Predictions: Falcons-Lions
Injuries ravaged the Lions' depth in Week 2. With a short week ahead, they will be shorthanded in this week's matchup with the Atlanta Falcons. Both teams are run-oriented, but Detroit will be without its starting running back David Montgomery.
The Falcons have emerged early in the season with a solid start. With two former top-10 talents at skill positions (Kyle Pitts and Bijan Robinson), they have the makings of a solid young core.
Ultimately, the team that runs the ball better will win the game. Without Montgomery, the Lions could struggle to get going. With Robinson being a factor in both the passing and run facets of the offense, the Falcons will ultimately gain the upper hand, in what will be a tightly-contested matchup.
Falcons 27, Lions 23
In a lot of ways, I believe this Week 3 contest could come down to a battle between the top two running backs from the 2023 draft class: Bijan Robinson, the No. 8 overall pick, and Jahmyr Gibbs, the No. 12 overall selection.
It's a given that the Lions will focus a high degree of their defensive efforts on limiting the production of Robinson, who ran for a career-high 124 yards last week against the Green Bay Packers. Meanwhile, I expect Gibbs to be in store for an uptick in carries, with David Montgomery being ruled out Sunday.
Detroit is also dealing with a serious case of the injury bug, with several players sidelined for this Week 3 matchup with Atlanta (i.e. Montgomery and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson). Subsequently, the Lions will need their reserve personnel, like veteran defensive back Tracy Walker, to step up in a major way. They'll also need their core talent to deliver solid performances, including second-year EDGE Aidan Hutchinson, rookie tight end Sam LaPorta and third-year receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown.
I think enough of Detroit's key personnel will step up, allowing Dan Campbell's team to squeak out a much-needed victory at home.
Lions 24, Falcons 23
The 1-1 Lions have been torched by the injury bug lately, which will certainly provide a disadvantage against the undefeated Falcons. Detroit will look to rely on its backups to fill in some of the gaps.
The Falcons are a young team, which, like Detroit, is still finding its groove. However, the Lions' defense will need to contain the likes of Bijan Robinson, Drake London and Cordarrelle Patterson, if Detroit hopes to get the victory.
I think the Lions are coming into this one hungry -- and perhaps a bit desperate -- to not lose two games in a row. Therefore, I think the offense shines, the defense performs and Detroit wins Sunday rather handily.
Lions 27, Falcons 20
This contest is going to be intriguing at Ford Field. The Falcons have a solid offense and a defense that has excelled in the second half of their first two games.
I think the Lions injury situation makes it quite challenging for the team to win this week.
Aaron Glenn's defense will be starting two new safeties on the back end while the offensive line has two key injuries.
Desmond Ridder can turn the ball over, but the Falcons offensive weapons prove to be too much this week.
Falcons 27, Lions 24
