He Detroit Lions Take on the Houston Texans in a battle of potential Super Bowl contenders.

Heading into the 2024 season, both teams were considered among the best in their respective conferences. While injuries have been a factor, each of these teams They have shown that they have what it takes to be one of the final teams in the classification.

detroit However, they will face a Houston team that is a bit banged up right now. Most notably, wide receiver Nico Collins was listed as questionable in his first week of being eligible to return from injured reserve. Additionally, defensive end Will Anderson Jr. was ruled out after missing practice all week.

Texans head coach DeMeco Ryans praised the Lions’ culture all week, praising the work done by Dan Campbell and his coaching staff during his tenure in Detroit.

“Looking at Detroit, I think the last few years you see their culture, you see the energy that Coach Campbell has brought to that team,” Ryans told local reporters. “You see the mentality, the toughness, the physicality, their style of play… He shows up on tape every week and they also have really good players across the board. They have a lot of good players, a lot of good young players that exhibit that mentality and that culture. It’s a really good team coming here this week and we’re really excited about the matchup.”

Jeremy Brener covers the Houston Texans during OnSI Jeans. He recently answered five questions from Lions OnSI to preview Sunday’s game between the Lions and Texans.

How have the Texans handled the high expectations they faced entering the season?

Jeremy Brener: The jeans They’ve been running their own race, taking things one week at a time. That moved them to 6-3, putting them in first place in the AFC South with a two-game lead. The scary thing about the Texans is the fact that they haven’t even played that well this season.

They have won their matches, but they still have to look as dominant as they can. Maybe that will come in the second half of the season.

What is Nico Collins’ status for Sunday’s game and how much of a boost would his presence give the offense?

Brener: Collins forces opposing defensive coordinators to change their plans, so it would be a huge boost if he could play. He still needs to be added to the 53-man roster, so the chances of him playing are slim. However, once he returns, the Texans’ offense will have a much easier time operating.

How could Houston’s defense cause problems for Detroit’s offense?

Brener: The Texans are strong up front. When Will Anderson is healthy, he and Danielle Hunter are a dynamic 1-2. The team also has Azeez Al-Shaair on the shelf, but he could return this week.

At full strength, the Texans defense could be one of the best in the NFL, and they will need as many players as possible against the high octane. lions offense.

What are 1 or 2 key matchups that could decide the game?

Brener: I think the most important confrontation is between the coaches. DeMeco Ryans is probably watching a lot of film from last year’s NFC Championship to prepare for the Lions to evaluate how they can stop their offense. If Ryans and the Texans can find something, it could create a closer game.

Who wins and why?

Brener: I think the Lions, just because they’re the better team. The Texans have home field advantage and a few extra days of rest, but their injuries will make winning a challenge.

Lions 27, Texans 19