▶ Nolan Bianchi: The Lions’ defense can’t get any worse, right? Right?! Even though Mac Jones is a no-go for Sunday, seeing what the Patriots got out of Bailey Zappe last week is likely too much for the Lions’ comfort, and if anything, facing a third-string quarterback in his first career start might add more pressure to the occasion. Perhaps it’s because the bye week follows, but it really feels like this is the defense’s last chance to prove that it doesn’t plan on being a pushover all season. That said, given the tandem of hitting rock bottom last week and Dan Campbell’s understanding of how much this game means for the fanbase on a personal level, expect them to bring the heat that’s been absent all season. Lions, 31-27
▶ John Niyo: Both teams have shown they can run the ball efficiently. Neither team has shown it can stop the run, though. But only the Lions have shown some explosion in the ground game, so maybe there’s an advantage there as they hit the road hoping to regain control of their season. And if it’s Bailey Zappe at quarterback again — or even a hobbled Mac Jones — throwing to a receiving corps that hardly intimidates, maybe this is the week the Lions’ defense does just enough to not lose a game for the league’s top-ranked offense. Lions, 28-23
▶ Justin Rogers: We should be whispering about the Lions as a playoff contender right now. Instead, injuries and poor execution, on one side of the ball in particular, have resulted in yet another disappointing start to a season. After blowing a late lead against Minnesota, and failing to get a single defensive stop at home against a previously struggling Seattle offense, the Lions now face the prospect entering their bye week 1-4. And even though a third-string rookie is expected to be making his first start for the Patriots at quarterback, the Lions aren’t deserving of your faith they can suddenly fix the issues that have plagued them all season. And it will be a bitter pill for fans to swallow, but Matt Patricia is going to get the last laugh if they can’t. Patriots, 30-27
▶ Bob Wojnowski: What a messy mix this could be, with the Lions facing ol’ buddy Matt Patricia, now calling plays for New England’s mediocre offense. The 1-3 Patriots likely are down to their third-string QB in rookie Bailey Zappe, but he gets to go against the Lions’ NFL-worst defense. Expect the Patriots to protect the rookie and hammer with the running game. Expect the Lions to pile up yards and give up yards in equal doses. Dan Campbell and Aaron Glenn supposedly will shake up and simplify the defense, but it would help if the Lions controlled the clock behind their excellent OL. Jared Goff has been very good, but even without D’Andre Swift, the Lions have run with anybody and against anybody, and should run some more. Lions, 24-20