| The Detroit News
Justin Rogers, Rod Beard, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Thursday’s Texans at Lions game (12:30, CBS/760).
►Justin Rogers: Texans quarterback Deshaun Watson is a handful for good defenses and Detroit doesn’t present that. And after getting shut out by the Panthers last week, what reason is there to believe the Lions’ offense can keep pace? The potential return of running back D’Andre Swift would certainly help, but it probably won’t be enough. Texans 26, Lions 20
►Rod Beard: After a miserable 1-6 start, the Texans have won two of their last three and the Lions are going in the other direction, having lost three of their last four. A loss could be the last nail in the coffin for Matt Patricia, and the Lions haven’t played like they’re going to turn the tide on the freefall. If they get D’Andre Swift back, it could be a boost for the offense but Kenny Golladay’s absence has been the biggest issue. The defense needs to keep this a low-scoring game, which seems to be a huge ask. Texans 24, Lions 17
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Detroit News scouting report: Texans at Lions
►John Niyo: The Texans may offer Lions fans a glimpse into their (near?) future with an interim GM and head coach, but they also offer a beatable foe. Houston can’t run the ball or stop the run. So if Matt Patricia’s team has any fight left — and they probably do — this is a convenient opportunity to prove it. Lions 30, Texans 28
►Bob Wojnowski: On Thanksgiving, the Lions basically need holiday magic and a turkey wishbone to turn things around. Houston has an awful defense, but then so did the Panthers, and they shut Detroit out. With Kenny Golladay out and D’Andre Swift uncertain, it’s hard to see how points suddenly appear. Matt Patricia gets the full national scrutiny for this one, and if it gets ugly, his tenure here could be over very quickly. Deshaun Watson will twist the Lions’ defense in knots, and it won’t be pretty. Texans 35, Lions 23