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One thing you can count on with the Detroit Lions is that they are never, ever boring. Follow the latest news including injuries, roster moves and more here daily from Oakland Press beat writer Paula Pasche. Plus you'll find regular commentary about the team.

12/17/2011

5 things Lions must do to beat the Raiders

Here are five things the Lions (8-5) must do to beat the Raiders (7-6) at Oakland on Sunday:

1. Get the ball to Calvin Johnson who was the target just four times in the win over Minnesota. He had three catches for 46 yards and the Lions won. But with one of the top receivers in the NFL, it seems getting Johnson the ball would be a priority.

2. Stop the run. The Raiders feature the NFL’s sixth best rushing offense led by Michael Bush and Darren McFadden (who will not play due to a foot injury). Conversely the Lions own the 27th best rush defense. Not a good ratio.

3. Defense should come out on fire like they did in the win over Minnesota on Sunday. Of course that was at Ford Field and this is on the road. Cliff Avril looked like a defensive end who was possessed. They need that attitude.

4. Matthew Stafford needs to continue the way he’s played the past two games when he has had just one interception. He’s a different player without the glove and splint. He has to prove he’s a big-game player.

5. Don’t look ahead. This is a huge game for the Lions’ playoff chances. They said all the right things during the week about one game at a time, but now they need to play that way.

Prediction: Lions 21, Raiders 17

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