Predictions: Detroit Lions at New York Jets

Detroit News

▶ Nolan Bianchi: The Lions got a huge boost when the Jets announced Zach Wilson would be starting at quarterback over the injured Mike White. Wilson, a No. 2-overall pick just last year, has been truly awful so far this season. Make no mistake: There are no gimmes in the NFL, and the Lions will still have their hands full trying to score on the Jets’ defense. The big difference is that Wilson will likely provide the Lions with plenty of opportunities to flip this game on its head with a turnover. For that reason, Detroit keeps it rolling. Pick: Lions 23-13

▶ John Niyo: The Jets are putting their fading playoff hopes in Zach Wilson’s hands, but only because they don’t have a choice. They’re also waiting to see if star defensive tackle Quinnen Williams can play despite not practicing all week due to a calf injury. Meanwhile, the Lions seem to be getting healthier at the right time. And if the run game can get going just a little bit early in this one, it’ll put more pressure on Wilson to do things he’s simply not ready to do yet. The Patriots sent Wilson to the bench a month ago, and the Lions can do the same now. Pick: Lions, 24-16

More:Scouting report: Lions at Jets

▶ Justin Rogers: Mike White isn’t a star quarterback, but it’s clear the Jets have rallied around him as their starter. So, the fact he can’t go, and will be replaced by former No. 2 pick Zach Wilson, is a gift for the Lions. The opposition might also be without one of their top defensive players, after Quinnen Williams didn’t practice all week due to a calf injury. In a compelling matchup between a pair of upstart franchises, the Lions’ good health is lining up to be a real difference. They’ll probably need to find a way to sustain some longer drives, given the way the Jets take away explosive plays, but Detroit’s offense is versatile enough to do that. Pick: Lions 23-17

▶ Bob Wojnowski: Everywhere you look, Dan Campbell is getting praised — rightly so — for the Lions’ turnaround. At 6-7, this is where we learn if playoff hopes are real, against a 7-6 Jets team that’s flailing a bit, losing three of four.  The Lions and Jared Goff have proven they can move the ball on anyone, fourth in the league in total offense, and this is another test to see how their amped-up attack plays on the road. They’ll likely lean more on the running game, which runs smack into a tough Jets defense ranked third in the league. With Mike White injured, the Jets are going back to Zach Wilson at quarterback, and his mobility can be a problem. The Lions’ defense will contain him, and as long as Goff keeps his no-turnover streak alive, they’ll pull out a tight one. Pick: Lions, 23-20

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