Lions at Giants: Highlights, score, and recap
The Detroit Lions have been the kings of the fourth-quarter comeback this season. Would they need such an effort against the New York Giants?
After missing the playoffs in 2015, the Detroit Lions and New York Giants have ensured themselves of winning seasons this year. Now both eye postseason invitations as they meet Sunday at MetLife Stadium.
With the exception of a 28-13 win at New Orleans, the Lions’ season has involved 12 games decided by seven points or less. You should expect more of the same from a New York club that’s learned to win the tough ones as well.
The Lions are 8-1 in their last nine games while the Giants are 7-1 in their last eight contests. It seems like an ideal matchup with plenty on the line.
Highlights
Posted live as they happen
Three Stars
1. Matthew Stafford
The eight-year performer has had the comeback touch this season. Now he has to deal with one of the league’s better defensive units. Stafford has connected on 66.7 percent of his throws this year, good for 3,447 yards and 22 touchdowns. He’s also turned over the ball on eight times in 13 games. It should be an interesting afternoon against Olivier Vernon and company.
2. Eli Manning
It’s been one of those mistake-prone years for Manning, who has thrown 23 touchdown passes but has been picked off 13 times and lost four of his seven fumbles. The Giants’ offense ranks 27th in the NFL in total yards per game and Ben McAdoo’s club is averaging less than 20 points per game. But Manning won’t be feeling a lot of heat from a Detroit defense that has just 22 sacks this year.
3. Janoris Jenkins
He always had a nose for the football with the Rams and that has continued in his first season with the Giants. Jenkins has totaled three of the team’s 13 interceptions (second to Landon Collins and his five picks) but he leads New York with 17 passes defended. Jenkins has also rolled up 47 tackles and a sack and this week will be very busy against the Lions’ deep receiving corps.
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Odds
The host New York Giants were a 4-point favorite to cool off the Detroit Lions. The OVER/UNDER is a conservative 41, a little low given the potential explosiveness of the quarterbacks. But both defenses have also played well.
Next Week
The Lions have an extra day to get ready for their next tilt, a Monday night visit to Dallas. Meanwhile, the Giants make the short trip to Philadelphia on a short week as Big Blue and the Birds clash on Thursday Night Football.