NFL 2016 Game of the Week Preview, Week 13: Saints vs Lions

(photo credit: neworleanssaints.com)

The Detroit Lions travel to New Orleans to take on the Saints in the Week 13 Game of the Week. Kickoff in the Louisiana Superdome is set for 1 p.m. ET.

Detroit (7-4) enters the game atop the NFC North division, one and a half games ahead of the Minnesota Vikings (6-6) and two games ahead of the Green Bay Packers (5-6). New Orleans (5-6) sits third in the NFC South, one game behind the Tampa Bay Buccaneers (6-5) and two games behind the Atlanta Falcons (7-4). The intensity that will be on display due to the playoff implications for both teams, plus the potential offensive firepower, make this game an entertaining option this Sunday.

New Orleans has one of the league's best offenses, with quarterback Drew Brees at the helm. He leads the league in passing completions (326), attempts (456), completion percentage (71.5) yards (3,587) and touchdowns (30) despite having just one receiver in the top 35 in receptions and none in the top ten in yards. Their defense, though, is one of the league's worst. They allow the sixth-most passing yards per game and the third-most points per game. Of their six home games, their opponents have scored at least 25 points four times, with the only exceptions being the mostly-inept Seattle Seahawks (20 points) and horribly inept Los Angeles Rams (21).

Detroit has had one of the most remarkable seasons in recent memory. The Lions have had a deficit in the fourth quarter of every game they have played this season. They have lost just four of them, and have come from behind to win in seven of them. Additionally, each one of their games have been decided by seven points or less. Essentially, watching a Lions game guarantees an exciting, close game.

The Saints want to earn a victory here because the Falcons have a solid chance of losing their matchup with the Kansas City Chiefs, and the Buccaneers play in San Diego against a potentially-dangerous Chargers team, so solid ground can be made up for them. The Lions can put some distance between themselves and Minnesota with a victory, giving them a two-game lead with just four weeks to go. A loss would increase the pressure on them the rest of the season.

The last five games in the New Orleans-Detroit matchup have all resulted in a victory by the home team, with the three contests played in New Orleans all combining for at least 48 points: 48, 72, and 77. Expect tons of offense, a thrilling ending, and a Saints victory this week in New Orleans.