Detroit Lions tips vs. Houston Texans: A run on Sunday night?

by Junna Base November 11, 2024

The Detroit Lions will make their second “Sunday Night Football” appearance of the 2024 season tonight when they visit the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium (8:20 p.m., NBC). (The Lions defeated the LA Rams in overtime in their season opener on Sunday night.)

It’s the first season with two “SNF” appearances for the franchise since 2012, when they lost to the San Francisco 49ers in September and the Green Bay Packers in December. More recently, the Lions have won three straight after dark on NBC (after trailing by six games when the network secured the late Sunday timeslot). Likewise, the Lions have won six straight times; It is their longest winning streak since seven straight wins in the 1995 season (and the fifth longest in franchise history after that run in 1995, seven players in 1962, eight players in 1931 – as the Portsmouth Spartans – and ten players in the year 1934.)

Can they continue their NBC-you-later streak against the Texans? Four Free Press sports writers have some thoughts:

Dave Birkett

The Texans are comfortably in first place in the AFC South, but given Houston’s inconsistent play, this game isn’t quite as exciting as it was earlier in the season. Stroud has looked like a young quarterback at times and the Texans have lost two of their last three games. They’re still dangerous because of Mixon and their defense, and if they get the turnover, the Lions’ winning streak could come to an end.

No team plays better overall football than the Lions, and I don’t think that’s going to stop with one primetime game. As long as Goff keeps the ball and the defense keeps Mixon somewhat in check, the Lions will come home at 8-1 and be well-positioned to clinch the No. 1 seed in the NFC playoffs. Choose: Lions 30, Texans 20.

Carlos Monarrez

The Texans could bring back top receiver Nico Collins for this game. That won’t matter because the Lions could get pass-rushing help from Za’Darius Smith to pressure quarterback CJ Stroud, who was sacked eight times by the New York Jets last week. The choice: Lions 29, Texans 20.

Jeff Seidel

The Lions will try to thrash Stroud, who has been sacked more than a Kroger bagger – 30 times this season (9.2% of the time). The best way to get him? Keep it in the pocket and attack directly in the middle. So get ready for some linebacker blitzes. Meanwhile, Jared Goff – Mr. Efficient – will continue as the Lions put on a primetime show. The choice: Lions 35, Texans 24.

Shawn Windsor

Taylor Decker is out, and that will put a strain on the Lions’ front line against Houston’s solid pass rush. But this team, this offensive coordinator and this quarterback are adapting as well as any group in the league. With former Michigan star Nico Collins questionable after missing four games with a hamstring injury, the defense should be able to contain Stroud enough to pick up another road win. The choice: Lions 26, Texans 20.

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