Giants at Lions, 7:10 p.m. ET
Mismatch alert — Lions defensive line vs. Giants offensive line: First-year New York OC Ben McAdoo’s scheme has yet to bear fruit, and one of the reasons is a revamped offensive line that appears especially vulnerable between the tackles. Naturally, that’s where Lions wrecking ball DT Ndamukong Suh lurks. Maybe double-teaming him will help, thought that likely means better opportunities for DE Ziggy Ansah coming off the corner. And if Lions DT Nick Fairley decides to become a factor, too? Watch out.
NFL Week 1 winners and losers
Megatron’s minions: All eyes will be on Lions superstar WR Calvin Johnson, who’s expected back at 100% following offseason knee and finger surgeries. But QB Matthew Stafford need not maintain radar lock on Johnson with WR Golden Tate now part of his arsenal and first-round TE Eric Ebron (the next Vernon Davis?) also joining a group that includes veteran TE Brandon Pettigrew and RBs Reggie Bush and Joique Bell. The strength of the Giants defense appears to be its deep group of defensive backs, and it’s likely to be an all-hands-on-deck kind of night in Motown.
One to watch: Giants DE Jason Pierre-Paul has battled injuries and ineffectiveness since his 16.5-sack effort in 2011 helped propel New York to a Super Bowl victory. JPP looked healthy and hungry in preseason and is the key to Big Blue’s defense. He should get a good test from an underrated Detroit O-line but also plenty of chances to hunt Stafford, who’s averaged nearly 30 dropbacks per game since 2011.
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