Week 13 expert prediction: Detroit Lions at New Orleans Saints

The Detroit Lions are riding high into Week 13. After a Minnesota Vikings loss on Thursday, the Lions have the opportunity to turn their Magic Number to two with just four weeks left in the season. If the Packers lose to the Texans, that number will drop to three regardless of what the Lions do on Sunday. However, standing in their way of a commanding lead in the division is the 5-6 New Orleans Saints.

But don’t give too much credence to that record, because the Saints are a pretty good team. They’ve gone toe-to-toe with every opponent this year and are a razor’s edge from being a 7-4 team themselves. That’s why you see the Saints as a six-point favorite this week and why you also see all 10 ESPN analysts picking them over the Lions this week.

We here at Pride Of Detroit also see the Lions as underdogs this week, but not all of us. In total, three of our 11 staffers picked the Lions to win this week. Take a look:

Joseph Buszek (8-3): 42-37 Lions
Brian Packey (7-4): 31-17 Saints
Kyle Yost (7-4): 34-27 Saints
Alex Reno (7-4): 32-29 Saints
Ryan Mathews (7-4): 35-31 Lions
Andrew Kato (7-4): 27-24 Lions
Chris Lemieux (6-5): 9-5 Saints
Mike Payton (6-5): Saints win
Justin Simon (6-5): 23-20 Saints
Jeremy Reisman (5-6): 34-24 Saints
Kent Lee Platte (4-6): 38-35 Lions

Now it’s your turn to give us a prediction. Add your score to the prediction widget below and make sure you add the pick and score to the comment section below for a chance at winning our weekly On Paper contest.