The Lions have lost three games in a row, by an average of 10 points apiece. The Patriots have won two games in a row and have only allowed 13 total points in those games.
The Lions will come out throwing the football, like they always do. Kitna (2,876 yards passing) better be careful when going after Asante Samuel who has 6 interceptions this season. Roy Williams (60 rec, 993 yards) should get his yards against the Patriots. The keys will be if the Lions can get the ball to Mike Furrey and Kevin Jones (if he plays). Jones would at least give the offense the threat of a running game, which they don’t have when he’s out.
The Patriots should be able to do whatever they want on offense. The preferred method will be to run the football with Laurence Maroney (610 yards rushing) and Corey Dillon (550 yards rushing) against the Lions run defense that allows 131.5 yards rushing per game and 4.2 yards per carry. Tom Brady (2,565 yards passing) should have an easy time spreading the ball around against the Lions pass defense that has allowed an opponents rating of 101.2 this season.
The Patriots should win this game easily as the defense will pressure Jon Kitna into mistakes and the Patriots offense should score at will.
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