Detroit at New Orleans

Don't look now, but the amazing Lions are in first place! QB Matthew Stafford might not win MVP, but he's had an impressive campaign with 19 TDs and only five picks. Detroit's defense has been bend-but-don't break, allowing 20 or fewer points in five straight. The Lions are on a 17-6 run UNDER the total away from home. They face a weak New Orleans defense, #26 in yards allowed, #27 against the pass, and #30 allowing 27.9 points per contest. The defense has been getting healthy, allowing an average of 18.6 points in the last six games, compared to their average of 33.6 for the first five games. Still, they are woefully short on defensive talent. Detroit prefers a ball control, offensive-style to keep Drew Brees off the field, and New Orleans has gone five straight games UNDER the total against a team with a winning record. The Saints are favored, but have a losing record, and the Lions have more than enough to keep this close in a defensive battle. Play Detroit and UNDER the total.