One of the more intriguing matchups of Week 15 features the Detroit Lions taking on the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Both teams can punch their ticket to the playoffs if they win and other results go their way, so there’s plenty on the line here.
Lions vs. Giants 2016 live stream: Time, TV schedule, and how to watch NFL Week 15 matchup online
Playoff positioning is on the line in this key matchup at MetLife Stadium.
The game will be televised on Fox with Joe Buck and Troy Aikman on the call. Cable/satellite subscribers can stream this game online at Fox Sports Go.
The Lions’ season has been defined by improbable comebacks and pulling victory from the jaws of defeat. They needed yet another fourth-quarter comeback to beat the Chicago Bears, with Matthew Stafford driving his offense down the field and sealing the 20-17 win himself with a 7-yard touchdown run.
Detroit picked up its fourth straight win and improved to 9-4, holding a two-game lead in the NFC North. The Lions also leapfrogged the Seattle Seahawks for the No. 2 seed and a potential first-round bye is on the table. However, the Green Bay Packers are surging just behind at 7-6. The Lions will clinch the division with a win and a Packers loss, but they have a brutal schedule with the Giants, Dallas Cowboys, and Packers all on deck.
Stafford put himself in the MVP conversation, but he suffered a severe injury on his throwing hand, dislocating his middle finger and tearing ligaments. Stafford won’t miss any time, but he’ll play the rest of the season with a glove and it remains to be seen how that affects his accuracy. With a mediocre defense and almost no running game to speak of, the Lions have been relying on Stafford to win games. They’ll be in big trouble if he can’t throw the ball at less than 100 percent health.
The Giants are also 9-4 and can clinch a playoff spot, although they require a little more help this week. They have to win and need losses from Washington, the Packers, and Minnesota Vikings to get in.
New York has to be feeling great about its postseason chances after handing the Cowboys their second loss of the year. The Giants are still the only team to beat Dallas and did it with a strong defense and one play from their superstar receiver.
The offense once again struggled to generate many scoring chances, with Eli Manning throwing for just 193 yards and a pick. However, one play is all New York needed to win: Odell Beckham Jr. took a short slant pass and ran past the entire Cowboys’ defense for a 61-yard touchdown. That proved to be the difference — the Giants’ defense harassed Dak Prescott into key mistakes all night and escaped with the 10-7 win.
Despite losing Jason Pierre-Paul for the season, New York’s defense continues to play at a high level. Janoris Jenkins in particular was outstanding last week, recording an interception and forced fumble while shutting down Dez Bryant. This Giants team is getting hot at just the right time, and if the offense ever finds more consistency they’ll be a tough out in January.
How to watch
Time: 1 p.m. ET
Place: MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J.
TV: Fox
Announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Erin Andrews
Online: Sunday Ticket, Fox Sports Go
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