Two teams that barely missed the playoffs last year will look to continue their emergence this season as the Detroit Lions host the Miami Dolphins in Week 10. Both clubs are now off to fast starts and are riding three-game winning streaks into the matchup.
NFL picks and predictions, Dolphins vs. Lions 2014: Experts split on Motor City showdown
The Miami Dolphins take their stout pass defense on the road to try to ground the Detroit Lions’ offense.
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The 6-2 Lions lead the NFC North by one game over the 5-3 Green Bay Packers and are looking to stay atop the division with a win at home. New head coach Jim Caldwell has made it a point to upgrade Detroit's defense, which ranks No. 1 in points (15.8) and yards (290.4) allowed per game.
Another reason Detroit is playing better is the improved play of quarterback Matthew Stafford. He ranks ninth in the league in passing yards (2,216) but the biggest improvement has been his cut down on turnovers. He’s currently on pace to throw just 14 interceptions this year, which would be the fewest he’s thrown in a 16-game season in his career.
Stafford will be tested this week, though, when he goes up against a stout Dolphins defense, whose 25 sacks are the fifth-most in the NFL this season. Miami also ranks No. 2 in passing defense, and it will be quite a battle to watch the Dolphins’ secondary go up against Detroit’s high-flying offense, which is expected to get Calvin Johnson back Sunday.
So what are the experts saying about this Week 10 matchup?
The CBS Sports crew gave the edge to Miami by a 5-3 margin. CBS Sports' Pete Prisco is siding with the road team, 21-20, giving the following explanation:
This is a big game that also features two top defenses. The Lions are coming off a bye, and expect to have Calvin Johnson back on offense. But this Miami defense is playing at a high level and Ryan Tannehill has come alive in the past month. Dolphins take it in an upset.
On the other hand, the SB Nation staff largely favored the Lions, with only one of eight experts picking the Dolphins.
| Week 10 | Ryan Van Bibber | Stephen White | Joel Thorman | David Fucillo | Danny Kelly | PFT Commenter | Matt Ufford | OddsShark Computer |
| MIA vs DET | DET | MIA | DET | DET | DET | DET | DET | DET |
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