Sunday | 4:05 ET
The Lions have been fantastic in 2023. They come into this matchup against the surging Chargers at 6-2, fresh off of their bye week. The team is third in overall offensive PFF grade, and has proven to be one of the top teams in the NFC. They will face the Chargers, who are winners of two in a row. LA is getting hot and is looking for a big win against one of the league’s top powers.
Detroit’s offense has simply been great all around this season. Much of its success stems from its stellar offensive line. Center Frank Ragnow ranks fifth in PFF grade among all centers in the league, Penei Sewell ranks fourth among all offensive tackles, and Graham Glasgow ranks fifth among all guards. On the left side of the line, Taylor Decker and Jonah Jackson are also both fantastic players. This group gives the immobile Jared Goff ample time to scan the field and make the correct decision. They also pave the way for running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. Montgomery has missed the last couple of games with a hamstring injury, but may return this week.
The Chargers have given up the seventh least rushing yards in the NFL, but the third most passing yards. I still expect the Lions to give LA a healthy dose of Montgomery, believing in their offensive line, but they will probably find the most success through the air. Particularly, look for WR Amon-Ra St. Brown in the slot against Ja’Sir Taylor. St. Brown should feast in this matchup.
The only way that the Chargers could shut down Detroit’s offense is if the pass rush gets home. Khalil Mack, Joey Bosa, and company recorded seven sacks this past week. With LA’s d-line finally performing like it should, it will be interesting to see it matched up against the stellar Lions offensive line.
Flipping sides, the Chargers offense should be great. RB Austin Ekeler, WR Keenan Allen, and QB Justin Herbert are all top-tier at what they do. For whatever reason, thing usually just don’t click. However, they put up 30 points in Week 8 and 20 points in Week 9 against a very good Jets defense. Maybe they will be able to carry this momentum into Week 10, but history tells me that they won’t be able to score very easily.
The Chargers rank 21st in yards per carry and 22nd in total rushing yards in 2023. Meanwhile, the Lions have given up the second least rushing yards in league. LA won’t be able to do anything on the ground. They will become one-dimensional, which is detrimental to an offense. By passing more often, star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson will get many opportunities to make game-changing plays. WR Keenan Allen has been so good this year, so he will get his. However, I think that the Lions defense will prove too stout in the long run.
Overall, I expect Jared Goff to pick apart the Chargers defense. Amon-Ra will have a huge game. LA won’t be able to gain yards on the ground and will have to resort to airing it out. Detroit will key in on the passing game and slow Justin Herbert down enough to grab the road victory.