Probably Week 11's most even matchup in the NFL takes place in Detroit, where the 6-3 Lions host the 6-3 Giants, with New York a somewhat surprising 3-point favorite on WagerWeb.com.
Both teams are coming off one-sided losses (New York to Dallas and Detroit to Arizona), but both would be in the playoffs as of today as the NFC's two wild cards. And both still face doubters, with the Giants are just 1-3 against teams entering this week's play with winning marks, while Detroit has faced only two opponents with current records above .500 and won only one of those games, a 23-16 decision at home over 5-4 Tampa Bay.
One could argue that this game is more important to the Giants and QB Eli Manning because of their penchants for folding in the second half the past few years.
"This is a huge game for us, for both teams. We don't have time to sit back and sulk," said Manning of last week's loss to Dallas.
Whoever plays better between Manning or Detroit QB Jon Kitna likely will lead the victorious team on Sunday.
Manning has thrown for 1,820 yards and 14 TDs but also 11 interceptions, and New York has thrown for more than 200 yards only once in the past six games. New York does rank sixth in the NFL in rushing yards (134.2 ypg), with running back Brandon Jacobs (545 rushing yards, 2 TD) averaging more than 100 yards per outing in five games since returning from a sprained knee. The Lions, however, are 8th in the NFL against the rush.
Kitna, meanwhile, has a career-best 92.9 passer rating and a winning record through nine games for the first time since 2000 while with Seattle. He also is on pace for a career low in interceptions in a full season as a starter with just eight so far.
The Giants have an NFL-best 32 sacks this year, and Kitna has been sacked 37 times -- seven more than any other quarterback -- and also leads the league in fumbles with 11.
Kitna might have to throw a ton if Detroit's ground game doesn't improve from last week when the Lions rushed for minus-18 yards, the lowest single-game total by one team during the modern NFL era."I love throwing -- I'd do it on every play if I could -- but it is brutal on our offensive linemen," Kitna said. "They don't get the chance to fire out and punish guys like they do on running plays. We need to be able to do both."
The Lions' defense has been surprisingly good, leading the NFL with 28 takeaways, as Detroit is 4-0 at home this season.
The lowdown: The Lions have won the only two meetings between these teams since 2000, both at Giants Stadium. New York has won three straight in Detroit dating to 1988. . Lions DE Dewayne White, the club leader with 5.5 sacks, is doubtful for this game.
Detroit has the fewest rushing attempts (186) of any team. . The Lions average 24.6 points a game overall but 30.6 at home, which tells me they will score often on a porous Giants secondary and win a shootout.
Betting trends
The Giants are 5-4 ATS.
The Giants are 2-2 ATS away.
The Giants are 2-2 ATS as the underdog.
The Giants are 1-1 ATS as an away underdog.
The Lions are 5-3 ATS.
The Lions are 3-0 ATS at home.
The Lions are 2-1 ATS as the favorite.
The Lions are 2-0 ATS as a home favorite.
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