Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson is expected to miss today’s game against the New Orleans Saints. No biggie. As you watch Saints vs Lions game online free live streaming or on Fox Sports TV, you’re probably tuning in to see the Lions’ top-ranked defense against the NFL’s second-ranked Saints offense. That’s not to say Megatron won’t be missed.
Johnson has missed the past six Lions practices, including Friday, and he’s officially listed as “questionable” for today’s Saints vs Lions game. In fact, he may watch today’s Saints Lions game live from the sideline plus next week’s game against the Falcons as he continues to heal from a right high ankle sprain.
That will force the Lions to rely on receivers Golden Tate and Jeremy Ross along with running back Reggie Bush. Bush missed last week’s game against the 17-3 loss to the Vikings but will return for today’s Saints game. His 142 yards receiving this season ranks third on the Lions, making him a legit target for Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (132-for-212 for 1,592 yards and 7 TDs on the season).
Bush’s return today is big for the 4-2 Lions, as the NFC North leaders have been relying on their top-ranked defense for several weeks. Defensive Tackle Ndamukong Suh will give the New Orleans Saints offensive line fits trying to protect quarterback Drew Brees. Brees will be without one of his top targets against the Lions, tight end Jimmy Graham, who’s out for the next two to three weeks with a shoulder strain.
In theory the Saints have a new weapon on offense, as Mark Ingram is expected to play today against the Lions. Though Ingram may return to the Saints backfield, Suh and the Lions allow just 73.5 yards rushing per game, which won’t exactly give Ingram a chance to ease back into playing shape. Before his injury, Ingram led all NFL starters by averaging 6 yards per carry.
Here’s some key information as you prepare to watch Saints vs Lions game online free live streaming in Week 7.
- Kickoff for Today’s Saints vs Lions game: 1:00 EST / 10:00 PST
- Stadium: Ford Field (the Detroit Lions are the home team)
- Who’s favored / point spread: the Detroit Lions are a 2.5-point favorite
- Live stream the Saints / Lions game on FOX Sports here
- Watch live free online on the DirecTV website here (requires an NFL Sunday Ticket subscription with MAX package)