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NFL Week 12: 5 Can’t-Miss Games With Huge Playoff Implications

By Bryce Olin

Dec 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 22, 2013; Seattle, WA, USA; Arizona Cardinals defensive end Calais Campbell (93) sacks Seattle Seahawks quarterback Russell Wilson (3) during the fourth quarter at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Joe Nicholson-USA TODAY Sports /
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Nov 16, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. New England defeated Indianapolis 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 16, 2014; Indianapolis, IN, USA; New England Patriots quarterback Tom Brady (12) throws a pass against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. New England defeated Indianapolis 42-20. Mandatory Credit: Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports /

3. Detroit Lions (7-3) at New England Patriots (8-2)

What’s At Stake:

After beating the Denver Broncos, the New England Patriots should be able to control their own destiny from here on out. With a win over the Lions and a Denver loss, the Patriots would basically lockup home field advantage because they’d have a two-game lead with only five games to play.

The Lions are just trying to keep pace with the Packers in the division before they meet in Week 17. The Packers are one of the hottest teams in the league right now, so it might be difficult to stick with them down the stretch. Even if the Lions don’t win the division, they still have a good chance to win the wild card, as Seattle and San Francisco, the two teams threatening the Lions, play each other twice in the last five weeks of the season.

Breakdown: 

The Lions have the best defense in the NFL, basically, across the board, and it all starts with their defensive line. Detroit is tenth in the league in sacks, but they have one of the biggest, quickest defensive lines in the league and should be a huge test for the New England Patriots.

The Patriots have found their offensive stride since losing in Week 4 to the Kansas City Chiefs and look to be the obvious favorites to win the AFC. It’s not really even close right now, honestly.

The Patriots’ defense has played so well lately, but it will be a tall task facing off against two of the best wide receivers in the league, Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate.

The Lions laid an egg last week in Arizona. This week, they’ll be eager to get back on track and get the ball to their play-makers to score some points.

The Patriots are going to score, especially with new weapons Jonas Gray and LaGarrette Blount to go along with Rob Gronkowski and Brandon LaFell, but if the Lions can score with them, it’s going to be a game. The Lions will not be intimidated by playing in Foxborough.

Prediction:

Detroit 32 New England 27

I’m ready for the Lions to finally breakout on offense!

Next: Miami Dolphins at Denver Broncos

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