NFL Detroit LionsNew York Jets

Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

Fresh Videos

By @BrianKalchik

Detroit Lions vs. New York Jets: Top 5 Matchups To Watch

Jim Caldwell LIons
Getty Images

The Detroit Lions (2-1) travel to New York this week to take on the New York Jets (1-2). The Jets are coming off a Monday Night loss to Chicago with the Lions coming off a home win against Green Bay. When these two teams meet this Sunday, here are five matchups that will decide who walks out as winners and who will walk out as losers.

5. Detroit RBs Reggie Bush and Joique Bell vs. New York ILB David Harris

Reggie Bush Lions
Getty Images

5. Detroit RBs Reggie Bush and Joique Bell vs. New York ILB David Harris

Reggie Bush Lions
Getty Images

The Lions have to establish the running game against the Jets to avoid being one-dimensional like they were in Week 2 at Carolina. Detroit running backs Reggie Bush and Joique Bell must be able to hit some holes in the middle, and also make Jets inside linebacker David Harris, who is one of the best run-stuffing linebackers in the NFL, miss tackles. If Detroit wins this battle, then the Lions can win the time of possession battle.

4. New York OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson vs. Detroit DE Ezekiel Ansah

D'Brickashaw Ferguson Jets
Getty Images

4. New York OT D'Brickashaw Ferguson vs. Detroit DE Ezekiel Ansah

D'Brickashaw Ferguson Jets
Getty Images

New York's passing game has struggled this season and won't get any better if Geno Smith is on his back for most of the game. That's why Jets offensive tackle D'Brickashaw Ferguson must neutralize Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah, Detroit's best outside pass rusher. If Ferguson wins this matchup, the Jets can have some success in the air.

3. Detroit C Dominic Raiola vs. New Yoek NT Damon Harrison

Damon Harrison Jets
Getty Images

3. Detroit C Dominic Raiola vs. New Yoek NT Damon Harrison

Damon Harrison Jets
Getty Images

Another battle in the trenches that will decide how successful the Lions will be is center Dominic Raiola against New York nose tackle Damon Harrison. Both Raiola and Harrison had great 2013 seasons, and look even better in 2014. If Raiola can't get any push up front against Harrison, the Lions will revert back into a one-dimensional team.

2. New York C Nick Mangold vs. Detroit DT Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh Lions
Getty Images

2. New York C Nick Mangold vs. Detroit DT Ndamukong Suh

Ndamukong Suh Lions
Getty Images

When the Jets have the ball, the biggest matchup in the trenches will be between a pair of All-Pros in Jets center Nick Mangold and Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh. Both are among the best at their respective positions and both are excellent in run blocking and run defense. If Suh can get the best of Mangold, the Lions' defense can contain New York's No. 2 ranked rushing attack.

1. Detroit WR Calvin Johnson vs. New York CB Antonio Allen

Calvin Johnson Lions
Getty Images

1. Detroit WR Calvin Johnson vs. New York CB Antonio Allen

Calvin Johnson Lions
Getty Images

Detroit's passing attack, led by the best receiver in the NFL in Calvin Johnson, is the sixth best in the NFL, while New York's secondary, which has been depleted by injuries, is ranked ninth. With Dee Milliner likely out again this week, converted safety Antonio Allen will likely be assigned to cover Johnson. If Allen struggles against Johnson, Detroit will win this game rather easily.

Brian Kalchik is a Detroit Lions writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, like him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google+.

Share Tweet
Trending Now on