Snowwolf,  I'm very pleased at how well the Lions have responded in crunch time this season.   Their have been exceptions,  including against Tennessee and Houston,  two AFC South teams.  But overall,  this team has displayed tremendous poise.  It's a reflection of HC Jim Caldwell,  both in terms of preparation / practice and in terms of his even kneel.   Matthew Stafford is having an outstanding situation.   I still can't believe the Lions pulled out yesterday's game,  which was won in OT.   It ranks with the comeback 31-30 win over Dallas 3 seasons ago as the most improbable comeback win by the Lions in the 2010's.  

 

The Lions have a much needed bye this week.   Injuries have been problematic from the Tennessee game in Week # 2 through the present.   I think the Lions will be as healthy entering the game against the Jaguars as any time since the opening day comeback win at Indianapolis.

 

The Lions need to use the momentum from yesterday to move forward.   This team is in no position to let down.   I follow the Jaguars closely enough to know that there's plenty of talent on the team.  It obviously hasn't come together but yesterday's game in KC demonstrates that the Jags are more than capable of competing against a good team.   If they eliminate miscues that are avoidable,   it will decrease the Lions margin of error substantially.   

 

The Jaguars will probably move the ball better against the Lions than most teams.   But so much will depend on what happens as expected the Jags get into the red zone.   The Lions did a very good job in the red zone until yesterday's Vikings final drive,  which looked like a game winning TD when it happened.   But part of that was the team's injury situation at CB.   I expect # 1 CB Darius Slay to be back for the Jaguars game,  barring something unexpected.  

 

One major concern from a Lions perspective is dealing with the Jags TEs,  despite the disappointing production from the position for the Jags.  All one needs to do is ask fans of the other 3 AFC South teams and many, many other teams how their team's TEs did against the Lions.  

 

The Lions probably will have enough balance on Offense to score 20 + points.   The team's Special Teams came up huge in yesterday's win.   If the Lions Defense builds on the positives from yesterday and the team protects the ball,   I like the Lions chances.   It won't be easy.  All 9 Lions games this season have been decided by 7 or less points,  which I believe is an NFL all time record through 9 games.

 

Hopefully,  no new injuries for either team.

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