Broncos-Lions Key Matchup: Courtland Sutton vs. Cam Sutton

The Detroit Lions have a tough test ahead of them Saturday night against the red-hot Denver Broncos.

After starting off the year 1-5, the Sean Payton-led squad has won six of its last seven games, and is now just one game behind the AFC West-leading Kansas City Chiefs.

A big reason for the Broncos’ turnaround has been the play of its defense. From Week 7 on, the team has allowed no more than 22 points in a single game, and has permitted just 15.6 points per game.

But, there's also been another factor: the rapport of Denver quarterback Russell Wilson with wide receiver Courtland Sutton.

During the Broncos’ recent hot stretch, Wilson and Sutton, the go-to target, have connected 28 times for 424 yards and six touchdowns. On the season as a whole, Sutton has compiled career-high marks in both touchdowns (10) and catch percentage (67.1 percent).

Prior to the 2023 campaign, Sutton – a second-round pick of the Broncos in 2018 – had never caught more than six touchdowns or hauled in more than 59.2 percent of his targets in a single season.

On Saturday, it is expected that Lions cornerback Cam Sutton will be tasked with regularly matching up with the star Denver wideout.

In 13 games this season, Sutton – one of Detroit's prized free-agent acquisitions this past offseason – has notched 41 total tackles, including three for loss, along with three passes defensed and one forced fumble. Thus far, he's failed to record a single interception, after amassing at least one in each of the previous five seasons.

Additionally, in 531 pass-coverage snaps this year, the seventh-year defensive back has allowed a passer rating of 103.5, and has earned a coverage grade of 58.8 from Pro Football Focus for his efforts.

So, it hasn't exactly been a sterling start to Sutton's tenure in the Motor City.

Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn understands it won't be easy limiting the production of the big-bodied Broncos receiver, especially in the red zone.

“When it comes to (Courtland) Sutton, he’s a red-zone threat,” Glenn told reporters earlier this week. “He’s a guy who can go up and catch the jump ball, and we know that’s one of Russell’s best things he does, is throw the deep ball. Our guys are aware of that, we understand who he is as a player.”

In this Week 15 primetime tilt, I believe it'll be Courtland Sutton that gets the best of Cam Sutton more often than not. With that said, I'll pencil in the Denver pass-catcher for four catches, 60 yards and a touchdown Saturday at Ford Field.