EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J. – Two teams with matching three-game losing streaks will try to reverse their fortunes Sunday when the Giants face the Detroit Lions in Ford Field. The 2-4 Giants lost to Arizona last week, 27-21, while the Lions dropped a 42-30 decision to the Minnesota Vikings, who had defeated the Giants two weeks earlier.
Each of the last two Giants-Lions games were played on Monday nights. The Lions won each of them, 35-14 on Sept. 8, 2014 in Detroit and 24-10 on Sept. 18, 2017 in MetLife Stadium. The Lions lead the all-time regular-season series, 22-21-1.
What is the Lions' biggest strength?
Their ability to play every one of their opponents tough. Each of Detroit's first five games was decided by four points or less. Their two losses before the Minnesota game were by a combined five points. The Lions were within five points of the Vikings at the two-minute warning before the visitors scored a late touchdown. In the last three weeks, they battled likely playoff teams Kansas City, Green Bay and Minnesota. Against the Packers, Detroit led from the game's fifth play until the final snap, when Mason Crosby kicked a 23-yard field goal to conclude a controversial drive. The Lions have many good players on both sides of the ball and are an all-day challenge for any team.
What player is key to the Lions' offense?
Quarterback Matthew Stafford, who might still have the NFL's strongest throwing arm in his 11th season. Last week, Stafford reached 40,000 passing yards in his 147th career game, the fastest in history by four games (Matt Ryan, 151). One of the league's best deep throwers, Stafford is playing as well as he ever has, completing 62.4% of his passes and throwing for 13 touchdowns and only three interceptions. Both Stafford's passer rating (101.7, which is almost 13 points higher than his career rating of 89.0) and yards-per-attempt (8.03) are personal bests. When he drops back to pass, Stafford knows exactly which defender he wants to attack and where he wants to throw the ball. And he spreads it around; eight different receivers caught passes last week.
What is the strength of the Lions' offense?
Detroit is always in attack mode. The Lions' first play against Green Bay was a flea-flicker. It gained 66 yards. Detroit has scored 27 or more points four times this year after reaching that total four times in the entire 2018 season. They are eighth in the league with an average of 380.3 yards a game and sixth with 277.2 passing yards a game. Stafford throws to an excellent group of receivers that includes Marvin Jones, Jr., who scored four touchdowns last Sunday. He has a team-high 30 catches. Kenny Golladay (25 receptions, four scores) is one of the NFL's best young receivers on the outside, and Danny Amendola is experienced and productive in the slot. Tight ends Jesse James and T.J. Hockenson, this year's first-round draft choice, and running back J.D. McKissic are all factors in the passing game.
What player is key to the Lions' defense?
Although it lost safety and defensive captain Quandre Diggs – who started all five games in which he played but was traded this week to Seattle – the Lions' secondary still has Big Play Slay and Big Play Tray – cornerback Darius Slay and free safety Tracy Walker. A two-time Pro Bowler, Slay is a shutdown corner who usually covers the opposition's best receiver. He has missed one game and Wednesday's practice with a hamstring injury. Slay has an NFL-high 94 passes defensed since entering the league in 2013. Walker has a team-high total of 50 stops (43 solo) and five for loss and has recorded at least five tackles in every game this season.
What is the strength of the Lions' defense?
Lions coach Matt Patricia spent six seasons (2012-17) as New England's defensive coordinator and has brought the very successful Patriots Way to Detroit. The Lions identify what you do best and focus on taking it away. They held 2018 league MVP Patrick Mahomes without a touchdown pass, one of just three times that's happened in his 24 career starts. Detroit makes its opponent earn every yard. Patricia wants to stop the run and prevent big plays and touchdowns, primarily from inside the 20. But injuries along the line have weakened the run defense. And Detroit is tied for 17th in red zone defense, allowing 14 touchdowns on 25 opposing possessions (56.0%).
The Lions' front seven includes three former Giants – tackle Damon Harrison and end Romeo Okwara (who have combined for 30 tackles and 2.5 sacks) and linebacker Devon Kennard, who leads the team with 3.0 sacks.
What is the strength of the Lions' special teams?
Detroit has two special teamers who have hurt the Giants in the past. Two years ago, Matt Prater kicked a 56-yard field goal that was then the second-longest ever vs. the Giants. His leg is still strong; this season he has made all four of his attempts from 50 or more yards, a distance from which he is 50-for-65 in his career. In the same 2017 game, then rookie Jamal Agnew scored on an 88-yard punt return. In Week 3 in Philadelphia, he returned a kickoff 100 yards for a touchdown. The Giants need to shut him down this week.
Based on the scouting report, what must the Giants do to win the game?
Prevent explosive plays by Stafford and Co. and avoid letting them get off to a big start. Offensively, when the Giants get inside the 20, they need to score touchdowns and not settle for three points.
Statistics you should know:
*In 2018, the Lions finished 10th in the NFL in run defense, allowing 110.1 yards a game. This season, they are 28th, giving up an average of 139.2 yards per game, including 153 yards a game during their current three-game losing streak.
*Stafford likes to throw deep; Detroit has 41 pass attempts and 28 completions of 20 or more yards this season.
*Of Golladay's 25 receptions, 22 have produced first downs, an 88% rate that is second in the NFL to Tampa Bay's Chris Godwin's 88.4% (38 of 43). Seven of Golladay's eight third-down catches have resulted in first downs.
*Current Giants receiver Golden Tate had 13 100-yard games in his 4½ seasons with the Lions. That is the second-highest total among receivers who have played with Stafford. Calvin Johnson is first with 37.
*Nine of Slay's 18 career interception have been in the fourth quarter.
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)
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