In the second game of tonight’s doubleheader, the Detroit Lions are favored at home against a Seattle Seahawks team looking to stay undefeated.
Last week, Seattle (3-0) took full advantage of Miami’s quarterback issues, knocking Skylar Thompson out of the game and registering a total of six sacks in a convincing 24-3 home win. Geno Smith finished with more passing yards (289) than the Dolphins had in total offense (205).
Smith is third in the NFL with 787 passing yards and is completing 75 percent of his attempts, although he has as many interceptions as touchdowns (three). Smith will get more help from the backfield with Kenneth Walker III returning after missing the past two games because of an oblique injury. Zach Charbonnet is coming off of his best effort after rushing for 91 yards and two touchdowns.
Detroit (2-1) also has found success on the ground. David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs combined for 188 rushing yards in last week’s 20-13 win in Arizona. However, there also were a couple of injuries. Center Frank Ragnow suffered a torn pectoral and is out, while tight end Sam LaPorta injured his ankle, but is expected to play.
For the Seahawks, Mike Macdonald’s defensive reputation is already paying off, but the first-year head coach and his team have had the benefit of opening up at home against a rookie quarterback (Denver’s Bo Nix), facing a journeyman in Week 2 (New England’s Jacoby Brissett) and facing Miami’s backups. Even though he’s gotten off to a slow start, Jared Goff is a three-time Pro Bowler, and the Lions’ defense has been playing well — it’s time to find out which NFC team is a true contender.
