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Detroit Lions vs. New England Patriots: 5 Players To Watch

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By @Will_Gellman

Lions vs. Patriots: 5 Players To Watch

Tom Brady Patriots
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The New England Patriots and Detroit Lions are set to do battle in Week 12 on Sunday. You could argue that both teams desperately need victories in order to position themselves well for the postseason. For that reason, this matchup for both sides holds even more weight than usual. With that said, these five players are the ones who will likely determine who wins and loses on Sunday. Read on to find out who they are.

5. Jonas Gray

Jonas Gray Patriots
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5. Jonas Gray

Jonas Gray Patriots
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Coming off a 200-yard game last week, Jonas Gray has been a hot topic this week. However, LeGarrette Blount is now in town, Shane Vereen is still a factor and the Lions boast a tough run defense. How Gray plays will be a key development to watch on Sunday as a result. Not only that, Tom Brady will need the support of his running game in order for the Patriots to win. The Detroit pass rush is too fierce for Brady to carry NE this week.

4. Ezekiel Ansah

Ziggy Ansah Lions
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4. Ezekiel Ansah

Ziggy Ansah Lions
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Speaking of pass rush, the Patriots will need to put an importance on blocking Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah on Sunday. He leads the team in sacks with 5.5. He also has three forced fumbles and 35 tackles, seven of which are for a loss. If the Lions expect to win on Sunday, they will have to get to Tom Brady early and often. To do that, Ansah will have to set the tone. If he doesn't, the Lions could be in for a long day.

3. Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson Lions
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3. Calvin Johnson

Calvin Johnson Lions
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Another Lion that needs to perform in order for them to win is Calvin Johnson. When Megatron is right, there is no better WR in football. He also makes a big difference for Matthew Stafford as his numbers without Johnson have been pedestrian this year. Matched up on Darrelle Revis this week, Johnson can't afford a quiet week. If he doesn't get the best of Revis, the Lions will have little, if any chance of winning.

2. Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski Patriots
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2. Rob Gronkowski

Rob Gronkowski Patriots
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Despite the fact that the Lions possess one of if not the best defense in the NFL, their one weak spot could be in defending opposing TEs. They rank 13th in the NFL against opposing TEs this year, which is just slightly above middle of the pack. Meanwhile, Rob Gronkowski has been on fire lately. That combination could prove to be deadly on Sunday. Either way, look for the Patriots to look to exploit the Gronk mismatch early and often this week.

1. Tom Brady

Tom Brady Patriots
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1. Tom Brady

Tom Brady Patriots
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As is usually the case, the Patriots will be counting on a big game from Tom Brady this week. After struggling last week, Brady will be looking to bounce back in Week 12. That will be a tough task though given the presence of Ndamukong Suh, Nick Fairley and Ansah on the Lions' defensive line. The Patriots will need Brady this week as they will need to be balanced on offense in order to emerge victorious.

Will Gellman is a New England Patriots writer for www.RantSports.com.  Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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