The Detroit Lions have done something they haven’t done in a long time: win two games in a row. If they can beat the Giants on Sunday, we’ll be able to call it a proper winning streak.
Here are five things to watch ahead of Sunday’s matchup at MetLife Stadium.
Stopping Saquon
The Lions’ defense has been shredded on the ground a few times already this season, most recently by Justin Fields last week in Chicago. Facing the rejuvenated Saquon Barkely is sure to be a challenge, especially without rookie DE Josh Paschal. Stopping the run will be key this week.
Chark week
WR D.J. Chark will be back this week after missing the last several games with an ankle injury. Getting him going would be huge for this offense. It has lacked a consistent downfield threat all season. As good as Amon-Ra St. Brown is, he can’t do everything. Chark can be that guy.
Getting pressure on Danny Dimes
The Giants’ offensive line is banged up a bit. Rookie OT Evan Neal is listed as doubtful, and OG Joshua Ezeuda is listed as questionable. It could be an opportunity to get some pressure on QB Daniel Jones. The Giants’ O-line already isn’t great, and it would likely be worse being down two starters.
Beating a good team
The Lions have beaten three teams this season — none of them have a record over .500. Beating a 7-2 Giants team would be a huge confidence booster heading into the Thanksgiving game against the Bills, despite many people considering the Giants to be fraudulent.
Why not two?
The Lions got their first road win under Dan Campbell last week. Why not make it two in a row this week? It would be big for this team to be coming off two road wins heading into a short week.
Matthew Scheidel is a freelance writer.