This week, the Detroit Lions (7-1) travel to Houston to face the Texans (6-3) on Sunday Night Football. This will be the Lions’ second time being featured on Sunday night football this season. The Lions are currently 4-point favorites on the road. The Lions are coming off a dominant win versus the Green Bay Packers, while the Texans look to bounce back from a tough loss on Thursday Night Football to the sputtering New York Jets.
Detroit Lions vs. Houston Texans Football History & Excerpts
The Texans have an all-time record versus the Lions of 4-1, where the lone win of Detroit was in 2004. The last time these two teams faced off was on Thanksgiving Day in 2020, when the Texans blew the Lions out. That promptly led to the Lions firing then-general manager Bob Quinn and head coach Matt Patricia.
Dan Campbell has Detroit rolling with another big divisional win against a formidable opponent on the road. The Lions are on a 6-game winning streak and are preparing for another test against a very talented AFC team.
When talking about the Texans, Campbell said, “[The Texans are a] really good opponent. I’ve got a lot of respect for what DeMeco’s doing over there and this team, man. They play hard, they’re physical, they’re violent, aggressive, finish on the ball, they’ve got explosiveness on offense, defense, special teams.
This is going to be a really good test for us Sunday night, out at their place, one that we’re looking forward to. You respect the brand of football they play with. DeMeco’s done a hell of a job going in there, and just the style of play that they have. I think the quarterback’s played well, they’ve got one there. And they’re like anybody else, they’ve had to go through some injuries and stuff this year and they’re battling through it and they’re still one of the top teams in this League, so they’re finding ways to adapt and continue to win. So, it’ll be a challenge.”
The Texans have drafted exceptionally well in recent years. And now, with their quarterback of the future, they are poised to be a top contender in the AFC for a long time. They have talent all over the field and will be one of the best teams the Lions have faced all year.
Demeco Ryans is in his second season as the Texans head coach. They are coming off an extremely strong first season but have failed to meet the lofty expectations set upon them to start the season. On the Lions, Ryans said, “I know no one wants to hear this but, for me, every week is a big game. It doesn’t change just because the Lions are coming in and whatever their record is, that doesn’t change. Every week, for me, is a big game. Every game is important.
This game isn’t more important just because of the Lions and what they’ve done. They’ve played good football, of course, credit to those guys. They’re playing well, they’re coached well, but that doesn’t change our mindset, how we approach every week.”
Ryans is preparing his team to get ready like its any other week. They won’t treat the Lions as a team that is not to be messed with. They will come in with the same attitude that they are better than the other team, just as they do every week.
The Injury Report
Detroit Lions Injury Report: Left tackle Taylor Decker is out (Shoulder). Defensive tackle Brodric Martin is out (Knee). Linebacker Jalen Reeves-Maybin is out (Neck). Safety Ifeatu Melifownu is out (Ankle). Cornerback Emmanuel Mosely is out (Pectoral). Linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez is out(Ankle). Edge Rusher Za’Darius Smith is questionable (Personal).
Houston Texans Injury Report: Edge Rusher Will Anderson Jr. is out (Ankle). Running back Dameon Pierce is out (Groin). Defensive tackle Foley Fatukasi is questionable (Groin/Shouler). Linebacker Jake Hansen is questionable (Ankle). Edge Rusher Jerry Hudges is questionable (Hip), Cornerback Jeff Okudah is questionable (Quad). Wide receiver Nico Collins is questionable (Hamstring). Wide receiver Tank Dell is questionable (Back).
Key Players for the Lions
Last week, the Lions displayed how they can move the ball at will against any team, running the ball exceptionally well against the Packers. Both David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs averaged over 4 yards per carry.
Jared Goff also demonstrated his ability to make sure the ball does not hit the dirt. by only throwing four incompletions with no turnovers. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown showed what a reliable target he can be with seven catches; and with the team getting wide receiver Jameson Williams back this week, the offense should be able to move the ball even better.
On the line, offensive tackle Penei Sewell will likely move over to left tackle this week in Decker’s absence, with Dan Skipper filling in at right tackle, so look at Dan Skipper to see how he plays as a full-time starter this week.
Defensively, the Lions have found their rhythm, and can finally play the man-coverage scheme defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn has wanted to run for his whole tenure. The secondary has been exceptional, with Terrion Arnold and Carlton Davis playing well in single coverage this season. Meanwhile, Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph, and Alex Anzalone make throwing over the middle of the field almost impossible.
Key Players for the Texans
Offensively, C.J. Stroud took over the league in his rookie season, winning rookie of the year. In his second season, he has had moments where he has struggled, but he has been one of the main reasons this Texans offense is successful at all at specific points.
Offseason acquisition running back Joe Mixon has also added a new element to that running game where they can now rely on running back production. Wide receiver Nico Collins will likely be back this week, and he should have an immediate impact as he was one of the OPOY frontrunners before his injury.
Defensively is where the Texans shine. On the defensive line, they signed free agent Danielle Hunter in the offseason, and he has immediately impacted that defensive unit. The linebacker core is solid as well, with Azeez Al-Shaair, Neville Hewitt, and Henry To’oTo’o. In the secondary, cornerback Devin Stingley Jr. is playing at an all-pro level. Meanwhile, Jalen Pitre and Kamari Lassiter are solid cornerbacks next to him.
Keys for the Lions to Win
Generate Interior Pass Rush
Texans’ guard Kendrick Green was slotted in for injured Kenyon Green last week and played poorly. He allowed five pressures in just 25 true opportunities. Guard Shaq Mason has also struggled this season in pass protection.
While the Texans’ offensive tackles have been vital in pass protection, on the interior, they have struggled. Alim McNeil is among the best pass-rushing defensive tackles in the NFL. He must generate consistent interior pressure to force Stroud of the pocket early.
Stop the Texans on Early Downs
Houston ranks 16th in third-down conversion percentage, at just 38.40 percent. This is due to their consistent lack of success on first and second downs, and their reliance on Stroud’s heroics behind a below-average offensive line.
If the Lions can keep the Texans to short-yardage gains on first and second down, it will be challenging for the Texans to convert on third down. That’s especially true with the loss of Stefon Diggs for the rest of the season.
Run the Ball Efficiently
The Texan’s defense is one of the best in the league. However, the run game is one of the only areas opposing teams can attack. They possess one of the best pass defenses in the NFL, so Detroit running the ball efficiently early in the game will open up the passing game needs to be a key for the Lions. Without Taylor Decker, they’ll need to rely on the left side of their offensive line this week and lessen the load on Dan Skipper.
