Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff passes the ball towards the Inexperienced Bay Packers. Two groups with expectations past regular-season statements sq. off Sunday night time when the Detroit Lions go to the Houston Texans.
The Lions (7-1) personal the perfect report within the NFC and stand second total within the NFL behind solely the unbeaten Kansas Metropolis Chiefs. Houston (6-3) shares the fourth-best mark within the AFC with the Ravens getting into Baltimore’s Thursday night time matchup with the Cincinnati Bengals.
Detroit has ripped off six straight victories and views the Sunday primetime contest as a big midseason check within the highlight.
“That is one we’re wanting ahead to,” Lions coach Dan Campbell stated. “You respect the model of soccer they play with. So this can be an excellent matchup.”
Texans coach DeMeco Ryans used a distinct message in Houston, telling his prices that one sport is not extra essential than another.
However solely the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 2 have found out methods to slay the Lions.
“This sport is not extra essential simply due to the Lions and what they’ve executed,” Ryans stated. “They’ve performed good soccer, in fact, credit score to these guys. They’re enjoying nicely, they’re coached nicely, however that does not change our mindset, how we method each week.
“It is nonetheless the identical each week. Each week — massive sport. And we’re making an attempt to exit and win this one.”
Houston opened the season with 5 wins in six video games however has slumped by dropping two of its previous three video games.
The final contest was a clunker because the Texans fell 21-13 to the New York Jets on Halloween. Star quarterback C.J. Stroud was sacked a season-high eight occasions and accomplished a campaign-worst 36.7 p.c of his throws (11 of 30).
Stroud has handed for fewer than 200 yards in three of the previous 4 video games after exceeding that mark in every of Houston’s first 5 contests.
“There are issues I can get higher at, essentially sensible, for certain,” Stroud stated. “Simply getting the ball out of my hand and issues like that however finally, I consider it’s simply having enjoyable and being joyful whereas doing it.”
Lions quarterback Jared Goff is coming off his lowest passing-yardage outputs of the season — 85 towards the Tennessee Titans on Oct. 27 and 145 versus the Inexperienced Bay Packers final week. Nonetheless, he has accomplished not less than 80 p.c of his passes in three straight video games and 4 occasions total.
Goff feels the Texans can be a difficult foe however he isn’t in the slightest degree concerned with Detroit being talked about among the many NFL’s high groups.
“Who cares who thinks we’re any good proper now in Week (10)? It does not matter,” Goff stated. “You are simply looking for a method to stack Ws. I believe you get caught up generally, not simply the dangerous stuff, however with the good things at occasions. It may be harmful.”
The Lions shored up a defensive gap on Tuesday by buying three-time Professional Bowl defensive finish Za’Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns. Smith joined Detroit to start preparations for the Texans.
The Lions misplaced star move rusher Aidan Hutchinson to a damaged fibula and tibia in his left leg on Oct. 13.
“I believed that was essential,” Campbell stated of touchdown Smith. “I imply, he is been on this league some time and so they have been really simply happening their bye week when he bought the decision from us and all the things bought executed, so let him do what he must do, refresh, get again right here Friday.”
Houston standout defensive finish Will Anderson Jr. (ankle) missed follow Wednesday. Becoming a member of him on the sidelines have been defensive ends Derek Barnett (calf/shoulder) and Dylan Horton (sickness), defensive sort out Foley Fatukasi, guard Kenyon Inexperienced (shoulder) and operating again Dameon Pierce (groin).
Detroit performed a walkthrough Wednesday and two gamers missed it on account of accidents — linebackers Jalen Reeves-Maybin (neck) and Malcolm Rodriguez (ankle).
–Area Stage Media