This is a game for diehards only as it will be blacked out in Detroit.  Something will have to give in this game as the Browns are allowing 394.1 yards per game while the Lions are not much better giving up 386.2 yards per game.  Could this be the game that the Browns actually allow Brady Quinn to throw the ball downfield?  Opposing QBs have a 107.8 QB Rating against the Lions’ D so it appears that the Browns might be throwing more than usual despite not having a lot of weapons on offense.  Ex-Lion Mike Furrey is leading the Browns in receptions this season with 21 but he is only averaging 7.2 yards per catch.  Still, look for him to be somewhat inspired playing against his old team.  This could also be the game that the Browns really turn rookie WR Mohamed Massaquoi loose and he has speed to burn.  Joshua Cribbs is going to play on Sunday and I imagine that the Browns will use the Wildcat Formation a lot against the Lions to get the ball into their best player’s hands which could be bad news for the Lions who are allowing 114.6 yards rushing and 4.7 yards per carry this year.  Jamal Lewis will also likely get his share of carries on Sunday for the Browns.

The Lions will probably try to be more balanced than usual due to the Browns’ lack of a run defense.  For the Lions to be effective running the ball they must be able to handle ex-Lion Shaun Rogers of the Browns and that won’t be easy.  Kevin Smith has probably been antsy for a matchup like this one as the Browns allow 166.4 yards rushing and 4.7 yards per carry.  He should have a solid game for the Lions on Sunday.  The Browns don’t blitz a lot so rookie QB Matt Stafford will have time to throw the ball.  He will be looking a lot for Calvin Johnson this week as they need to start getting on the same page.  Dennis Northcutt will also be plenty motivated against his old team.  Rookie TE Brandon Pettigrew could also have a big game as the Browns are having issues dealing with the TE in the passing game.

PREDICTION:  LIONS 27, BROWNS 17