Predictions: Giants-Lions
The excitement level is going to be through the roof for the Detroit Lions first preseason game against the New York Giants.
Ford Field will have a buzz permeating the arena, as the team has experienced the most hype ahead of the start of a season in recent memory.
Detroit's roster has plenty of players seeking to move up the depth chart and battling for a roster spot.
I believe the Lions will pull away in the second half, with offensive weapons like Dylan Drummond and Mohamed Ibrahim making plays to carry the team.
On the defensive side of the football, Chase Lucas, Starling Thomas V and Steven Gilmore will all make a case to be kept on the 53-man roster after training camp.
Lions 27, Giants 23
It's always difficult to forecast these preseason games. I doubt the starters on either side play much after the joint practices this week, so it will likely come down to which team is deeper.
Friday feels like a final audition for Adrian Martinez and Nate Sudfeld, with Teddy Bridgewater joining the fold next week. I'll say Sudfeld, with help from his running backs and a heavy dose of Jameson Williams, performs well.
I also think both kickers will be perfect. I'm predicting Parker Romo sends the crowd into a frenzy, with a 50-plus-yard make right before halftime.
The Lions ultimately have a deeper roster than the Giants, so I'll give them the edge in a low-scoring affair.
Additional reading: How to Watch, Stream, Listen to Giants vs. Lions
Lions 16, Giants 13
Arguably the most anticipated Lions preseason ever kicks off on Friday against the New York Giants.
It's sure to be a game full of reserves on both sides. Yet, it doesn't mean that it won't be a meaningful contest. In fact, Detroit's "bubble" players, such as Julian Okwara and Jermar Jefferson, will be provided with a tremendous opportunity to prove why they deserve a spot on the Lions' season-opening roster. It should also be a great showcase for second-year receiver Jameson Williams, who should receive a healthy dose of targets from backup quarterbacks Nate Sudfeld and Adrian Martinez.
I don't expect much offense or fireworks from either side, but I still expect a competitive tilt that will go a long way toward determining the winners of both teams' various position battles.
Lions 20, Giants 13
I'll be keeping my eyes on the play of Nate Sudfeld and Adrian Martinez on Friday. Additionally, I'll be taking a look at some of the more unproven players, like rookies Jahmyr Gibbs, Antoine Green and Dylan Drummond, to see how they fare in Detroit's first test against another NFL team.
The Lions will have to score early and often, and contain QB Tyrod Taylor as much as they can. Look for the depth to be tested, and expect the crowd to be rowdy, as Detroit gets the slight victory and sets the tone for the season ahead.
Lions 23, Giants 21
