The 9-4 Detroit Lions host the 7-6 Denver Broncos on Saturday night. Here is everything you need to know ahead of this big game.
Where and When Is This Game?
The game takes place at Ford Field in Detroit, Michigan. The game will kick off at 8:15 p.m. ET.
Form Guide
- Detroit Lions last five results; W 41-38 vs. LA Chargers, W 31-26 vs. Chicago Bears, L 29-22 vs. Green Bay Packers, W 33-28 vs. New Orleans Saints, L 28-13 vs. Chicago Bears.
- Denver Broncos last five results; W 24-22 vs. Buffalo Bills, W 21-20 vs. Minnesota Vikings, W 29-12 vs. Cleveland Browns, L 22-17 vs. Houston Texans, W 24-7 vs. LA Chargers.
Injury Report
The Detroit Lions are relatively healthy ahead of this matchup. Their injury report is listed below:
- Hendon Hooker, Quarterback – Out
- Taylor Decker, Left Tackle, Back – Questionable
- Benito Jones, Defensive Tackle, Neck – Questionable
- Frank Ragnow, Center, Back/Toe/Knee – Questionable
- Josh Reynolds, Wide Receiver, Back – Questionable
The Broncos’ injury report features more players, including some critical absentees:
- Nik Bonitto, Linebacker, Knee – Out
- Greg Dulcich, Tight End, Hamstring – Out
- PJ Locke, Defensive Back, Neck – Questionable
- Jonathon Cooper, Linebacker, Ankle – Unspecified
- Quinn Meiners, Guard, Illness – Unspecified
- Samaje Perine, Running Back, Knee – Unspecified
- Mike Purcell, Nose Tackle, Rest – Unspecified
- Chris Manhertz, Tight End, Rest – Unspecified
Betting Odds
FanDuel Sportsbook currently has the game like this:
Denver Broncos
SPREAD+4.5-110
MONEYLINE+184
TOTALÂ O 47.5-115
Detroit Lions
SPREAD-4.5-110
MONEYLINE-220
TOTALÂ U 47.5-105
What They’ve Said
Dan Campbell said the following ahead of this game:
“In this profession, in games, he’s (Sean Payton) a stone-cold killer, so that’s why I say, he’s going to be looking for it. And we’re going to be prepared for it. But we think very much the same way, so we’re looking forward to this. This is going to be an outstanding matchup. This is a good team. They’re playing really good football. They’re playing smart, clean football. And that’s why they’re winning.”
Broncos quarterback Russell Wilson said this:
“The best thing that we can do is focus on each other, focus on what we’ve been doing really, really well. And then I think ultimately too, embrace the moment. Don’t run from it. … If you want to be the best one day and want to win a world championship and win multiple championships, you’re going to play with some lights on and cameras around and people on the sidelines and everything like that, so get used to it. … We’ll be ready to go.”
Can the Lions Clinch a Playoff Place?
Following the Green Bay Packers loss on Monday Night Football, the equation for the Lions is easy; two more wins and the Lions are NFC North champions and will host a playoff game.
Depending on results elsewhere, the Lions could clinch a playoff place this week. 16 different scenarios could see Detroit punch their playoff ticket. But the Lions know that two more wins are just what they need. ESPN FPI gives the Lions an 83.7% chance of winning the division. They also have a 99% chance of making the playoffs.