"Previewing Week 4's Monday Night Football: Seahawks vs. Lions - Analysis, Expectations, and Forecast"
The Detroit Lions haven't relocated to the NFC West; their early season schedule simply gives that impression.
Detroit (2-1) narrowly defeated the Los Angeles Rams in overtime in their first game. The Lions also beat the Arizona Cardinals 20-13 in their first away game last week.
This week, they will host the undefeated Seattle Seahawks on Monday night, led by head coach Mike Macdonald.
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ODDS AND TRENDS
Most books have the Lions as 4.5-point favorites, although BetMGM has kept the line at 4.5 with the public heavily favoring the Seahawks, with 68 percent of spread-line bets and 73 percent of the money. The moneyline action is split, with 51 percent of total bets on Seattle (+180) and 64 percent of the money on Detroit (-225). The Over has also been a popular bet at BetMGM, with 68 percent of bets and 73 percent of money on the Over, causing the points total to shift from 48.5 to 46.5.
PROP PICKS
--Jahmyr Gibbs 60+ Rushing Yards (+140 at DraftKings): This has been the most popular player prop for this game at the book. Gibbs has 207 rushing yards through three games, including 84 and 83 in his past two games. While Seattle has the top-ranked defense in terms of yards allowed per game (248.7), they have faced three sub-par quarterbacks and are allowing an average of 116.3 rushing yards per game.
--DK Metcalf Over 63.5 Receiving Yards (-115 at BetMGM): Metcalf has had two consecutive 100-yard games in Seahawks coordinator Ryan Grubb's new offense. The Lions are allowing an average of 216.7 passing yards per game.
LIONS SEEKING EFFICIENCY
Detroit's offense was well-balanced in their last game against the Cardinals, but they failed to score in the second half. Quarterback Jared Goff had a solid performance, completing 18 of 23 passes for 199 yards, two touchdowns, and one interception. Running backs David Montgomery (one TD) and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 188 yards.
Lions head coach Dan Campbell believes his offense will need to be more dynamic to win before their bye week.
"We have to be very efficient on first and second down, and then we have to win the explosive battle," he said. "We need to make some big plays on offense and prevent them on defense."
Goff threw for 323 yards and three touchdowns against Seattle last season, but the Seahawks won in overtime. However, Goff has noticed significant changes in Seattle's defense this year.
"It's a completely different scheme," he said. "I'm sure there are a few players that are still there, but schematically, it's entirely different."
NEW-LOOK HAWKS OFFENSE
Seattle quarterback Geno Smith had a strong performance against the Lions last season, passing for 328 yards and two touchdowns.
Smith connected with DK Metcalf on a 71-yard touchdown pass in last week's 24-3 victory over the Miami Dolphins. Zach Charbonnet, filling in for injured Kenneth Walker, rushed for 91 yards and two touchdowns on 18 carries.
Metcalf said he worked on catching passes in traffic during the offseason.
"That was a focus for me this offseason," he said. "Making contested catches or going up for 50/50 balls and attacking the ball instead of waiting for it to come down and catching it over my shoulder."
One way the Lions can stop Seattle's passing offense is by putting pressure on Smith. Detroit's top defensive player, Aidan Hutchinson, already has 6.5 sacks this season.
"We have to find 97. He's off to a great start," Smith said of Hutchinson. "He's a high draft pick and a guy they rely on. If we can neutralize him and prevent him from making big plays and getting in the backfield, we'll make it tough on their defense."
INJURY REPORT
Detroit will be without starting center Frank Ragnow, who has a partially torn pectoral muscle. Tight end Sam LaPorta missed Thursday's practice with an ankle injury but was a full participant the next two days. Line
