Loading...
Week 10’s Sunday Night Football matchup sees the NFC-leading Detroit Lions (7-1) visiting the AFC South’s first-place Houston Texans (6-3). Both teams have made significant strides this season, setting up an exciting showdown that could preview a potential Super Bowl clash.
The Lions are fresh off a commanding 24-14 victory over the Packers in Green Bay, while the Texans are looking to bounce back from a 21-13 Thursday night loss to the Jets. The Texans’ recent extra rest comes at a crucial time given their roster’s injury status, while the Lions continue rolling despite some setbacks.
The Lions offense has been among the NFL’s most explosive, averaging a league-best 32.3 points per game. Despite the absence of standout edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson for the rest of the season, Detroit’s offense keeps finding ways to win. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson’s schemes have made the Lions a high-scoring powerhouse, utilizing an arsenal that includes star receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta, and running backs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, who form a dynamic ground game duo. This week, WR Jameson Williams returns from a two-game suspension, adding a deep-threat element to the passing game.
With Gibbs’ agility and Montgomery’s bruising style, Detroit’s backfield will test the Texans’ run defense, which has been susceptible to big plays. However, the Texans’ strong secondary, ranked third in the league for fewest passing yards allowed per game, may challenge Jared Goff and his receivers. Goff’s accuracy and ability to avoid turnovers will be critical in facing a defense built around slowing down the pass.
On the Texans’ side, the offense centers around second-year QB C.J. Stroud, who has shown poise and playmaking ability, despite challenges from an injury-struck lineup. Fortunately, key offensive pieces are set to return for Houston, including WR Nico Collins, whose big-play connection with Stroud has driven the Texans offense. Collins averages 17.7 yards per catch and has already tallied 567 receiving yards and three touchdowns in just 4.5 games this season. His return will boost the Texans’ passing game and create a formidable receiving duo alongside Tank Dell, who’s riding high after a 126-yard outing against the Jets.
The Texans’ ground game has also been great, with Joe Mixon providing consistent production. Even with three games missed, Mixon has tallied 609 rushing yards and seven touchdowns, averaging 100+ yards in each of his last four games. Against a Lions run defense that started the season strong but has recently shown vulnerabilities, Mixon could be pivotal. The Lions have leaned on generating turnovers to compensate for weaknesses, ranking among the league’s best in turnover differential, so protecting the football will be a priority for Stroud and Mixon.
This game features some intriguing matchups across the board, starting with the Lions’ multifaceted offense versus the Texans’ well-rounded defense. The Texans excel at limiting passing yards but are more vulnerable to rushing attacks, which plays into Detroit’s balanced offensive strengths. Goff and his receivers must exploit quick, short routes while Gibbs and Montgomery look to break through the defensive line and test the Texans on the ground.
For the Texans, Collins’ return gives them the downfield threat they’ve sorely missed. Stroud’s ability to protect the ball will be tested against the Lions’ ball-hawking defense. The Texans’ pass protection will also need to hold up to give Stroud the time to connect with his receivers. Look for Mixon to be heavily involved in the ground game, as Houston tries to control the clock and keep Detroit’s offense off the field.
This matchup has the makings of a competitive, higher-scoring game. Key plays from returning players like Nico Collins for Houston and Jameson Williams for Detroit could be game-changers in what’s likely to be a back-and-forth contest.
Expect the Lions to stay aggressive on offense, leveraging their depth to try and open up big plays, while the Texans aim to slow things down and win in the trenches with Mixon. Ultimately, this matchup may come down to who can convert in the red zone and keep turnovers to a minimum.
Read our Beginner’s guide to NFL Pick’em.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.