10 things I think I know about Week 6: Detroit Lions vs. Los Angeles Rams

Well, the Detroit Lions finally got themselves back in the win column last weekend. The Los Angeles Rams come to town with the better overall record, but the Rams’ shaky quarterback play, non-existent running game, and defensive injuries could make this an interesting one to watch.

Here are 10 things I think I know heading into Week 6 against the Rams:

1. I think the Lions need to figure out how to keep momentum going into the second half. Last week’s game against the Philadelphia Eagles was eerily similar to the the Week 1 game against the Indianapolis Colts. The offense started hot and faded once the second half started. If the Lions want to start winning more games, they’ve got to learn how to close them out.
2. I think the Rams run game has been embarrassing. There’s no reason a guy with Todd Gurley’s talent should have such a pedestrian yards per carry mark this season (2.8, 2.7, 3.2, 1.7, 3.1). The good news for the Rams is that they get to go against a Lions team that has given up 114.8 yards per game so far this season. If Gurley is ever going to get going, this is the week.
3. I think I’m in love with the way Jim Bob Cooter used Golden Tate last week. Without Eric Ebron and Ameer Abdullah, the Lions will have to be creative with other guys on offense to move the ball. Cooter did a great job of setting up the Eagles defense last week.
4. I think Case Keenum doesn’t scare me in the least bit. If I were the Lions I would load up the box on every play and dare the Rams to beat me with Keenum’s arm.
5. I think I probably shouldn’t even bring up Aaron Donald. He’s the best interior defensive lineman in the NFL right now. And he wrecked the Lions in last year’s matchup. So here’s a tip: When then Lions are on offense, don’t even look at the Rams defensive line. It will only make you sad.
6. I think the Lions need Ezekiel Ansah back in the lineup ASAP. With Haloti Ngata expected to miss 2-3 games with a shoulder injury, the Lions could really use some help along the defensive line. The good news was Ansah was back at practice on Wednesday, so we’ll see.
7. I think I hate screen passes to Anquan Boldin. I didn’t see any of these drawn up against the Eagles and that’s a good thing. They were horribly ineffective against the Bears in Week 4. I like the idea of using Boldin in the Eric Ebron role in the middle of the field. I hope to see more of that this week.
8. I think I’m excited to see what Justin Forsett can do in this offense. I don’t think his presence will be earth-shattering, but I’m curious to see how to fits in this week.
9. I think the Rams are going to miss Trumaine Johnson. Their star cornerback hurt his right ankle during last Sunday’s loss to the Buffalo Bills. It looks like he’s going to miss this week, and the Rams don’t have much in terms of replacing him.
10. I think the Lions win on Sunday. I don’t like the matchup between the Rams’ defensive line and the Lions’ offensive line, but I think home field advantage will help with some of that.