Detroit Lions vs. Denver Broncos predictions: Another step toward first NFC North title?
Free Press sports writers share their predictions for the Detroit Lions' game Saturday night against the Denver Broncos (8:15 p.m., NFL Network & WJBK-TV/Channel 2 in Detroit):
Dave Birkett
This isn’t a must-win game by any means; the Lions have a two-game lead in their division with four games to play and enter the week with a 99% chance to make the playoffs. But it feels extra important given the way they’ve played of late. They’ve lost two of their past three games, have generally been mediocre since the bye and have struggled with turnovers and defending the pass. The Broncos are a lot like last year’s Lions in that they’ve found their mojo after a rough start. They’re not a great team, but Sean Payton has done wonders with the roster and their defense has put them in playoff contention with its nose for the ball.
There’s a good chance this game will be decided by turnovers. The Broncos are plus-11 while winning six of their past seven games and have lost the only time they’ve had a negative turnover differential in that span. The Lions have 10 turnovers in their past four games. Playing at home isn’t a panacea for their turnover problems, but I think the Lions will do just enough to score points while keeping the ball out of harm’s way to give Dan Campbell a win over his mentor and move one step closer to the playoffs. The pick: Lions 23, Broncos 17.
Carlos Monarrez
The Broncos are hot. The Lions are not. Denver’s not only playing better defense lately, but it also boasts the Lions’ kryptonite in a mobile, elusive veteran quarterback. This one might get ugly, though I’m sure Sean Payton will control any urge to hang 50 on his former assistants. The pick: Broncos 35, Lions 27.
Jeff Seidel
A Lions game on Saturday night in Ford Field? With everybody “pregaming” all day? Heck yes, sign me up for that. This is gonna be wild and fun and loud as heck. Under Dan Campbell, the Lions have a history of bouncing back from a loss with a win. As long as they don’t hurt themselves, as long as they stay away from silly penalties and take care of the ball — no easy feat against the turnover-producing Broncos — the Lions will win this game. The pick: Lions 28, Broncos 26.
Shawn Windsor
Denver’s defense is more opportunistic than stout, and the Lions should take advantage, as long as they’re ready to take care of the ball and rediscover the early efficiency that sets up their explosive plays. This is an important game for this group, and they’ll show it in focus and discipline. The pick: Lions 27, Broncos 20.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions vs. Denver Broncos predictions for Saturday night
