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The Detroit Lions are finally entering divisional play, and their first NFC North matchup of the season is a huge one against the Green Bay Packers. Mike Payton breaks down the biggest keys to Sunday's Lions vs. Packers matchup, including where Detroit can attack Green Bay, where the Packers can give the Lions problems, the return of Brian Branch and Mike's final score prediction. The first place the Lions need to attack is on the ground. The Packers are expected to disguise their defensive looks and make Goff work through the defense. Detroit needs to create manageable down-and-distance situations so Goff isn't constantly facing third-and-long. The Lions' offensive line has been playing at an elite level, and Mike believes this is the game where Detroit needs to prove it. But the Packers have a clear way to hurt Detroit. Green Bay's disguised coverages, particularly the way safety Evan Williams is being used, can create hesitation for opposing quarterbacks. The Packers can make a quarterback think a throwing lane is open before taking it away after the snap. His final prediction: DETROIT LIONS 35 GREEN BAY PACKERS 31 Will the Lions win their first divisional game of the season? Let Mike know your score prediction in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, game previews, postgame reactions, analysis, trade rumors and coverage from Mike Payton. #DetroitLions #Lions #Packers #LionsVsPackers #NFLTry the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 00:00 Lions vs Packers Prediction Lab 00:47 How The Lions Can Attack Green Bay 01:36 The Lions Need To Get Jahmyr Gibbs Going 02:25 Put Jared Goff In Manageable Situations 03:28 The Lions' Offensive Line Must Dominate 03:51 How The Packers Can Beat Detroit 04:11 Watch Green Bay's Defensive Disguises 05:24 The Lions Must Stop Tucker Kraft 06:24 Watch Out For Packers DPI Calls 07:12 Jordan Love And The Deep Ball 07:59 How Green Bay Can Neutralize Detroit's Pass Rush 09:33 What Will Decide The Game? 09:53 Mike Payton's Lions vs Packers Prediction #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

Detroit Lions fans have questions — and Mike Payton has answers. For the first time, Mike takes the Lions mailbag to video, answering questions from Lions fans about everything from potential trades and Brian Branch's return to Jahmyr Gibbs' MVP chances, Tyler Lacy's role and whether Detroit's defense is good enough to win a Super Bowl. One of the biggest questions is who the Lions could potentially trade for. Mike believes Tampa Bay cornerback Zion McCollum would be his ideal target because of his age, recent play and the possibility that he could become Detroit's long-term CB1. Mike also explains why he expects a more modest trade involving a veteran such as Dante Jackson to be more realistic. Mike also discusses whether Detroit could make a blockbuster trade. His answer? Don't expect a massive star acquisition. With so few elite players actually available, Mike believes the Lions could make one or even multiple trades, but a true blockbuster is unlikely. Another major topic is Brian Branch's return. How quickly can Branch change the Lions' defense? Mike believes the impact could be immediate because of Branch's versatility. He can play safety, nickel and other roles, allowing players like Chuck Clark and Keith Abney to play more naturally within the defense. Mike expects Branch's first game back to potentially involve around 35-40 snaps, but believes his return will be invaluable moving forward. Mike also explains why Tyler Lacy continues to get defensive-line snaps despite Lions fans wanting to see more of Alim Hassanein. The answer is simple: Detroit values Lacy's ability to stop the run and his versatility to play both outside and inside. And then there's the biggest question of all: Can the Lions win a Super Bowl with a middling secondary? Mike points to the 2011 New York Giants and 2022 Kansas City Chiefs as examples of teams that won the Super Bowl without having dominant pass defenses. But he also explains why Detroit's defense cannot continue playing at the level it showed against Carolina, New Orleans, New York and Buffalo if the Lions want to make a deep playoff run. Plus, Mike answers questions about whether Jahmyr Gibbs could win NFL MVP if he breaks LaDainian Tomlinson's touchdown record, whether the Lions will add an outside linebacker and what the future could look like for players returning from injury. What do YOU think? Drop your questions and opinions in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, analysis, trade rumors, roster breakdowns and daily coverage from Mike Payton. #DetroitLions #Lions #NFL #LionsNews #DetroitLionsNews 00:00 Welcome To The Lions Mailbag 00:56 Can Jahmyr Gibbs Win NFL MVP? 03:13 Who Will The Lions Trade For? 06:46 Will The Lions Add An Outside Linebacker? 08:22 How Much Will Brian Branch Change The Defense? 10:02 Why Does Tyler Lacy Keep Playing? 12:06 Can The Lions Win A Super Bowl With This Secondary? 14:26 Will Mike Make More Lions Mailbags? ***** Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Los Angeles Chargers are 0-6, and that has Lions fans wondering whether Detroit could take advantage of a potential roster reset in Los Angeles. Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: Mike Payton breaks down the Chargers' secondary and uses the A to Z Sports Trade Simulator to see which defensive backs could realistically make sense for the Detroit Lions. There are several names worth discussing, but not all of them make sense for Detroit. Mike starts with Tarheeb Still, the Chargers' 24-year-old cornerback who has played well despite being a fifth-round pick. Still currently carries a 71.6 PFF grade and a 76.6 coverage grade, making him one of the more intriguing players on the Chargers' defense. The problem? Los Angeles would probably have little interest in giving up a young corner who is playing well. Then there's Cam Hart. Hart was a player Mike liked coming out of Notre Dame in the 2024 NFL Draft, and he believes Hart could be an especially good fit for Detroit's man-coverage scheme. The Trade Simulator puts Hart at 161 points, with a fifth-round pick representing a reasonable potential trade package. Of all the Chargers defensive backs discussed, Mike says Cam Hart would probably be his main target for Detroit. Dante Jackson represents the other end of the spectrum. The veteran cornerback is 30 years old and currently dealing with a hamstring issue, but Mike believes Detroit could potentially acquire him for as little as a seventh-round pick. Jackson isn't the splashy move Lions fans would necessarily want, but the low cost could make him an interesting depth option. Mike also addresses the name Lions fans keep bringing up: Derwin James. Detroit does need safety help, but Mike does NOT believe the Lions should trade for James. He's 30 years old, carries a significant contract and is currently ranked 51st among safeties according to the metrics discussed in the video. Mike explains why Detroit would be better off looking elsewhere at safety — including continuing to evaluate Keith Abney — rather than giving up significant draft capital for James. So which Chargers DB should the Lions actually target? Mike has a clear answer. Let us know what you think in the comments: • Would you trade for Cam Hart? • Would you give up a seventh-round pick for Dante Jackson? • Is Tarheeb Still worth pursuing? • Would you trade for Derwin James? Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, trade rumors, roster analysis and coverage from Mike Payton. 00:00 The Lions Could Target The Chargers' Secondary 00:45 Using The A to Z Sports Trade Simulator 01:34 Tarheeb Still To Detroit? 03:37 Cam Hart Is An Intriguing Lions Target 06:06 Dante Jackson Could Be The Cheap Option 08:56 Should The Lions Trade For Derwin James? 10:31 Keith Abney Could Change The Equation 11:11 What Happens If The Chargers Become Sellers? Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Indianapolis Colts just fired Chris Ballard, and that immediately raises a huge question for Detroit Lions fans: Should the Lions try to trade for Sauce Gardner? Mike Payton has an answer — and it's a pretty strong NO. Sauce Gardner is one of the biggest names who could theoretically become available after Indianapolis moved on from Ballard. The Colts traded two first-round picks for Gardner last year, but his time in Indianapolis has not gone according to plan. Gardner has not played like the dominant cornerback he was earlier in his career, and his current numbers raise some major questions about whether Detroit should make a massive investment to bring him home. According to Pro Football Focus, Gardner is currently the 55th-graded cornerback in the NFL with a 59.6 grade, while opposing quarterbacks have posted a 120.6 passer rating when targeting him. That's a long way from the player Lions fans remember from his time with the New York Jets. And then there's the money. Gardner signed a four-year, $120.4 million extension with the Jets before being traded to Indianapolis. That's an average of $30.1 million per season, with significant scheduled cap obligations beginning in 2027. Mike explains why that contract makes a potential trade especially difficult for Detroit. Even if the Lions could acquire Gardner for less draft capital than Indianapolis originally paid, they would still be taking on a massive financial commitment for a player who isn't currently playing at a $30 million-per-year level. So what would make Mike change his mind? A truly unbelievable deal — something like Detroit giving up a fifth-round pick while Indianapolis absorbs a huge portion of Gardner's contract. But Mike doesn't expect that kind of scenario to happen. There is also the obvious hometown connection. Gardner is from the Detroit area, and seeing him return home to play for the Lions would be a great story. His previous success in man coverage could also theoretically make him a fit in Kelvin Sheppard's defensive scheme. But should Detroit actually make the move? Mike says no. Instead, he believes the Lions should be extremely careful about taking on Gardner's contract and giving up significant draft capital for a cornerback whose current performance doesn't justify that investment. Could the Colts become a trade partner for another player? Mike does mention one intriguing possibility involving Cam Taylor-Britt and a potential seventh-round pick. So, Lions fans: Is Mike right? Would you trade for Sauce Gardner if the price were low enough? Or would you stay away entirely? Let us know in the comments. 00:00 Should The Lions Trade For Sauce Gardner? 00:57 Why The Lions Should Say No 01:23 Sauce Gardner Isn't Playing Like Himself 02:21 Gardner's Massive Contract 03:45 What Would It Cost To Trade For Sauce? 05:35 The One Scenario Where Detroit Should Do It 06:07 Sauce Gardner's Detroit Connection 06:53 Can The Lions Actually Afford Him? 08:28 Why Mike Says Stay Away 09:08 Another Colts Trade Target Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, trade rumors, roster analysis, game reactions and coverage from Mike Payton throughout the 2026 NFL season. #DetroitLions #Lions #SauceGardner #NFL #DetroitLionsNews Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Detroit Lions have been connected to plenty of potential cornerback trade targets, but how realistic are some of those names? Mike Payton brings in three A to Z Sports beat writers who cover three cornerbacks Lions fans have been discussing as potential trade targets: Zyon McCollum of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Kristian Fulton of the Kansas City Chiefs and Riq Woolen of the Philadelphia Eagles. The goal is simple: Are these players actually available? What would it take to acquire them? And how are they playing right now? First up is Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum, with Bucs writer Evan Winter. The answer on McCollum's availability is pretty straightforward right now: probably not. McCollum is playing the best football of his career, and Buccaneers head coach Todd Bowles has described his play as being at an All-Pro level. He's improved dramatically from last season and has already matched his 2025 pass-deflection total. But there could be a different conversation later in the season if Tampa Bay falls out of contention and begins considering bigger changes. Evan explains what it might take to actually get McCollum, with a third-round pick potentially being enough to make Tampa Bay seriously consider an offer. Next, Mike talks with Kansas City Chiefs writer Charles Goldman about Kristian Fulton. Fulton was viewed as a potential trade candidate last year, but his situation has changed. Kansas City has several cornerbacks capable of starting, while injuries have also made Fulton's depth more valuable. Fulton stepped into the lineup when the Chiefs needed him and performed well. Could Kansas City still move him for the right offer? Mike and Charles discuss a potential fourth-round pick as a realistic price, as well as the possibility of a more complicated three-team trade involving the Chiefs, Lions and Browns. Finally, Mike is set to discuss Riq Woolen with Philadelphia Eagles writer RB. If the Lions are serious about adding a cornerback before the trade deadline, which of these players would make the most sense? Let us know which cornerback you would want Detroit to target — and what you would be willing to give up to get him. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, trade rumors, roster analysis, game reactions and coverage from Mike Payton throughout the 2026 NFL season. Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Detroit Lions have been one of the NFL's most aggressive teams when it comes to improving their roster, but what about the other side of the equation? Instead of talking about who the Lions could trade FOR, Mike Payton is looking at three players Detroit could realistically receive trade calls about before the trade deadline. We're not talking about Jared Goff, Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta or Jameson Williams. Those players aren't going anywhere. This is about players who could realistically generate interest from other teams and potentially give Brad Holmes an opportunity to improve the roster elsewhere. First up is Juice Scruggs. Scruggs is currently the No. 1 highest-graded center in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus, which makes his situation especially interesting. Cade Mays is expected to return and potentially reclaim the starting center job after the Lions signed him to a significant contract. If Detroit suddenly has two starting-caliber centers, could Scruggs become a trade asset? Mike believes there could be a legitimate market for Scruggs, potentially involving a mid-round draft pick or even a player-for-player deal. Baltimore is one team that could make sense because of its offensive line needs. The second player is Levi Onwuzurike. Detroit has developed significant depth along the interior defensive line, with players such as Alim McNeill, Tyler Williams, and Skyler Gill-Hanifan emerging as important pieces. That could leave Onwuzurike as an odd man out, potentially making him a player another team could acquire for a late-round pick. Finally, Mike discusses Isaac TeSlaa. TeSlaa has value because of his blocking ability and his fit within Detroit's offense, but the Lions have an incredible number of offensive weapons. If a receiver-needy team offered Detroit a third- or fourth-round pick, would Brad Holmes consider moving him? Mike thinks it's at least worth discussing. So which Lions player is the most realistic trade candidate? ****** Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 00:00 3 Lions Players Who Could Be Traded 01:25 Juice Scruggs Could Be A Trade Asset 03:14 What Could The Lions Get For Scruggs? 04:04 Could Detroit Trade Scruggs For A CB? 05:12 Levi Onwuzurike's Trade Value 06:42 Could The Lions Move On From Onwuzurike? 07:17 Isaac TeSlaa Is A Wild-Card Trade Candidate 08:04 Would The Lions Trade TeSlaa? 09:19 Which Lions Players Could Actually Be Moved? #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Detroit Lions are heading into their bye week, and Mike Payton has six players he believes Detroit needs to get on the field more when the season resumes against the Green Bay Packers in Week 7. The Lions have several players who have shown flashes this season but haven't received the number of opportunities Mike believes they deserve. Coming out of the bye, it's time to see what these players can really do with expanded roles. First up is second-round pick Derrick Moore. Moore has played only 72 defensive snaps this season, and while some Lions fans are already getting impatient, Mike isn't anywhere close to calling him a bust. Detroit has historically brought some rookies along slowly, but Mike believes it's time to start giving Moore more pass-rush opportunities and see what the rookie can do. Next is rookie safety Keith Abney. After playing more than 40 snaps against Arizona at free safety and performing extremely well, Abney could be in line for an even bigger role. Mike even sees a potential future where Abney and Brian Branch become Detroit's safety duo, particularly with Kirby Joseph having not practiced in nearly a year. Malcolm Rodriguez is another player Mike wants to see more of. Rodriguez has played only 105 snaps but is currently the fifth-highest graded linebacker in the NFL according to Pro Football Focus. With Devin White now injured, Mike believes Rodriguez deserves an opportunity to start at the WILL linebacker spot. Mike also discusses Cody and whether the Lions should take some of the workload off an incredible Jahmyr Gibbs, Jackson Meeks and the possibility of Detroit using more 13 personnel, and rookie linebacker Jimmy Rolder, who has played only seven defensive snaps this season after missing much of training camp with an injury. So which of these six players should the Lions feature most coming out of the bye? And is there anyone Mike left off the list? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, analysis, opinions, player evaluations, game previews, postgame reactions and coverage from Mike Payton throughout the 2026 NFL season. #DetroitLions #Lions #NFL #DetroitLionsNews Try the A to Z Sports NFL Trade Simulator: Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 00:00 6 Lions Players Who Need More Playing Time 00:54 Derek Moore Needs More Snaps 03:21 Keith Abney Could Be The Future 05:25 Malcolm Rodriguez Deserves A Starting Role 07:08 Should The Lions Use More Vaki? 09:09 Jackson Meeks Needs More Opportunities 10:36 Jimmy Rolder Needs More Reps 12:08 Who Should The Lions Play More? #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Detroit Lions need help at cornerback, and Mike Payton has three trades that could potentially solve the problem. Using the brand-new A to Z Sports Trade Simulator, Mike builds three potential trades for the Lions and breaks down what each deal would mean for Detroit. The first option is Kristian Fulton of the Kansas City Chiefs. Fulton isn't currently a full-time starter in Kansas City, but Mike believes he has starting ability and could immediately help the Lions. The proposed deal sends a sixth-round pick to Kansas City. The second option is Tariq Woolen of the Philadelphia Eagles. Woolen is a big, physical corner who fits the type of player Detroit could use, particularly in a man-coverage scheme. Mike proposes sending a third-round pick for Woolen. Then there's the most intriguing option: Jahdae Barron of the Denver Broncos. Barron is only 24 years old and was a former first-round pick. Denver has a crowded cornerback room, and Mike believes Barron could potentially become a long-term starter for Detroit. Mike also explains why the Lions should be thinking beyond 2026 when evaluating their cornerback room, including the possibility that D.J. Reed may not be part of the team's plans beyond next season. Which trade would you make? Let us know in the comments. And make your own Lions trades with the brand-new A to Z Sports Trade Simulator: Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Detroit Lions have another tricky matchup on their hands as they prepare to take on the Arizona Cardinals, and Mike Payton believes one matchup could ultimately decide the game. In this week's Lions Prediction Lab, Mike breaks down how Detroit can beat Arizona, what could cause the Lions to lose, the matchup he believes will decide the game and his final score prediction. The biggest key? Trey McBride. The Lions have struggled against tight ends throughout the season, and McBride has quickly become one of the most important pieces of the Cardinals' offense. Mike explains why Detroit has to find a way to slow him down and prevent Arizona from using McBride to control the game. The Lions also need to be prepared for Arizona's quick passing attack. The Cardinals blitzed heavily against the Giants last week, and Detroit's offensive line will need to give Jared Goff enough time to attack the Cardinals' coverage. On the other side of the ball, Detroit has to take advantage of Arizona's offensive line injuries, including the loss of starting left tackle Paris Johnson. Mike also breaks down Jacoby Brissett, Arizona's rushing attack, Detroit's struggles against the run, and why the Lions cannot afford to repeat the pre-snap and procedural penalties that have hurt them this season. So what ultimately decides Lions vs. Cardinals? Mike believes it all comes down to whether Detroit can contain Trey McBride, keep Jared Goff clean, establish the run and avoid giving Arizona extra opportunities. Then comes the final prediction. Mike has the Lions winning a close one, 31-28, with Jake Bates kicking the game-winning field goal. Do you agree with Mike's prediction? Drop your Lions vs. Cardinals score prediction in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, analysis, predictions, reactions and coverage from Mike Payton. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 00:00 Lions vs. Cardinals Prediction Lab 00:33 How The Lions Can Win 01:23 Attack Arizona's Offensive Line 02:05 Stop The Cardinals' Quick Passing Game 03:01 Trey McBride Is The Biggest Problem 03:49 Can The Lions Stop Arizona's Run Game? 04:51 What Could Get Detroit Beat? 05:40 The Matchup That Decides The Game 06:10 How Good Are The Cardinals? 07:16 Mike's Final Score Prediction #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Detroit Lions need help at cornerback, and the NFL trade deadline is getting closer. But don't expect Detroit to suddenly land a superstar like Patrick Surtain Jr. Instead, Mike Payton has identified four realistic cornerback trade targets the Lions should keep an eye on over the next few weeks. The four names Mike breaks down are: • Christian Fulton — Kansas City Chiefs • Tariq Woolen — Philadelphia Eagles • Zyon McCollum — Tampa Bay Buccaneers • Donte Jackson — Los Angeles Chargers Christian Fulton may be the most realistic option. He's still only 28 years old, has plenty of starting experience and is currently playing well in limited opportunities with Kansas City. Tariq Woolen is a more complicated option, but Mike believes his size, speed and skill set could make him a better fit in Detroit's defensive scheme. Zyon McCollum is Mike's favorite target. The 27-year-old cornerback still has multiple years remaining on his contract, potentially giving the Lions a chance to find a long-term CB1 rather than simply renting a player for the rest of the 2026 season. Donte Jackson is the veteran option. He's been a longtime starter and could provide immediate help, although he would likely be more of a short-term rental. Mike also explains why the Lions should consider making TWO cornerback trades if the price is right. Which cornerback should Brad Holmes trade for? Let us know in the comments. #DetroitLions #Lions #NFL Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 00:00 The Lions Need A Cornerback 01:08 Christian Fulton Is A Realistic Target 04:13 Could The Lions Trade For Tariq Woolen? 08:48 Zyon McCollum Is Mike's Favorite Target 12:15 Donte Jackson Is The Veteran Option 14:04 These Are The 4 Lions Trade Targets To Watch #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Detroit Lions have a major problem — and Mike Payton believes it's time for the team to make some serious changes. After the Lions' latest loss, Mike went back through the game and came away even more convinced that the problems facing Detroit are bigger than individual players. In this video, he breaks down three things the Lions need to change if they want to convince him that the 2026 season is not already heading in the wrong direction. First, the Lions have to address the defensive coaching and play-calling. Mike explains why he believes Detroit's defense is repeatedly being put into bad situations, particularly on third down, and why the team's approach to pressure and coverage continues to create problems. He also discusses why the Lions need to adjust when opposing offenses clearly have an answer for their pressure packages. Second, Detroit has to eliminate the self-inflicted mistakes. Defensive pass interference, defensive holding, offensive penalties and even a late delay of game have continued to extend drives and kill possessions. Mike explains why the Lions have to find a way to stop making the same mistakes over and over again. Finally, Mike believes Brad Holmes needs to make a move before the trade deadline. He doesn't believe the Lions need to trade away multiple first-round picks or completely mortgage their future, but he does believe Detroit needs to become more aggressive. A starting-caliber cornerback is a major priority, and Mike also believes the Lions should explore adding another quarterback. The biggest concern? Jared Goff is playing some of the best football of his career right now, and Mike believes the Lions are wasting it because of what's happening on the other side of the ball. Are the Lions still capable of turning the 2026 season around? What do you think Brad Holmes needs to do before the trade deadline? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for more Detroit Lions news, analysis, reactions, film breakdowns and roster coverage from Mike Payton. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Detroit Lions have a major opportunity against the Carolina Panthers — but there are a few things they absolutely cannot afford to get wrong. Mike Payton breaks down the Lions vs. Panthers matchup in the latest Weekly Lions Prediction Lab, including where Detroit can attack Carolina, where the Panthers can create problems, what ultimately decides the game and Mike's final score prediction. The biggest opportunity for the Lions could come against a depleted Panthers secondary. Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson are both out, meaning Detroit should have opportunities to attack Carolina's replacement cornerbacks with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Mike also explains why Jahmyr Gibbs could be a major part of that game plan by forcing Carolina's safeties to make difficult decisions. On defense, Detroit should have an opportunity to attack the middle of Carolina's offensive line with Alim McNeill, Tyler Williams and Skyler Gill-Harrell. But the Lions have to be disciplined. Bryce Young can still make plays when pressure arrives, and Detroit cannot afford to lose contain or allow him to extend plays. Another major concern is third down. The Lions are currently allowing a 59.1% success rate on third down, while Carolina is converting only 36.8% of its third downs. Mike explains why that contrast could ultimately determine who wins this game. Detroit also has to clean up the penalties that hurt the defense last week and avoid allowing Carolina's tight ends to control the middle of the field. Can the Lions' offense take advantage of Carolina's depleted secondary? Can Detroit's defensive line generate enough pressure without losing contain? And can the Lions finally improve their third-down defense? Mike Payton gives his complete Lions vs. Panthers breakdown and final prediction. Mike's prediction: Lions 31, Panthers 14. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, game previews, predictions, postgame reactions, roster updates and more. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 0:00 Lions vs Panthers Prediction Lab 0:22 Where The Lions Can Attack 0:42 Attack Carolina's Replacement Corners 1:24 How Jahmyr Gibbs Can Open Things Up 2:27 The Lions Can Attack Carolina Up The Middle 3:16 How To Pressure Bryce Young 4:47 Where The Lions Can Get Beat 5:10 Detroit's 3rd Down Problem 5:37 Bryce Young Is Still Dangerous 6:27 Stop The Run And Don't Lose The Tight Ends 7:38 The Lions Have To Stop Committing Penalties 8:30 Don't Take The Panthers Lightly 8:53 The Biggest Key Is 3rd Down 9:26 What Detroit Needs To Do 10:14 Mike's Final Prediction 10:58 Lions 31, Panthers 14 #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

Jared Goff is doing something the biggest criticism of his game says he shouldn't be able to do. For years, the book on Goff has been simple: pressure him, blitz him, get him uncomfortable and force him off his spot. But through three games of the 2026 season, that hasn't been happening. Goff has completed 30 of 36 passes against the blitz for 304 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions. According to Pro Football Focus, he's completing 83.3% of his passes when defenses blitz him, while averaging 8.4 yards per attempt. And when defenses actually get pressure on him, the numbers are still impressive. According to NFL Next Gen Stats, Goff is 19-of-29 for 238 yards, one touchdown and zero interceptions under pressure, with a 102.4 passer rating. He's also completing passes 5.8 percentage points above expectation based on the circumstances of his throws. So does Jared Goff actually need to be a mobile quarterback? Mike Payton breaks down the numbers behind Goff's incredible start, why his pocket movement is more effective than it gets credit for, the role the Lions' offensive line is playing, and why the upcoming matchup with Minnesota could be the biggest early-season test of Goff's 2026 season. If Goff continues to play this way against pressure, the conversation around his game may need to change. And if he balls out against Minnesota? Maybe it's time to start talking about Jared Goff in the MVP conversation. Let us know what you think in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, film breakdowns, roster updates, game reactions and more. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: 0:00 Jared Goff Is Doing Something He "Can't" Do 0:23 The Ben Johnson Comments 1:14 The Biggest Criticism Of Jared Goff 1:37 Goff vs. The Blitz 2:39 The Goff Narrative 3:24 Goff's Blitz Numbers Are INSANE 4:24 Zero Turnover-Worthy Plays 5:05 Blitz vs. Actual Pressure 5:28 Goff Under Pressure 6:25 Goff Is Beating Expectations 7:21 Goff Is Making Big-Time Throws 7:55 Does Goff Need To Be Mobile? 8:21 Goff's "Micro Movements" 10:34 The Lions Offensive Line Deserves Credit 10:56 Minnesota Will Be The REAL Test 12:01 Could Goff Enter The MVP Conversation? #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Detroit Lions may have suddenly created one of the most interesting position battles on their roster. Cade Mays could return to practice next week, but Juice Scruggs has made the decision at center MUCH more difficult. Scruggs stepped into the starting center role after Mays went down in training camp, and he has played extremely well during the first three games of the season. According to Pro Football Focus, Scruggs is currently the second-highest graded center in the NFL. That creates a fascinating problem for Detroit. The Lions signed Mays expecting him to be their starting center, but how do they take Scruggs out of the lineup after the way he has played? Mike Payton breaks down Cade Mays' potential return timeline, Juice Scruggs' incredible start to the season, the possibility of moving Scruggs to guard, and why the Lions may want to keep both players rather than looking to trade one of them. The Lions also have a bye week before Green Bay that could play a major role in when Mays ultimately returns to the starting lineup. Who should start at center for the Lions when Cade Mays is healthy? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, roster updates, game reactions and more. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews

The Detroit Lions are 2-1 after beating the New York Jets, and there's one massive defensive development that may be getting overlooked. The Lions' pass rush is finally doing what fans have wanted to see for years. Through three weeks, Detroit has 57 quarterback pressures, which ranks third in the NFL. The Lions also have 12 sacks, good for second in the league. But the biggest change might be their time to pressure. Last season, Detroit's 2.92-second time to pressure ranked 31st in the NFL. This season, that number has dropped to 2.46 seconds — second in the league. And it isn't just happening early in games. Mike Payton breaks down Detroit's third- and fourth-quarter pressure numbers and explains why the Lions are consistently getting home late in games. So why hasn't the defense looked dominant? The secondary continues to have problems, including costly penalties that have helped opponents extend drives. Mike also explains why the Lions' offense deserves some responsibility for allowing opponents to stay in games after Detroit has taken control. The Lions' defensive line may be much better than the overall defensive performance suggests. Mike also discusses Ennis Rakestraw, the secondary's struggles, the possibility of Detroit pursuing Joey Porter, and what the Lions need to do next. Are you buying the Lions' pass rush? Let us know in the comments. Subscribe to A to Z Sports Detroit for Detroit Lions news, analysis, film breakdowns, game reactions, roster updates and more. Make A to Z Sports your preferred source on Google: Play A to Z Sports Daily Games: For more LIONS coverage: Facebook: Instagram: Twitter/X: TikTok: #detroitlions #lionsnation #lionsfootball #detroitlionsnews