Defense Finds Momentum in Arizona
Linebacker Derrick Barnes admitted it felt good to enter Detroit's Week 6 bye on a high note after a 45-21 win over the Arizona Cardinals. The Lions entered the game allowing a league-worst 31.8 points per game, but the defense adjusted after giving up an early touchdown. Derrick Barnes said he was ready to get back to football already. Head coach Dan Campbell challenged his staff to figure out what the team does well. The defensive line produced 20 sacks through the first five games, which is a franchise record. DJ Wonnum leads the team with 5.0 sacks, followed by Aidan Hutchinson with 4.0, Alim McNeill with 3.5, and Barnes with 3.0 sacks.
Offense Seeks Faster Starts
Under offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, the Lions are averaging 32.8 points per game, tied with the Buffalo Bills for the most in the NFL. Quarterback Jared Goff has thrown for 1,485 yards with 12 touchdowns and zero interceptions. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs has 504 rushing yards and nine scrimmage touchdowns. Despite these numbers, Goff noted that the offense has only been good and not great yet. In Arizona, the offense went three-and-out on the first three drives before scoring on the next seven. Detroit has scored just one touchdown on 13 drives ending in the first quarter this season.
Secondary Challenges and Returnees
The Detroit secondary has struggled, allowing a league-high 1,487 passing yards through the first five games. The team missed several players on defense due to injuries. Brian Branch has been sidelined since December 2025 with a torn Achilles, but his practice window recently opened. Campbell stated he will not rush Branch back too quickly. Brian Branch said he is getting the rust off in practice and feels ready to go. The Lions also previously looked into other cornerback options like Joey Porter Jr. before he went to Dallas.
Read next
- Football predictions today
- Jackpot predictions this week
- NFL and every other league
- NFL official website
Good to know: We are not paid for any link on this page.
Be the first to comment
Tell us who you think wins and why. Keep it friendly. Links are removed on their own.
Note: comments are the writer own opinion, not ours, and never a tip from us.
18+Read this before you bet
- There are no sure bets. Every tip on this page is a chance worked out from data about the next game. A tip at 70 percent still loses about three times in ten. Anyone selling a sure bet or a fixed match is lying.
- Betting is not income. Never bet to pay rent, school fees or a loan, and never borrow to bet, including from mobile loan apps.
- 18 and over only. Betting under 18 is illegal in Kenya.
- Use licensed bookmakers. Only bet with operators licensed by the Gambling Regulatory Authority of Kenya. Prices here can change before you bet, so check them first.
- Gambling can be addictive. If it stops being fun, stop. Read our responsible betting page or visit Responsible Gaming Federation of Kenya.
Good to know: We are not a bookmaker and we do not take bets. Full details are in our disclaimer.
