Detroit Lions face New England Patriots in Munich, Germany

The Detroit Lions face the New England Patriots in Munich, Germany, marking the franchise’s first overseas game in over a decade.

Lions Face Patriots in Munich Amidst Injury Concerns

The Detroit Lions’ first overseas game in over a decade brings the team to Munich, Germany, for a clash against the New England Patriots. The buildup follows an emotional week that ended in a low-scoring affair in Miami for Detroit, while New England was bombarded by Green Bay at home.

New England Patriots vs Detroit Lions — NFL

New England plays without skill-position players Romeo Doubs and TreVeyon Henderson, while A.J. Brown and Rhamondre Stevenson are questionable for the contest. The Patriots are without guards Mike Onwenu and Alijah Vera-Tucker.

Defending DeMario Douglas

Drake Maye has leaned heavily into fourth-year slot receiver DeMario “Pop” Douglas following early-season struggles that included six interceptions and nine sacks in the first three weeks. Since Week 5, Douglas has recorded 22 receptions for 352 receiving yards and four receiving touchdowns.

NFL Week 10 Preview: New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions — NFL on NBC

Stopping Douglas presents a major challenge for the Detroit defense. Detroit allows a league-worst +0.59 EPA/pass on targets to the slot. The defensive staff must account for Douglas’s league-leading 81.3% snap rate from the slot.

Grounding The Middle

During the previous meeting between the Patriots and Lions, which took place early in Dan Campbell’s second season, Rhamondre Stevenson tallied 11 rushes for 86 yards—an average of 7.8 yards per attempt—a performance that included a remarkable 7.8 yards per carry before contact. This time, the Patriots run up the middle frequently, ranking third in the league with 96 such carries, but manage only 4.1 yards per attempt.

Patriots hold final full practice in Germany ahead of game against Lions — CBS Boston

Since Week 5, the Detroit defense has allowed a league-best 23.3% rushing success rate on runs up the middle, yielding just three first downs and zero rushing touchdowns on 30 attempts. Without guards Mike Onwenu and Alijah Vera-Tucker, New England’s interior run game faces a stiff test against McNeill and Williams.

Patriots Struggle Under Center Compared to Shotgun Efficiency

The Patriots struggle mightily when operating from under center, ranking 27th in the NFL with -0.173 EPA/play.

9 Games In: Who Are the Patriots Really? — NBC Sports Boston

Maye averages +0.176 EPA/dropback and 8.81 yards per attempt from this alignment. While Detroit’s pass defense allows +0.084 EPA/dropback against shotgun 11-personnel, the unit has struggled, allowing an 11.6% explosive pass rate.

Lions Aim to Use St. Brown and Play-Action

Amon-Ra St. Brown operates from the slot. The Lions are aiming to secure easy completions for Goff by targeting his playmakers over the middle, which could also help provide more space for Jahmyr Gibbs in the run game.