 1 TD grab against the Lions last year, so he’s going to be the focal point of the secondary tomorrow.

PREDICTION:  LIONS 21, BUCCANEERS 17

The Lions are finishing this season strong as they have won three games in a row.  Despite only being 3-4 at home this season the Lions have really fought hard at Ford Field this year.  Leslie Frazier has the Vikings playing solid football as they are 3-2 with him in charge.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Lions have the ball:  The Lions are going to come out passing this Sunday.  Shaun Hill never really got a shot from the Vikings in his time with them so he will want to stick it to them this Sunday.  If the Lions’ O-Line keeps Hill upright, he is going to make some plays down the field with Calvin Johnson and Brandon Pettigrew getting most of the action.  The Lions will only run the ball to keep the Vikings’ D honest. 

When the Vikings have the ball:  The Vikings are going to be starting rookie QB Joe Webb again.  With that in mind the Lions have to try to stop Adrian Peterson and force Webb to have to beat them with his arm.  That will be easier said than done as Peterson will be targeting a Lions’ D that is giving up 128.3 yards rushing per game and 4.6 yards per carry.  The Vikings will also have to keep an eye on Percy Harvin who appears to be Webb’s WR of choice when throwing the ball.

PREDICTION:  LIONS 20, VIKINGS 17

The Lions have won two games in a row including their first road win in 27 games last weekend.  The Dolphins are only 1-6 at home this year so maybe the Lions can steal another win on the road.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Lions have the ball:  The Lions are going to come out throwing the ball if either Drew Stanton or Shaun Hill is ready to go.  The key to having success throwing the ball this weekend falls to the offensive line.  If Stanton or Hill has time to throw the ball, he should have success against a Fins’ D that is allowing 201.4 yards passing per game.  The Dolphins have a very solid run defense but the Lions aren’t much of a running team so that likely won’t hurt them too much in this game.

When the Dolphins have the ball:  The Dolphins are likely going to try to pound the ball with Ronnie Brown & Ricky Williams against a Lions’ D that is giving up 126.5 yards rushing per game and 4.6 yards per carry.  The Lions have been getting better on pass defense but I wouldn’t call them “good” quite yet. With that in mind they are going to have to get after Chad Henne with the pass rush to force him into making some mistakes.

PREDICTION:  DOLPHINS 20, LIONS 17

The Lions shocked the Packers last week, beating them 7-3 which broke a 5-games losing streak.  But, the Lions have lost 26 games in a row on the road.  The Buccaneers beat the Redskins to break a 2-game losing streak.  The Bucs are 8-0 against teams with losing records this  year.  Here is a look at the matchups in this game:

When the Lions have the ball:  The Lions have nothing to lose by playing loose tomorrow afternoon in Tampa.  Drew Stanton will have to be cafeful when throwing the ball as the Bucs have 18 interceptions this year, but there are plays to be made in the passing game as the Bucs are giving up 206.2 yards passing per game.  Calvin Johnson, Brandon Pettigrew and Nate Burleson all have potential to have big games this Sunday.  Jahvid Best, Maurice Morris and maybe even Stefan Logan will take some shots against a soft Bucs’ D that is allowing 133.1 yards rushing per game and 4.7 yards per carry.

When the Buccaneers have the ball:  The Lions have a lot to worry about in this game.  LeGarrette Blount has turned into a very solid RB and he will be taking aim at a Lions’ D that is allowing 122.7 yards rushing per game and 4.5 yards per carry.  The Lions need to get a good pass rush on Josh Freeman or he is going to make some big plays in the passing game.  Mike Williams, Arrelious Benn and Kellen Winslow give Freeman some quality targets in the passing games.

PREDICTION:  BUCCANEERS 23, LIONS 13