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5 Bold Predictions For Lions vs. Patriots

Lions vs. Patriots: 5 Bold Predictions

New England Patriots Detroit Lions
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

The New England Patriots and Detroit Lions face off on Sunday in their first meaningful encounter since the 2011 season. The Patriots are a sterling 39-14 in November since 2001, and are going for their 15th straight home win against a Lions team that is coming off a loss to the Arizona Cardinals. Here are five bold predictions for the Week 12 showdown.

5. Lions Will Quell Jonas Gray

Ndamukong Suh Detroit Lions
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

5. Lions Will Quell Jonas Gray

Ndamukong Suh Detroit Lions
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Since racking up 199 yards and four touchdowns in front of a national audience on Sunday night, Gray has been all the rage. However, don’t expect his luck to continue against Ndamukong Suh and the Lions’ top-ranked rush defense. Eclipsing 50 yards would be a good day’s work for Gray.

4. Brian Tyms Will Break Out

Brian Tyms New England Patriots
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

4. Brian Tyms Will Break Out

Brian Tyms New England Patriots
Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

Since making a jaw-dropping touchdown grab against the Buffalo Bills over a month ago, Tyms hasn't caught a pass. However, it’s clear that the Pats want to get him involved, as Tom Brady forced a pass to him against the Colts that resulted in an interception. Look for Tyms to post 100 yards and a touchdown as the Lions pay more attention to Rob Gronkowski, Brandon LaFell and Julian Edelman.

3. Golden Tate Will Outperform Calvin Johnson

Golden Tate Detroit Lions
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

3. Golden Tate Will Outperform Calvin Johnson

Golden Tate Detroit Lions
Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Bill Belichick will always take away a team’s best weapon. Last week, T.Y. Hilton only had 24 yards receiving. On Sunday, Johnson will have a tough go of it against either Darrelle Revis or Brandon Browner, but that will only mean good things for Tate. The league’s sixth-ranked receiver will definitely eclipse the 1,000-yard mark on the season in Week 12.

2. Patriots Will Sack Matthew Stafford Four Times

Akeem Ayers New England Patriots
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

2. Patriots Will Sack Matthew Stafford Four Times

Akeem Ayers New England Patriots
Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports

The Lions have allowed the sixth-most sacks in the NFL through 11 weeks. Meanwhile, the Patriots’ front seven has transformed itself into a fierce pass-rushing unit. Rob Ninkovich, Akeem Ayers and Dont’a Hightower will each get to know Stafford a bit better -- at least once.

1. Patriots Will Shut Out Lions In Second Half

Rob Gronkowski New England Patriots
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

1. Patriots Will Shut Out Lions In Second Half

Rob Gronkowski New England Patriots
Brian Spurlock-USA TODAY Sports

The Patriots will go into the locker room with a small lead after a back-and-forth first half. Dating back to Christmas Eve of 2000, the Patriots have won 72 straight home games when leading at halftime. That will become 73, as the secondary will get their hands on multiple Stafford passes and Rob Gronkowski will keep rolling into the end zone.

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