After a comeback 26-23 win over the Houston Texans on a Jake Bates 52-yard game-winning field goal, the Detroit Lions (8-1) return to Ford Field to host the Jacksonville Jaguars (2-8) before hitting the road again.
The Lions enter with their first 8-1 start since 1954 and a seven-game win streak. They've also defeated the Jaguars in the franchises' past four meetings.
Jaguars report: Compared to Jacksonville's first 10 games in the 2023 season, it's been a complete flip for the Jaguars, who started last season 7-3, but now find themselves 2-8 and have lost five straight games. In their past three games, however, the Jaguars have kept it close, losing by no more than five points against playoff contenders in the Packers, Eagles and Vikings.
Jacksonville's offense struggled last week, scoring just seven points, despite the defense limiting Minnesota's offense to just four field goals. Quarterback Mac Jones, who started in place of the injured Trevor Lawrence (shoulder), threw for 111 yards and two interceptions, while running back Travis Etienne Jr. had 44 yards on the ground on 11 carries. Head coach Doug Pederson ruled Lawrence out for Sunday vs. Detroit. Jones will make his second start of the season.
The Jaguars' defense has allowed 26.4 points per game, which ranks 27th in the league. Detroit averages 31.6 points per game, second behind Baltimore (31.8), and will be a tough task for a Jacksonville defense that allows the most yards per game with more than 390.
Defensive end Travon Walker, the 2022 first overall pick, has notched a team-high 7.5 sacks while his counterpart Josh Hines-Allen has recorded five sacks, and both will be a test for Detroit's offensive line. Jacksonville also recorded three interceptions vs. Minnesota last week, a season-high for them.
Last meeting: During Week 13 of the 2022 season, Detroit hosted the Jaguars, picking up a 40-14 win in a game they were leading throughout. Following a Jamaal Williams touchdown run, Jared Goff found Amon-Ra St. Brown on a 10-yard completion for a touchdown, building a 14-3 lead first-quarter lead.
After Michael Badgley made three second-quarter field goals, Detroit extended its lead in the second half behind a D'Andre Swift TD run and another St. Brown TD reception as the Lions picked up their fifth win of the season.
Quick hits:
1. Jacksonville punter Logan Cooke ranks first with a 46.3-yard net punting average, just ahead of Detroit's Jack Fox (46.0).
2. Tight end Evan Engram is seeking his 101st consecutive game with a reception and his sixth consecutive game with at least four receptions.
3. Sunday's game will mark Jones' first career game against the Lions. In 2022, his former team, New England, defeated Detroit 29-0, but Jones was out with an injury.
Data dive:
Stats are based on Weeks 1-10 followed by the rank.
| Team | Total Offense | Total Defense | Rushing Offense | Passing Offense | Rushing Defense | Passing Defense | Takeaways |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lions | 366.9 (7) | 345 (20) | 147.3 (7) | 219.6 (14) | 100.8 (6) | 244.2 (28) | 18 (T-4) |
| Jaguars | 302.9 (25) | 390.6 (32) | 107.7 (25) | 195.2 (23) | 129.4 (T-20) | 261.2 (30) | 8 (T-23) |
Next on the schedule:
- Jacksonville: Bye
- Detroit: at Indianapolis, Nov. 24, 1:00 p.m.
Here are five Jaguars storylines to follow into Sunday afternoon's matchup:
1. Jaguars QB Mac Jones will make the start for the Jaguars in Week 11
With starting quarterback Trevor Lawrence still recovering from a shoulder injury, backup Mac Jones will make his second consecutive start for Jacksonville. READ MORE
2. Hope and perseverance: Jaguars goals still remain in front of them
Despite a 2-8 start to the season and three consecutive losses by five points or less, many Jacksonville coaches and players have reiterated that the team isn't giving up on the season and there's still much to play for. READ MORE
3. Josh Hines-Allen has clear eyes on the road ahead: Staying within the fight is a must
Defensive end Josh Hines-Allen, who is second on the team with 5.0 sacks, explains why he's motivated to continue pushing through the tough season and build off the defensive momentum from last week ahead of Detroit. READ MORE
4. Cisco, Walker, Morse and Engram on Lions preparation | Media availability
Jaguars safety Andre Cisco, defensive end Travon Walker, offensive lineman Mitch Morse and tight end Evan Engram address the media, discussing team goals and the keys to defeating the Detroit Lions this Sunday. WATCH
5. Huddle Up podcast | Mac Jones to start in Week 11 + matching up against the Lions
Jaguars Analyst Bucky Brooks joins Senior Writer John Oehser and Senior Reporter and Editor J.P. Shadrick, previewing Jacksonville's matchup with Detroit and how the offense can get back on track. LISTEN
