What to Watch For: Lions vs Browns

Quarterback Matthew Stafford might have to direct the Lions offense for the second straight week without Calvin Johnson when Detroit heads to Cleveland on Sunday (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)

The Detroit Lions suffered a disheartening 22-9 defeat at the hands of the Packers this past Sunday. It was disheartening not only because it was the Lions 22nd straight loss in the state of Wisconsin, but also because it showed how much this offense relies on, and revolves around, big play receiver Calvin Johnson.

The Lions defense held them in the game for the first two-and-a-half quarters, but it was only a matter of time before Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers would find a seam in Detroit's secondary. That seam showed up as an 83-yard touchdown pass to James Jones, and without Johnson, the Lions found themselves in an insurmountable hole, trailing 16-3 with one quarter remaining.

Green Bay's defense did a fantastic job on the Lions running game, allowing just 65 yards on 18 rushes. They also held quarterback Matthew Stafford in check. Stafford completed 25-of-40 passes for 262 yards and one touchdown.

Calvin Johnson will likely be a game time decision this week against the surprise of the AFC North, the 3-2 Cleveland Browns. The Browns have won three straight games after dealing young running back, Trent Richardson. The key to Cleveland’s success has been their stout defense, which is fourth in the NFL in yards allowed per game at 301.8.'

Here are a few things to watch for in Sunday's game.

1. How will Detroit cover Cleveland tight end Jordan Cameron? - Cameron leads the Browns with 396 yards receiving and five touchdowns. At 6'5” and 245 lbs, Cameron will be difficult to cover for the linebackers because of his speed and tough for the secondary because of his size.
2. The Lions defense to take advantage of Brandon Weeden – The Browns won three games in a row, all three with former Michigan State quarterback Brian Hoyer starting. With Hoyer hurt, Weeden will step into the starting role, and he hasn't looked particularly good in three games this year. Weeden has three interceptions and two fumbles in his two and a half games of play, while Detroit's defense is eighth in the NFL with 11 turnovers forced.
3. Tight end Joseph Fauria to get his time – With Calvin Johnson potentially out and tight end Tony Scheffler suffering a concussion in the game last week against the Packers, it seems logical that Fauria will finally see a significant number of snaps. Remember in week one, Fauria caught three balls for 27 yards and a touchdown in only nine offensive snaps.

In this game, I think the Lions defensive line gets to Weeden early and often. Also, even if Detroit is without Calvin Johnson, I think the Lions offense has enough weapons to defeat the Browns in Cleveland. My final score prediction: Detroit 20, Cleveland 13.