The 7-6 Raiders head home looking to stop a two-game losing streak as they face the 8-5 Lions. This is a game the Raiders have to win if they hope to make it to the playoffs this season. They will get some help as every other team in the division is playing a team they will most likely lose against. The Broncos face the Patriots (10-3), the Chiefs play the Packers (13-0) and the Chargers square off against the Ravens (10-3). If the Raiders find a way to win, they should be in a first place tie with the Broncos. Let's take a look at the match-ups and predict a winner.
Raiders Offense vs. Lions Defense
The Raiders offense will return one of their impact players in Denarius Moore. Look for Carson Palmer to target him early and often as the two developed a chemistry early on in the season. The Raiders will also look the pound the football on the ground with Michael Bush. The Lions are near the bottom of the league in rushing defense, giving up 5.1 yards a rush and 136 yards a game. The Lions will welcome back Ndamukong Suh from the two game suspension and should be a load inside for Satele and company to block on passing downs. Palmer must limit his turnovers, as he faces a team that is second in the league in interceptions. Palmer has thrown 13 INT's in just 6+ games, and one of the main reasons they get so far behind in games early. They need to take care of the football better going forward if they hope to make a run at the playoffs.
Advantage: Raiders
Raiders Defense vs. Lions Offense
The Raiders defense has had trouble getting off the field on third downs and it has shown in the scoreboard the last two weeks. The main reason is the lack of domination of the front line. Seymour has not been able to play at even 75% and has only 5 tackles in the last 6 games because of injury. They also aren't containing the QB in the pocket and are allowing them to run or make something happen on the fly. The run defense has been porous since the Denver game, giving up 169 yards/game. In the 7 games prior, they were allowing a more respectable 116 yards/game. This should be a point of emphasis going into the Lions game. The Lions will look to throw the ball, something the Raiders are more capable of defending. The game will most likely be determined by the turnover battle. Every Raiders game this year but one has been won by the team that has fewer turnovers.
Advantage: Lions
Special Teams
The Lions have an above-average kicker in Jason Hanson and a decent return-man in Stefan Logan. Their punting leaves much to be desired. The Raiders are still without Jacoby Ford but will have the services of Denarius Moore on punt returns. Lechler and Janikowski are the best in the league at what the do and subsequently lead their respective positions in Pro Bowl balloting.
Advantage: Raiders
Prediction: Raiders 27, Lions 24
Record to date: 7-5
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