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In Week 11, the Detroit Lions' future opponents combined to go 5-1. Here's a look at how each team performed:
Week 12 - at Patriots (8-2) - beat Colts, 42-20
Remember when the Patriots looked washed up? Those were the days, because they look like one of the NFL's top teams going into their matchup with the Lions. Case in point: New England went on the road on Sunday night and dominated the Colts. Indianapolis managed to get within eight points early in the fourth quarter, but two Patriots touchdowns quickly followed and made this a comfortable win for New England. The Lions are going to have their hands full on Sunday.
Week 13 - vs. Bears (4-6) - beat Vikings, 21-13
After falling into a 10-0 hole after one quarter, it looked like the Bears were in for another long day. They were able to turn things around this week, though. A 27-yard touchdown pass to Alshon Jeffery got things rolling, and the Bears later took the lead on a 44-yard touchdown pass to Brandon Marshall. Marshall added another touchdown in the fourth quarter, and the Bears managed to hang on to end their losing streak.
Week 14 - vs. Buccaneers (2-8) - beat Redskins, 27-7
Tampa Bay is finally showing some life, thanks mainly to rookie wide receiver Mike Evans. He's been unstoppable lately, and that continued on Sunday with seven catches for 209 yards and two touchdowns. It sure would be nice for the Lions to have a rookie weapon like that on offense given their struggles right now.
Week 15 - vs. Vikings (4-6) - lost to Bears, 21-13
Minnesota just couldn't get much going offensively. Teddy Bridgewater only managed to throw for 158 yards on 28 attempts, and the running game was essentially nonexistent. Andrew Sendejo did go for 48 yards on a fake punt, but other than that Minnesota only had 48 yards on 15 carries (3.2 average).
Week 16 - at Bears (4-6) - beat Vikings, 21-13
See above.
Week 17 - at Packers (7-3) - beat Eagles, 53-20
The Packers may be playing the best football of any NFL team right now. They took it to the Eagles on Sunday for yet another blowout victory, and they were once again led by the stellar play of Aaron Rodgers. He went 22-for-36 for 341 yards and three touchdowns.