The Detroit Lions haven’t moved to the NFC West; their early season schedule just makes it seem that way.
Detroit (2-1) edged the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in its opener. The Lions topped Arizona 20-13 in their first road test last weekend.
They’ll now host undefeated Seattle on Monday night, with the 3-0 Seahawks’ coaching staff led by Mike Macdonald.
ODDS AND TRENDS
The Lions are 4.5-point favorites at most books, although the line has held steady at 4.5 at BetMGM with the public backing the Seahawks with 68 percent of the spread-line bets and 73 percent of the money.
The moneyline action has been split, with Seattle (+180) backed by 51 percent of the total bets, while Detroit (-225) has drawn 64 percent of the money wagered.
The Over has been one of the more lopsided plays at BetMGM, attracting 68 percent of the bets and 73 percent of the money with the points total shifting from 48.5 to 46.4.
PROP PICKS
–Jahmyr Gibbs 60+ Rushing Yards (+140 at DraftKings): This has been the most popular player prop for this game at the book. Gibbs enters with 207 rushing yards through three games, including 84 and 83 in his past two games. While Seattle enters Monday with the league’s top-ranked defense in terms of yards allowed per game (248.7), that has been generated against three sub-par quarterbacks. Opponents are averaging 116.3 yards per game on the ground.
–DK Metcalf Over 63.5 Receiving Yards (-115 at BetMGM): This could be accomplish with one big play in Seahawks coordinator Ryan Grubb’s new offense that has seen Metcalf produce two consecutive 100-yard games. Detroit is allowing an average of 216.7 passing yards per game.
LIONS SEEKING EFFICIENCY
Detroit didn’t score in the second half against the Cardinals, but its defense was stout and the offense was well-balanced. Quarterback Jared Goff completed 18 of 23 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns and one interception. Running backs David Montgomery (one TD) and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 188 yards.
Lions coach Dan Campbell anticipates that his offense will need to be more dynamic to head into a bye week on a winning note.
“We have to be very efficient, first and second down, and then, honestly, I think we have to win the explosive battle,” he said. “We have to get some explosives on offense, and we have to shut theirs down.”
Goff threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns last season against Seattle, but the Seahawks pulled out a 37-31 overtime win. However, Goff sees a lot of changes on film between last year’s Seahawks defense and this year’s group.
“It’s a completely different scheme,” he said. “I’m sure there’s a couple players that are still there, but as far as what you’re looking at schematically, it’s entirely different.”
NEW-LOOK HAWKS OFFENSE
Seattle quarterback Geno Smith passed for 328 yards and two touchdowns against the Lions last season.
Smith connected with DK Metcalf on a 71-yard scoring pass in last week’s 24-3 home victory over Miami. Zach Charbonnet, filling in for injured Kenneth Walker, rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
Metcalf said he worked during the offseason on snagging more passes in traffic.
“That definitely was a focus for me this offseason,” he said. “Contested catches or 50/50 balls going up and attacking the ball, instead of trying to let it come down to me and catch it over my shoulder.”
One way the Lions can neutralize Seattle’s passing offense is to get pressure on Smith. Detroit’s top defensive player, Aidan Hutchinson, has already recorded 6.5 sacks.
“We’ve got to find 97. He’s off to a great start,” Smith said of Hutchinson. “Obviously, he’s a high draft pick and he’s a guy who they’re going to rely on. So if we can stalemate him, keep him from making big plays and getting in the backfield, getting (tackles for losses) and sacks, then we’ll make it hard on their defense.”
INJURY REPORT
Detroit will be without starting center Frank Ragnow, who has a partially torn pectoral muscle. Tight end Sam LaPorta missed Thursday’s practice due to an ankle injury but was a full participant the next two days. Linebacker Alex Anzalone, who missed last week’s game due to a concussion, fully participated in practice.
Walker (oblique) was a full participant on Saturday after being limited on Thursday and Friday. Defensive starters Leonard Williams (ribs) and linebackers Uchenna Nwosu (knee) and Jerome Baker (hamstring) sat out.
SERIES HISTORY
Seattle has won the past six meetings, with Detroit’s last victory over the Seahawks coming in 2012.
“I would be lying though if I told you that I don’t know that we’ve lost to them three years in a row,” said Campbell, Detroit’s head coach since the 2021 season. “I do know that. So, you get tired of that. You get tired of that after one loss, much less three.”
PREDICTION
While the Seahawks are 3-0, their three wins have come against a rookie quarterback making his first start (Bo Nix), a journeyman (Jacoby Brissett) and an injury replacement (Skylar Thompson). Seattle may be trending in the right direction, but the Lions pose an entirely different test on the road. Detroit will control the line of scrimmage defensively and take advantage of a Seattle defense still honing in on Macdonald’s complex scheme. — Lions 27, Seahawks 20
–Field Level Media