The Giants.com crew is presented with four statements and must decide whether they are Fact or Fiction.
Daniel Jones will have more than 217 passing yards, his current season high.
John Schmeelk: Fact – The Lions average 24.3 points per game, which ranks 9th in the NFL. They can score points, and I think the Giants will have to push a little more aggressively offensively to keep up with them this week. The Giants might be able to do that with Saquon Barkley, but I bet that Daniel Jones will have to air it out more frequently.
Dan Salomone: Fact – The Lions allow a league-high 8.1 yards per pass, and their 255.3 yards per game given up through the air are the sixth-most. Jones and Darius Slayton have rekindled their relationship on the field. More on the wide receiver later.
Lance Medow: Fiction – Daniel Jones has thrown for more than 200 yards only twice in nine games. In each of the Giants' last two contests against the Seahawks and Texans, they've faced passing defenses that ranked in the bottom half of the league, but didn't reach 200 yards. That's because this team's identity is on the ground. The opponent's ranking in a specific category makes no difference. The Giants will continue to look to pound the ball, so that limits Jones' passing totals.
Matt Citak: Fact – Jones is coming off his most efficient game of the season as he completed 76.5 percent of his passes for 197 yards and two touchdowns. His 153.3 passer rating was the highest of any quarterback this season. While he has only topped the 200-yard passing mark twice this year, Sunday's matchup against the Lions defense provides an opportunity for him to have his third. Detroit enters this matchup ranking last in both yards and points allowed, while their offense ranks top 10 in both categories. This game could end up being a shootout, where the Giants will have to rely on Jones to air it out a bit more than normal. The fourth-year quarterback has proven in the past that he is more than capable of doing this, and will show it once again on Sunday.
Saquon Barkley will have more than 30 touches on Sunday.
John Schmeelk: Fiction – I would have went with "fact" here if not for the fact that the Giants have a quick turnaround and play Thursday in Dallas. Game flow might make it very possible to get that many touches, but it might just mean another five snaps for Matt Breida. It will be enough to Barkley just under 30 touches. I think he'll get 28.
Dan Salomone: Fiction – The final tally will be right there, but I'll go with the slight under. With that said, Barkley didn't sound the least bit phased by coming off a career-high 35 carries. He said you can have 10 carries and be just as sore after game. It depends on the opponent and how the hits came.
Lance Medow: Fiction – Saquon Barkley has registered more than 30 touches just twice in nine games this season, and he's coming off a contest in which he ran the ball a career-high 35 times. When you take into consideration that workload and the fact that they have a quick turnaround with a Thanksgiving game, I'd be surprised if they look to give him that many touches. I think they'll try to mix in Matt Breida a bit more to help preserve Barkley for another game just four days away.
Matt Citak: Fact – Barkley leads the league in rushing, and with Detroit's defense struggling against both the run and pass, the 25-year-old back could have a big impact in both facets. He won't have more than 30 carries, but this could be a big game for Barkley in the passing game. Counting his receptions, reaching the 30-touch mark for the second consecutive game is likely.
View rare photos from the all-time series between the New York Giants and Detroit Lions.
Detroit Lions Barry Sanders, carried for three yards before being brought down by Giants Erik Howard and Carl Banks, rear, in the second quarter at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., Sept. 18, 1989.
Detroit Lions fullback Ace Gutowsky hurdles over New York Giants line for 9 yard gain in game on Nov. 1, 1936 at the Polo Grounds. The Giants won, 14-7. (AP Photo)
Detroit Lions lions Alex Karras (71) attempts to block a pass by New York Giants quarterback Earl Morrall (11) during an NFL game in this undated photo. (Tony Tomsic via AP)
FILE - In this Dec. 10, 1967, file photo, New York Giants' Bob Crespino (89) is tackled by Detroit Lions' Tom Vaughn (48) after taking a pass from quarterback Fran Tarkenton for a first down in the first period of an NFL football game at Yankee Stadium in New York. (AP Photo/Harry Harris, File)
New York Giants quarterback Phil Simms escapes the grip of Detroit Lions Eric Williams as he rushes for a 15-yard gain in the third quarter of the game at Giants Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J., on September 17, 1989. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
Detroit Lions Barry Sanders (20) and Lomas Brown (75) scramble with New York Giants Lawrence Taylor (56) to recover a bad handoff during their match-up at the Meadowlands in East Rutherford, N.J., Nov. 19, 1990. The Giants defeated the Lions 20-0. (AP Photo/Mark Phillips)
Barry Sanders (20) of the Detroit Lions is stopped by Stacey Dillard (71) Jessie Armstead, rear center, and Coleman Rudolph (91) of the New York Giants after a 13-yard gain on a pass from Scott Mitchell during the first quarter of their game at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, N.J., Oct. 30, 1994. (AP photo/John Dunn)
New York Giants receiver Chris Calloway (80) looks back at Detroit Lions cornerback Bryant Westbrook (32) and Giants receiver David Patten as he prepares to score a touchdown in overtime to defeat the Lions 26-20, at the Silverdome in Pontiac, Mich., Sunday, Oct. 19, 1997. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
New York Giants running back Tiki Barber evades Detroit Lions' Keith Smith, center, and Alex Lewis on his way to score a touchdown during the first quarter Sunday, Oct.24, 2004 in East Rutherford, New Jersey. (AP Photo/Julie Jacobson)
Detroit Lions quarterback Joey Harrington, left, is sacked by New York Giants safety Gabril Wilson during the second quarter Sunday, Oct. 24, 2004 at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison (29) celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for Detroit Lions' Shaun McDonald (84) in the fourth quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. New York won 16-10. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Shaun McDonald, right, and New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison, left, reach out for the loose ball intended for McDonald in the fourth quarter of the football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007 in Detroit. Madison intercepted the ball to end the Lions final drive. The Giants beat the Lions 16-10. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants linebacker Mathias Kiwanuka tackles Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. Kiwanuka broke his left leg after teammate Osi Umenyiora rolled over his leg during the tackle. (AP Photo/Carlos Osorio)
New York Giants safety James Butler (37) intercepts a pass intended for Detroit Lions wide receiver Shaun McDonald (84) late in the fourth quarter of a football game Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007, in Detroit. The Giants beat the Lions, 16-10. (AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
New York Giants defensive end Michael Strahan, right, stops Detroit Lions running back Kevin Jones (34) in mid air as Giants cornerback Kevin Dockery, left, holds his foot for a 5 yard loss in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) pulls away from Detroit Lions cornerback Fernando Bryant (25) during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) scores a touchdown on a 10-yard reception against the Detroit Lions in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions receiver Roy Williams (11) reaches for the ball after New York Giants cornerback Sam Madison (29) deflected the pass intended for Williams during the first quarter of their NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. The pass was ruled incomplete. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Shaun McDonald (84) fumbles after being hit by New York Giants linebacker Antonio Pierce in the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2007. New York recovered the fumble. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson (81) is tackled by New York Giants cornerback Corey Webster (23) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
Detroit Lions' Drew Stanton laughs after an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
The Detroit Lions play the New York Giants during the first quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants' Ahmad Bradshaw runs the ball during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants' Brandon Jacobs, center, jumps for some extra yards during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a touchdown pass as Detroit Lions' Jonathan Wade tackles him during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants tight end Bear Pascoe (86) is tackled by Detroit Lions defensive tackle Andre Fluellen (96) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants defensive end Osi Umenyiora (72) strips Detroit Lions quaterback Drew Stanton (5) in a week 6 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 17, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quaterback Eli Maning( 10) throws a pass against the Detroit Lions in a week 6 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 17, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants defensive lineman Barry Cofield (96) applies pressure against the Detroit Lions in a week 6 NFL football game at the New Meadowlands Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey on Sunday October 17, 2010 (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
Detroit Lions tight end Brandon Pettigrew (84) is tackled by New York Giants safety Deon Grant (34) during the fourth quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) looks over the defense during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Ahmad Bradshaw (44) runs past Detroit Lions linebacker Ashlee Palmer (58) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants running back Brandon Jacobs (27) reacts after scoring a touchdown as Detroit Lions defensive end Cliff Avril, right, looks on during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Hakeem Nicks (88) breaks a tackle during the first quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a touchdown pass during the second quarter of an NFL football game between the Detroit Lions and the New York Giants at New Meadowlands Stadium Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Mario Manningham (82) catches a touchdown pass as he is tackled by Detroit Lions' Jonathan Wade (24) during the second quarter of an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants tight end Larry Donnell (84), defended by Detroit Lions free safety Isa Abdul-Quddus (42), scores on a 1-yard reception during the second quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) is chased by Detroit Lions free safety Louis Delmas (26) and outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) during the second quarter of an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013, in Detroit. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants head coach Tom Coughlin, left, and Detroit Lions head coach Jim Schwartz, right, greet each other after an NFL football game at New Meadowlands Stadium, Sunday, Oct. 17, 2010, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won the game 28-20. (AP Photo/Tim Larsen)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) passes the ball against the Detroit Lions during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Monday, Sept. 8, 2014. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball defended by Detroit Lions free safety Louis Delmas (26) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) is forced out of bounds by Detroit Lions linebacker Rocky McIntosh, bottom, and free safety Louis Delmas (26) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Detroit Lions take on the New York Giants during a week 16 football game on December 22, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to take the snap as the Giants face the Detroit Lions on the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball chased by Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball chased by Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants wide receiver Victor Cruz (80) makes a catch while being covered by Detroit Lions cornerback Nevin Lawson (24) during a week 15 NFL football game on December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, NJ. (Evan Pinkus via AP)
New York Giants linebacker Keenan Robinson (57) during an NFL regular season game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 17-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants cornerback Dominique Rodgers-Cromartie (41) intercepts a pass to Detroit Lions' Anquan Boldin (80) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won 17-6. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) throws a pass as Detroit Lions' Devin Taylor (98) closes in on him during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions strong safety Tavon Wilson (32) tackles New York Giants' Rashad Jennings (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Bill Kostroun)
New York Giants running back Rashad Jennings (23) runs for yardage in action against the Detroit Lions Sunday December 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New York Giants outside linebacker Jonathan Casillas (52) during an NFL regular season game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 17-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants running back Paul Perkins (28) during an NFL regular season game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016 in East Rutherford, N.J. The Giants won, 17-6. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New York Giants wide receiver Rueben Randle (82) is tackled by Detroit Lions cornerback Bill Bentley (28) during an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
A look down the line of scrimmage as the Detroit Lions take on the New York Giants during a week 16 football game on December 22, 2013 in Detroit, Michigan (AP Photo/Evan Pinkus)
New York Giants running back Andre Brown (35) is forced out of bounds by Detroit Lions linebacker Rocky McIntosh, bottom, and free safety Louis Delmas (26) during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
New York Giants quarterback Eli Manning (10) prepares to take the snap as the Giants face the Detroit Lions on the line of scrimmage during the first quarter of an NFL football game in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
New York Giants wide receiver Jerrel Jernigan (12) runs the ball defended by Detroit Lions free safety Louis Delmas (26) in the first half an NFL football game at Ford Field in Detroit, Sunday, Dec. 22, 2013. (AP Photo/Rick Osentoski)
Detroit Lions wide receiver Andre Roberts (12) is tackled by New York Giants' Kerry Wynn (72) during the second half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 18, 2016, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Seth Wenig)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) takes part in a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
WR Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants defensive tackle Dexter Lawrence (97) takes part in a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
A look down the line of scrimmage during a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
WR Darius Slayton (86)
A look down the line of scrimmage during a week 8 regular season game against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field on Sunday October 27th, 2019 in Detroit, Michigan
Dexter Lawrence (97)
Nick McCloud (44)
New York Giants quarterback Daniel Jones (8) during a NFL football game against the Detroit Lions, Sunday November 21, 2022 in East Rutherford, NJ (Evan Pinkus\New York Giants )
New York Giants offensive tackle Andrew Thomas (78)during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
New York Giants wide receiver Wan'Dale Robinson (17) during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
Darius Slayton (86)
New York Giants defensive end Kayvon Thibodeaux (5) during a game against the Detroit Lions on Sunday November 20, 2022 in East Rutherford, New Jersey (Jerry Pinkus/ New York Giants)
Wan'Dale Robinson (17)
Limiting the Lions' big plays is the first priority for the Giants this week.
John Schmeelk: Fact – Jared Goff has more 20-yard completions than every quarterback in the league not named Patrick Mahomes. The Lions do it by scheming up players in space to catch the ball and gain yards after the catch. They will run screens, move the pocket and use a lot of play-action to get crossing wide receivers open in the intermediate area of the field. The Lions can also run the football for some big gains. Despite a limited workload, D'Andre Swift has two that have gone for 40+ yards.
Dan Salomone: Fact -- Brian Daboll used the word "explosive" four times in his Wednesday media availability in reference to the Lions, who are one of three teams that have had three games with 35+ points in 2022 (Chiefs and Dolphins are the others). While Detroit's two losses in such games are tied for the most in a single season since at least 1940, that's where the focus begins for opposing defenses. Detroit ranks fourth with 42 plays of 20+ yards. Of those, 36 have been through the air, the third-most in the league.
Lance Medow: Fact – The Lions showcase one of the best offenses in the NFL as they rank in the top 10 in the NFL in several major categories, including sixth in big plays. Jamaal Williams and D'Andre Swift are more than capable of producing explosive runs or large chunk plays on short passes. Jared Goff does a good job spreading the wealth, so you need to account for several weapons in the passing attack. Detroit has recorded 36 pass plays of 20+ yards (fourth-highest in NFL), five different players have at least 17 receptions, and nine different players have caught a touchdown. If that doesn't demonstrate their play-making ability, then I don't know what does.
Matt Citak: Fact – The Lions rank eighth in passing yards and 10th in rushing yards per game thanks to their talented skill position players. Amon-Ra St. Brown got off to a hot start the first few weeks of the season before an ankle injury slowed him down for a while. St. Brown appears to be back on track after his 10-reception, 119-yard showing last week. Detroit also has two running backs who can do damage on opposing defenses in D'Andre Swift and Jamaal Williams. St. Brown and Swift in particular have the capability of busting loose for a big, explosive play. If the Giants can prevent them from doing that, it will go a long way in helping them pick up their eighth win of the season.
Darius Slayton will break 100 yards receiving for the first time this season.
John Schmeelk: Fiction – If Wan'Dale Robinson plays, I think it will be a game in which he can be very productive against the Lions' slot cornerback and zones in the middle of the field.
Dan Salomone: Fact – The last time he did it was Oct. 11, 2020 at Dallas. It's no secret that the Giants have wanted to pound away in the run game, but Slayton has stayed patient and made the most of his opportunities. He also showed his ability to make yards after the catch last week. Let's see him hit the century mark this week.
Lance Medow: Fiction – No Giants player has surpassed the century mark in receiving yards this season, and that's not surprising considering Daniel Jones is averaging 177 passing yards per game. Although Darius Slayton has led the team in receiving yards in four of the last five games, had 95 against the Texans and has great chemistry with Jones, I still think it will be a challenge to get to 100 because of the offensive philosophy and game flow. No matter what the Lions' stats show, the Giants won't abandon what has worked and get out of character. The run game will still dictate the tone. On top of that, the Lions have allowed at least one 100-yard receiver in just four of their nine games. The results have fluctuated.
Matt Citak: Fiction – Slayton has easily been the team's most productive receiver in recent weeks. Since Week 5, he has had at least 58 receiving yards in all but one game, and over the last three weeks he has totaled 219 yards and two touchdowns. But this feels like a game in which Daniel Jones will spread the ball around to all of his pass-catchers, including his tight ends. Slayton might come close to the 100-yard mark this week thanks to his big-play ability – and I wouldn't be surprised if he once again found the end zone – but more likely than not it will be a collective effort in the passing game where no one hits 100 yards.
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