With a 4-point advantage, the Lions are favored in this week’s contest, suggesting more of a focus on rushing than their standard approach.
At the present time, the 10th-most run-oriented offense in the league (40.6% adjusted for context) according to the projections is the Lions.
Based on their underlying traits and game dynamics, the Lions are projected by the projection model to call 68.2 total plays in this game: the highest number on the slate this week.
With a terrific total of 63.0 adjusted rushing yards per game (87th percentile), Jahmyr Gibbs places among the top RBs in the NFL this year.
The Saints defense owns the 8th-worst efficiency against opposing running games this year, surrendering 4.59 adjusted yards-per-carry.
Cons
The air attacks of both teams (in terms of both volume and effectiveness) stand to benefit from the still “weather” conditions (read: zero wind) inside this dome, while run volume may drop-off.
As it relates to the linebackers’ role in defending against the run, New Orleans’s group of LBs has been tremendous this year, profiling as the 2nd-best in the league.