Lions Broncos Line

Written by Steve Janus - Google +

This Sunday the Denver Broncos are set to host the Detroit Lions in one of the more intriguing matchups of week 8. The Broncos rallied behind Tim Tebow for a 18-15 overtime win over the Miami Dolphins to snap a three-game losing streak. The Lions will look to avoid losing three straight after falling 16-23 at home to the Falcons. This will be the first time these two teams have faced off since Detroit handed Denver a 44-7 beating back in 2007.

Taking a look at the week 8 spreads, oddsmakers currently have the Lions favored by 3-points with the total set at 42 points.

Detroit Lions:

While the Lions are tied with New Orleans for the fourth best record in the NFC, this team has lost a lot of momentum after back-to-back close home losses to the 49ers and Falcons. Detroit is a perfect 3-0 on the road this season, and a win would really change the attitude for this team going into their bye week.

Starting quarterback Matthew Stafford injured his ankle on the final offensive play against the Falcons, but it doesn’t appear serious enough to keep him out this week. Stafford really struggled to get the offense going against Atlanta, finishing just 15 of 32 for a season-low 182 yards with just one touchdown.

Detroit managed just 263 yards of total offense for the game, and you have to wonder how much of that was due to the fact that they had to play without starting running back Jahvid Best. While Best had just 390 rushing yards in the first six games, he is one the Lions few big time playmakers on offense. Maurice Morris had just 50 yards in place of Best, and will get the start again if Best is unable to play against the Broncos.

Without Best in the lineup, wide out Calvin Johnson and tight end Brandon Pettigrew both have to have big games for the Lions offense to get back on track. Johnson had five catches for 115 yards and a touchdown, but Pettigrew managed just four catches for 31 yards.

The Broncos have had their troubles against some of the more talented offenses this season, but for Detroit to have success they have to give Stafford time to throw the ball. He has been sacked 8 times over the last two games.

Denver Broncos:

Despite Tebow leading the Broncos to one of the more improbable comebacks in recent history, experts are still taking their shots at the beloved quarterback. I don’t think there is any question that he gives this team a since of hope and belief that they can win, but they aren’t going to win many games with the way he played against the Dolphins.

Tebow finished 13 of 27 for 161 yard and two touchdowns without a single turnover. Those numbers are solid by most standards, but he missed a number of easy throws that left you scratching your head. As expected, he was successful running the ball, carrying it nine times for 59 yards, including a huge 2-pt conversion that sent the game to overtime.

With Tebow in at quarterback the Broncos the focus is going to be on running the football and making smart decisions. Willis McGahee led the rushing attack with 76 yards on 18 attempts, but is out indefinitely with fractured hand. Denver will likely turn to former starter Knowshon Moreno, who lost his job because of poor ball security.

One thing that has to be a huge concern for the Broncos heading into their game against the Lions is pass protection. Despite Tebow’s ability to scramble and avoid the rush, he was sacked six times by the Dolphins. The Lions front four is considered by many as the best pass rushing unit in football.