The Arizona Cardinals face the Detroit Lions on Sunday in Week 5. The Cardinals are 1-3 and have lost three games in a row. They are down two starters on the offensive line.
The Lions are 2-2 and have both a great offense and bad defense. The Cardinals have a decent offense and a bad defense.
The Cardinals haven't beaten the Lions since 2015 or Lions QB Jared Goff since 2016.
Ahead of this important matchup, Lions Wire lead writer Josh Helmer answers a few questions to preview the game and to take Cardinals fans "behind enemy lines."
Here is what he had to say about the game and matchup.
Drew Petzing and the Lions' offense
The offensive numbers look great so far this season. What is the feeling around OC Drew Petzing? What has gone well and what needs to improve?
I think the mood is
generally positive around Drew Petzing. The Lions are putting up a bunch of points, and Jared Goff has been really efficient. Still, slow starts have plagued Detroit this season, and, in its loss at the Panthers, the Lions had the football late with a chance to drive for the win. Detroit's offense couldn't deliver. So, the Lions are putting up points and doing a lot of positive things, but there's some mild frustrations with Detroit's slow starts, the Lions settling for field goals and some inconsistencies running the football.
Detroit's defense
What have been the main issues defensively?
It looks like a personnel issue on the back end to me. Dan Campbell is selling that Detroit has some more defensive tweaks it can make to put its defense in a better position to make plays. Maybe it's a Kelvin Sheppard issue as the defensive play-caller. However, the Lions rank toward the top of the NFL in sacks with 15, and that still hasn't helped its linebackers or secondary cover opposing pass-catchers. Brian Branch has opened his 21-day practice window, but he's been ruled out for Sunday.
Lions players to know
We know the big names for the Lions, but who are some players making big contributions that might go under the radar?
Everyone knows Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Jahmyr Gibbs is right there with Bijan Robinson as one of the NFL's top young running backs. Sam LaPorta is a talented tight end. Those are established playmakers. The Lions hope that second-year receiver Isaac TeSlaa can continue taking steps toward being a legitimate No. 3 receiver in their offense. Against the Panthers, TeSlaa had four grabs on eight targets for 95 yards, including a long of 57 yards. That's an important development for Detroit and someone that Arizona's defense will also have to also account for.
Key matchups
Which matchups most favor the Lions? Which ones most favor the Cardinals?
Let's start with the obvious. Trey McBride will have a ton of success against the Lions' linebackers and safeties. He's a big-time player. How much can Detroit slow him down? That's arguably the biggest key on Sunday. Jacoby Brissett should have a big day against Detroit's secondary. Arizona ranks 23rd in passing defense and 20th in rushing defense. There's success to be had across the board for the Lions' offense. I'm looking for a big day from Jahmyr Gibbs, though. Gibbs had just 46 rushing yards on 15 carries against the Panthers. That will be a point of emphasis to get him going and he should find success against the Cardinals.
Prediction
Who wins on Sunday, and how does it happen?
Dan Campbell has preached this week that he's not settling for mediocrity. There's clear deficiencies on the Lions' defense that you can only band-aid up so much, but I do anticipate seeing an inspired Detroit team that understands it needs this game before it heads into its bye week. Led by Gibbs and an efficient day from Goff, the Lions pick up their first road victory in 2026. Lions 34, Cardinals 27.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Cardinals vs. Lions opponent preview and predictions with Lions Wire
