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5 Bold Predictions For Detroit Lions vs. Arizona Cardinals

5 Bold Predictions For Lions vs. Cardinals

Detroit Lions' defense
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

It’s taken the Detroit Lions too long to start playing this well, this deep into the season. With their offensive and defensive weapons, they should keep rolling into the playoffs. The Arizona Cardinals are a big test for the Lions, despite the loss of Carson Palmer. Here are five bold predictions for what will happen in the desert on Sunday.

5. Cardinals Intercept Matthew Stafford Twice

Patrick Peterson Arizona Cardinals
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

5. Cardinals Intercept Matthew Stafford Twice

Patrick Peterson Arizona Cardinals
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports

In a game that features two defenses that regularly pick off opposing quarterbacks, Arizona needs to add to their NFL leading 14 interceptions if they want to hold down the Detroit offense. Patrick Peterson and the Cardinal defense delivers by picking Stafford off not once, but twice.

4. Lions’ Defense Harasses Stanton

Drew Stanton Arizona Cardinals
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

4. Lions’ Defense Harasses Stanton

Drew Stanton Arizona Cardinals
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Drew Stanton has started four games this season following three seasons without a taking a single snap. The dominant Lions’ defense will feast on the career backup quarterback and force game-changing mistakes. The pressure will lead to three or more sacks and force two interceptions.

3. Cardinals Will Be Held To Under 50 Yards Rushing

Detroit Lions
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

3. Cardinals Will Be Held To Under 50 Yards Rushing

Detroit Lions
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Cardinals have to relieve some of the pressure on quarterback Drew Stanton by establishing a running game, but that’s not an easy thing to do against the Lions, who only allow 71.3 yards rushing per game. The Cardinals will have a tough go on the ground and won’t even reach 50 total yards rushing.

2. Golden Tate, Not Megatron, Will Be Lions’ Leading Receiver

Golden Tate Detroit Lions
Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

2. Golden Tate, Not Megatron, Will Be Lions’ Leading Receiver

Golden Tate Detroit Lions
Steve Flynn-USA TODAY Sports

When Calvin Johnson was out with an injury, Stafford and Tate developed a productive connection. With a healthy Megatron back to attract coverage, Tate will continue to blossom in the Lions’ offense. Expect Tate to be the difference maker with over 100 yards and two touchdowns.

1. Detroit Proves They Are A Contender With An Impressive Win

Detroit Lions
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

1. Detroit Proves They Are A Contender With An Impressive Win

Detroit Lions
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Everyone is waiting for the annual Detroit meltdown, but it’s simply not going to happen. The Lions are good, and they know it. There’s no more need for anything but executing at a high level and picking up momentum towards the playoffs. I expect a statement game with a 34-10 win.

Paul Kakert is an NFL and Chicago Bears writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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