Prime-time matchups rarely meet the hype, but Thursday night’s NFL game between the Baltimore Ravens and Cincinnati Bengals did, with the Ravens edging out a narrow win.
The league is hoping for another exciting showdown tonight as the 7-1 Detroit Lions take on the 6-3 Houston Texans in what could be another thriller.
Appearances can be misleading, though. We invited Ryan Mathews to break down the game and identify any hidden factors.
At first glance, the Lions appear to have a solid advantage, having been dominant so far this season.
We started with the Lions’ offense, the NFL’s top-ranked unit by many metrics.
Battle Red Blog: Detroit’s offense leads the league statistically. What’s driving their improved production?
Ryan Mathews: The Lions’ offensive surge is due to several key factors: an effective ground game led by dynamic duo Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, who bring versatility and keep the attack strong all game long.
A solid offensive line, which may be the NFL’s best, has been critical for both pass protection and run blocking, although they’ll miss Taylor Decker in this game.
Against Houston’s tough edge rush, that could be something to watch.
Jared Goff’s smart, controlled quarterback play and Ben Johnson’s balanced play-calling, which maximizes play-action to capitalize on Goff’s strengths, have also been crucial for creating big-play chances downfield.
Ben Johnson seems like a top head coach candidate. How essential is he to Detroit’s offense?
Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator, has been key to the Lions’ success. His creative schemes and focus on maximizing his players’ strengths have elevated the offense.
Johnson’s play designs allow flexibility, and his sequencing keeps defenses guessing.
With his impressive results and inventiveness, he’s definitely a prime head coach candidate and a huge factor in the offense’s success.
He’s arguably the most important member of the coaching staff as the team pushes for a playoff spot and beyond.
The Lions recently acquired Za’Darius Smith. What will he bring to the defense?
Detroit made a smart move addressing their defensive needs by trading for edge rusher Za’Darius Smith from Cleveland after losing Aidan Hutchinson for the season.
Smith won’t play tonight, but he brings proven run defense and pass-rushing ability to strengthen the line.
His 19.1% pass rush win rate ranks 12th among edge defenders, showing his knack for pressuring quarterbacks, while his 2.5% sack rate is above league average.
With 5 sacks through nine games, he’ll provide much-needed disruption on the defensive line. Smith also has a solid 5.6% run-stop rate, crucial for shoring up Detroit’s run defense.
Standing at 6’4”, 274 pounds, he’s well-suited for Detroit’s defensive scheme, adding depth and veteran skill to an injury-hit front line.
The NFC North is one of the NFL’s best divisions. How do you see it playing out, and which team do Lions fans most enjoy beating?
The NFC North is highly competitive, and if the current trends hold, it’s likely three teams could make the playoffs.
Lions fans especially enjoy beating the Packers in Lambeau, with Detroit aiming for a third straight win there—a rivalry that’s as historic as it is fierce.
The early-season win over the Vikings was equally pivotal. As the race tightens down the stretch, Detroit looks positioned to be a real contender to win the division.
FanDuel favors the Lions (-3.5) on the road. Do you think they’ll cover, and are there any props you’d recommend?
The Lions, with their balanced offense and timely defense, are a good pick to cover the spread—they’re 7-1 against it this season, with their only loss to Tampa Bay in Week 2. For prop bets, Amon-Ra St. Brown’s reception total looks tempting; FanDuel’s OVER 6.5 receptions at +115 seems a top option.
