| The Detroit News
Justin Rogers, Rod Beard, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News predict the outcome of Sunday’s Lions at Titans game (1 p.m., CBS/WJR 760).
►Justin Rogers: Even if the Lions find a way to slow down Derrick Henry, which is a big if, the Titans have shown they can light up a scoreboard without the hulking running back having a dominant day. In the five games he’s rushed for under 100 yards this season, they’ve still averaged 31.6 points. Combine that with the growing number of injuries the Lions are coping with and you’re looking at a recipe for disaster. Titans 36, Lions 20
►Rod Beard: The Lions are sliding and the injuries continue to build up, with Matthew Stafford, Frank Ragnow and Tyrell Crosby joining Kenny Golladay on the injured list. The defense this week will be tasked with trying to stop Derrick Henry primarily, which is as tall a task as they’ve faced all season. They’ll need a lot of good things to happen, such as turnovers or a big play on special teams. If Stafford can’t play, it could get ugly. Titans 33, Lions 17
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►John Niyo: Stopping Derrick Henry is tough enough. But the Lions have even bigger problems defensively, thanks to a paper-thin secondary heading into Sunday’s game against the Titans. Tennessee has more on the line and more to work with on both sides of the ball. Titans 31, Lions 17
►Bob Wojnowski: Let’s see, the Titans are 9-4 and trying to clinch the AFC South and have the best running back in the league in Derrick Henry. The Lions might be without Matthew Stafford and center Frank Ragnow, and have been awful against the run. Hmm, tough call here. Tennessee is a great model for what the Lions hope to become, but it’s not close now. Ryan Tannehill has developed into an excellent quarterback, with a career-high 28 touchdown passes. Is there any pathway to a Lions’ victory? Not unless they force a bunch of turnovers and Stafford is magically, medically ready to go. So, highly unlikely. Titans 34, Lions 16