After a short homestand, the Detroit Lions fly down to Florida to face the Miami Dolphins. Detroit enters Week 9 at 5-2, coming off back-to-back divisional wins and aiming to keep their three-game winning streak alive. The Dolphins enter 1-6, and despite their record, seem to be improving as they search for answers about who they are under new head coach Jeff Hafley.
“This unit plays hard. Coach Hafley’s done a good job in his first year,” said Lions head coach Dan Campbell. “Just reminds me a little
of what we were when we came in. Man, they’re young, they’re hungry, they’re active, they run, they hit, they hustle, they finish, try to play disciplined ball, and they’re playing that way.
“Defensively (Zach) Sieler is really the anchor in there. You know, he’s played good football for a really long time. Smart, crafty, powerful, can get an edge in the pass game. Active linebackers: the (Jordyn) Brooks and (Jacob) Rodriguez football players. (Chris) Johnson’s done a heck of a job nickel corner, he’s pretty versatile in that regard. Offensively, they really have an athletic offensive line that’s got mass. They run a versatile scheme. (Ollie) Gordon is a heavy back; you give him a lane, and he can hit it, hit it with speed, build to speed, and that’s where he gets dangerous, man. You let him hit the line of scrimmage with any type of speed and any crease, and he can go.”
Here’s a look at our Pride of Detroit staff picks for the Lions in Week 9:
- Morgan Cannon (6-1): Lions 34-23 (Before the Roar podcast)
- Brandon Knapp (6-1): Lions 34-17 (Scouting report)
- Alex Reno (6-1): Lions 34-20
- Ty Schalter (6-1): Lions 30-7
- Erik Schlitt (6-1): Lions 35-20 (Scheme breakdown, Keys to Victory)
- Meko Scott (6-1): Lions 35-17 (Before the Roar podcast)
- Zac Snyder(6-1): Lions 33-20
- Anthony Balaj(5-2): Lions 35-9 (Key matchups)
- Jerry Mallory (5-2): Lions 31-20
- Ryan Mathews (5-2): Lions 31-24 (5 Qs)
- John Whiticar (5-2): Lions 33-17
- Jeremy Reisman (5-2): Lions 38-24 (On Paper)
- Al Karsten (4-3): Lions 41-17 (Key stats)
For the rest of the POD staff’s NFL predictions, check out our Week 9 predictions: moneyline, spread, and over/under.
Now you can use your voice! Share what you think the score will be in the comment section at the bottom of the page, and vote in the poll below. Will Detroit keep its winning streak alive, or can the Dolphins pull off a big upset at home?
