Three Keys to Victory

As the Lions prepare to host the New York Giants at Ford Field, with a great chance to bounce back from an ugly loss. Detroit enters this matchup as the clear favorite, but last week’s frustrating loss to the Philadelphia Eagles exposed several issues the Lions must correct if they want to regain momentum heading into Thanksgiving. From converting on key downs to establishing the run game to protecting the football, Detroit’s path to victory revolves around returning to the fundamentals that have fueled its success all season.

Here are the three keys to victory for the Lions in their matchup against the Giants, and why each one matters.

1. Convert on Third and Fourth Down

If there was one glaring issue in last week’s loss to the Eagles, it was Detroit’s complete collapse on third and fourth down. The Lions went 3-for-13 on third down and a stunning 0-for-5 on fourth down, becoming the first team since the Lions themselves in 2022 to post that combination of inefficiency. That simply cannot happen again.

Dan Campbell is known for his aggressive approach, and when it works, it energizes the entire team. But when the Lions cannot execute in crucial situations, the offense stalls, momentum evaporates and opposing defenses take control. Third-down failures continually put the Lions behind schedule, and fourth-down stops gifted the Eagles valuable field position.

Against the Giants, Detroit must be sharper and more disciplined. Converting on early downs will make life much easier for Jared Goff, who thrives when the offense stays on schedule. The Giants’ defense has been vulnerable all season, but the Lions cannot afford empty possessions. If Detroit performs even average on money downs, their offense should dictate this game from start to finish.

2. Run the Ball and Control the Game

This is the week for Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery to remind the NFL just how dangerous Detroit’s backfield is. Gibbs is averaging 5.2 yards per carry, one of the best clips among starting running backs. His burst, vision and ability to create chunk plays have transformed Detroit’s offense when he is featured.

Fortunately for the Lions, the matchup could not be more favorable. The Giants allow 149.9 rushing yards per game, second most in the NFL, and will be without key defensive pieces. Detroit’s offensive line, even with several starters battling injuries, has the physicality to take control of this game early.

Running the ball effectively does more than just move the chains. It sets up play-action, keeps the defense honest and gives the Lions the flexibility to dictate tempo. When Detroit dominates the ground game, everything else opens up. This should be a statement week for the run game, and if Gibbs and Montgomery get rolling, the Giants could be in for a long afternoon.

3. Win the Turnover Battle

The Lions’ loss to the Eagles came down to more than third-down inefficiency; they also lost the turnover battle, a surefire way to derail any game plan. Detroit’s offense has shown all year that it can move the ball, but giveaways erase that progress in an instant.

Against the Giants, protecting the football is non-negotiable. New York will be starting Jameis Winston, a quarterback known for volatility and high-risk throws. This creates a golden opportunity for Detroit’s defense to flip the script and generate takeaways of its own.

Interceptions, strip-sacks and short fields could break this game open. With Ford Field roaring and the Lions’ pass rush primed to feast, the defense has an opportunity to tilt the game firmly in Detroit’s favor.

Final Thoughts

The Lions have the talent, home-field advantage and favorable matchup to dominate the Giants, but only if they clean up the details. Convert on critical downs. Lean on the run game. Protect the football and force turnovers.