Saints vs. Lions: How New Orleans Takes Care of Business

Sept 25, 2011; New Orleans, LA, USA; New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees (9) talks to head coach Sean Payton during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Derek E. Hingle-USA TODAY Sports

The New Orleans Saints face the Detroit Lions today at 12 p.m. Central time inside of the Mercedes Benz Superdome in an important battle for both teams.

The Lions (7-4) are leading the NFC North, and a win for them would strengthen their hold on the division and even keep them in reasonable position to secure a 1st round bye with some help.

The Saints (5-6), are in their second consecutive “must win” game if they are to keep any realistic chance for a playoff berth.

New Orleans received some help when Minnesota( 6-6) lost the 6th game out of their past seven against Dallas Thursday night — and Saints fans will be watching the scoreboard in other games during the day today as well.

The NFC playoff picture should begin to clear itself somewhat, especially for how it affects the Saints during games between the Redskins (6-4-1) and Cardinals (4-6-1), Tampa( 6-5) vs San Diego, Green Bay (5-6) vs Houston, and Kansas city against the NFC South leading Falcons (7-4).

The most important thing for the Saints to do, obviously; is take care of business on the field by defeating Detroit.

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The Lions are an interesting team. They do not have anything statistically that sets them apart (25th in total offense, 15th in total defense), and they have trailed in the 4th quarter of every single one of their games this season.

One of the most recognizable players in their franchise’s history, wide receiver Calvin Johnson, surprisingly retired after the 2015 season.

Some observers believe that the absence of “Megatron” has actually caused Matthew Stafford to be a more effective quarterback, forcing him to spread the ball around — and the result has been a much more efficient passing game.

Do not make the mistake of underestimating this Lions squad. New Orleans will have to produce in every minute of this contest to avoid becoming Detroit’s 8th late game victim of the year.

As always in our Game Day preview; let’s have a look at how things could unfold today on each side of the ball — and then we’ll give our final prediction on what the outcome of today’s critically important game for New Orleans will be.

Starting with…..