The NFL’s international game in Week 10 will feature the Detroit Lions, who will be hosting the New England Patriots in Munich, Germany. New England comes into this game at 5-4, losing two of their last four matchups, while Detroit has won four straight, putting them still in the hunt for the AFC North crown at 6-2. The Patriots must muster up a win to continue keeping their name in the NFL Playoff conversation, yet the Lions need a win to keep themselves in a tight-knit race within their division. Who walks away in Munich victorious?
In this Week 10 matchup, New England will be without running back TreVeyon Henderson and cornerback Carlton Davis III. Thursday saw receiver A.J. Brown and running back Rhamondre Stevenson go through limited practice, and it remains unspecified whether they’ll play in Germany. Quarterback Drake Maye threw three interceptions in the first half last week and was sacked four times against the Green Bay Packers during a brutal 45-27 blowout loss. The 24-year-old quarterback must avoid a third straight loss to an AFC North team this season. Even with the injuries New England has sustained this season, they must band together and play their best football of the season to pick up a pivotal win.
After a tough loss to the Carolina Panthers on October 4th, Detroit has won four straight games, defeating division rivals such as the Packers and the Minnesota Vikings in the process. A fifth straight win and seventh win overall could further cement the Lions’ playoff hopes, with every AFC North team currently vying for an NFC Playoff spot. Over the past two weeks, quarterback Jared Goff has put up fewer than 200 yards and thrown an interception against the Vikings and Miami Dolphins. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs has rushed for over 100 yards in three of his last four games and over 150 rushing yards in two of those. Detroit’s safety Kerby Joseph, Cade Mays, and D.J. Reed are all unavailable for Sunday’s game. Receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown was limited in practice both Wednesday and Thursday, while Goff was limited Wednesday; he was a full participant on Thursday.
New England’s defense must get quick and easy stops, pressuring Goff as much as possible to allow the Patriots offense to get as many opportunities with the ball as they can get. Maye needs a performance of a lifetime, even with a limited offense, to keep New England’s name in the playoff fold. If Brown and Stevenson can play, that would be two huge additions to add to the Patriots hopes. Detroit will look to rely on Gibbs to slow down New England’s defense and pick up large chunks of yardage on the ground. The Lions’ three-time Pro Bowl running back can easily change the momentum of the game just on his speed alone, something the Patriots’ defense must be ready for.
I am expecting the Patriots to get eaten alive during this international game of the week. Expect a 30-40-point game by the Lions and a big game from Gibbs. New England must have a performance of a lifetime just to keep their playoff hopes intact for the foreseeable future. It’s a necessity for the Patriots to win and a chance for the Lions to continue their race for the AFC North Division crown. Yet, I’m looking for a 42-21 Detroit win on Sunday morning.
