Best Bet: Lions Run Wild in New Orleans
The Detroit Lions have an opportunity against the New Orleans Saints to execute at a high level offensively.
Left guard Jonah Jackson has been battling various injuries this season and his absence has been noticeable.
With Jackson returning, Jared Goff should be increasingly confident in the offensive line's ability to protect him.
Against the Saints, the rushing attack should be a focal point for offensive coordinator Ben Johnson.
Both Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery will be provided opportunities to carry the football and provide Goff an opportunity to utilize play-action passes to his top weapons.
Play Michigan lead writer Drew Ellis believes Detroit's rookie running back should find the end zone this week.
"The Lions look as if they may get Jonah Jackson back in the starting lineup and we’ve seen what the offensive line can do when fully healthy. Last time this unit played together, they rushed for 200 yards, with three rushing touchdowns in the first half," Ellis tells All Lions. "The Lions face a New Orleans rushing defense that ranks in the bottom third of the NFL. Detroit will want to get back to establishing the line of scrimmage and running to set up the pass.
"David Montgomery is no longer the goal line exclusive for the Lions. Ben Johnson and Dan Campbell feel just as comfortable with Jahmyr Gibbs getting the tough yards as they do Montgomery. Plus, Gibbs also has a chance to score as part of the passing game. I like both to find the end zone on Sunday, but Gibbs brings more value at +105."
Running backs coach Scottie Montgomery expressed this week Detroit's first round draft pick gained valuable experience being the lead back with Montgomery out due to injury.
"I thought Jah stepped into (an expanded role) well. I think it was really good for him to just be able to play and get coached and go through (being the lead back) Just more time on task, and then now collectively having them both kind of since the bye week and both of them being able to get over 70 scrimmage yards apiece and just continue to put those two guys together," Montgomery said. "I think it's hard for it to be 50-50, but what Ben (Johnson) has done is done a really, really good job of making sure that they’re both really, really involved."
