Detroit Lions (3-10-1) at Denver Broncos (5-9), 2:05 p.m. MST, Sunday at Mile High, CBS, 850 AM, 94.1 FM, 103.5 FM
THREE THINGS TO WATCH
1. Broncos bouncing back. After getting blown out last week in Kansas City, will Denver respond at home? The Broncos are favored by 6.5 points over the Lions and quarterback Drew Lock is eager to put the Chiefs defeat behind him in order to build momentum in the final couple games of his rookie season.
2. Marshall’s big chance. With usual starting safety Kareem Jackson sidelined by a suspension for the final two games, second-year safety Trey Marshall will start in Jackson’s stead beginning Sunday. The 23-year-old out of Florida State spent most of last season on the practice squad, and will be making his first NFL start.
3. Harris’ recent surge. Defensive lineman Shelby Harris had two sacks against Kansas City, and is one of five players in the league with at least six sacks and six passes defended this season. Considering it’s a contract year for him, don’t expect Harris to let off the gas in these final two games at home.
GAME PLAN
When the Lions run
Detroit is averaging a paltry 98.7 rushing yards per game, 21st in the NFL. Kerryon Johnson and Bo Scarbrough have gotten the bulk of the carries. The Denver run defense has been trending in a negative direction since getting gouged for 244 yards on the ground in a loss to Buffalo on Nov. 24.
岵:Broncos
When the Lions pass
With quarterback Matthew Stafford on the season-ending injured reserve list, Detroit again turns to backup David Blough, a rookie who has a 31.2 rating in three starts. Chris Harris will likely be tasked with shutting down No. 1 wideout Kenny Golladay, who has over 1,000 receiving yards.
岵:Broncos
When the Broncos run
The Lions run defense is actually one of the team’s strengths, even as it’s ranked 18th in the league. The Broncos, meanwhile, are looking to re-gain their mojo on the ground after being limited to 52 rushing yards against Kansas City. Phillip Lindsay (849 rushing yards) has two opportunities to get 1,000 yards.
岵:Broncos
When the Broncos pass
The Lions are ranked 31st in passing defense, allowing 288 yards per game in addition to 30 receiving touchdowns. It should be a prime opportunity for Lock, Courtland Sutton and the air attack to break out, with some help from an expanded playbook, as was on display in the Broncos’ victory over Houston two weeks ago.
Edge: Broncos
Special teams
Brandon McManus has been pretty good this year, with only one critical field goal miss. He’s made 86% of his kicks. The Lions have former Denver kicker Matt Prater, who is 23 of 28 on field goals (82%).
Edge: Broncos
POST PREDICTIONS
Ryan O’Halloran, beat writer
Broncos 34, Lions 24
Detroit is atrocious against the pass and the game plan will reflect that as Lock is allowed to sling it around (three TDs, 313 yards).
Kyle Newman, beat writer
Broncos 24, Lions 17
Lock and the offense bounce back, while the Denver secondary withstands a late push from Detroit to preserve the lead.
Mark Kiszla, columnist
Broncos 28, Lions 24
At this point, the Lions only exist to give comfort to Von Miller’s aching soul.
