Lions vs. Patriots: 3 key matchups for Week 10

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff is hit by Miami Dolphins edge rusher Chop Robinson (44) during the first half at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens on Sunday, Nov. 8, 2026. Right tackle Blake Miller blocks. | USA TODAY Network via Reuters Co

It's Germany week as the Detroit Lions (6-2) travel abroad to take on the New England Patriots (5-4). Buckle up. It is about to be a wild 11-day gauntlet as the Lions play the Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the Chicago Bears in that span.

Meanwhile, the NFC North is absolutely insane. I love it.

This is how it was always meant to be. This is adversity.

Turn on local Detroit radio, and you'll likely hear voices of doubt and concern. Switch to national outlets, and you'll hear the Bears declared the favorites in the NFC, Jordan Love MVP discourse, and Kirk Cousins transforming the Vikings' outlook as contenders.

I love it. This is how it was always meant to be.

With a win on Sunday, the Lions will take over the top spot in the NFC North with the Chicago Bears on their bye. In that event, the Lions will be 7-2 and 2-0 in the division, whereas the Bears will also be 7-2, but 0-2 in the division. All signs point to an absolute battle on Thanksgiving, as Ford Field will undoubtedly, again, welcome Ben Johnson with echoing boos.

But first, taking care of business against the Patriots and Buccaneers is priority one.

Three key matchups. Three opportunities to control the division.

Blake Miller vs. Gabe Jacas

The first key matchup is rookie versus rookie. New England's second-round pick, EDGE rusher Gabe Jacas, Illinois, has been a disruptive playmaker from the start. For Grit Index followers, his name is not new. Jacas was one of the guys we were pounding the table for here, leading all EDGE rushers with a 9.14 Grit Index score. The Lions went with Derrick Moore, to my surprise. But an uncertain knee injury for Jacas became known after the draft process that may have been one of the contributing factors for the Lions to favor Moore.

Jacas' early play has been impressive both as a pass rusher as well as a run defender.

#Patriots rookie EDGE Gabe Jacas continues to flash on tape. His sudden movements to shed run blocks like he does in the first clip with a swim move are impressive.

Also showed good burst to close the pocket as a looper on a stunt for a sack. pic.twitter.com/kagHHFv8fg

- Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) November 2, 2026

He plays violently with a relentless motor.

The Gabe Jacas film is so good, guys. #Patriots rookie winning with power, quickness, bend around the arc and play recognition. High level stuff. pic.twitter.com/s9i2ZJab3d

- Evan Lazar (@ezlazar) October 23, 2026

On the other side, however, the Lions have had a strong start from right tackle Blake Miller, who has had more ups than downs in his rookie campaign. Last week, however, was notably more down than his average performance.

Blake Miller is having a hard time with the Dolphins edge speed on pass rushes

- Erik Schlitt (@erikschlitt) November 8, 2026

When Jacas is lines up over Miller, my eyes will be on how the Lions' rookie tackle responds. It will be an entertaining matchup, for sure, but also the winner of it will have a say in which team has a better flight back across the Atlantic.

Christian Mahogany vs. Christian Mahogany

The next matchup is all between the ears for left guard Christian Mahogany. After a benching for breaking team rules last week, Mahogany is back in the starting lineup. It became apparent watching the game against the Miami Dolphins that the Lions' best five along the offensive line includes Mahogany, as Miles Frazier's struggles impacted the Lions' typically potent offense.

Look, if you say you're gonna do something, you better hold up to it, otherwise you're gonna lose respect of the people around you," said Dan Campbell on 97.1 The Ticket. Because if I'm sitting in that seat and I say one thing and then I don't do it, I would immediately lose respect for that person. So we stick by what we say we're gonna do here."

It is time for Mahogany to take the next step as a professional. He knows it.

Lions guard Christian Mahogany did not shed light on what team rules he broke, but talked about being benched last Sunday.

"I have to grow up," he said. "I let my teammates down, I let my organization down, and it won't ever happen again." pic.twitter.com/hx7ZhCRkMZ

- Brad Galli (@BradGalli) November 11, 2026

The time is now. If not now, Dan Campbell surely will not let one player hold the rest of the team back.

Patriots' rookie cornerbacks vs. Lions receiving corps

With veteran cornerback Carlton Davis III already ruled out for the game, the Patriots will be leaning on two rookies to play the role opposite Christian Gonzalez. The two rookies are fifth-round pick Karon Prunty, Wake Forest, and undrafted free agent Channing Canada, TCU.

Following up on an abysmal performance against the Green Bay Packers' paper tiger deep passing attack, the New England secondary will face an even more difficult matchup against the Lions. Following Jared Goff's first game of the season without a passing touchdown and back-to-back games with an interception, ending his early-season streaks, Goff will be looking to right the ship against the Patriots. If I were a betting man, an Amon-Ra St. Brown anytime touchdown in his home country of Germany may be the safest bet of the weekend.

Three key matchups. Three opportunities.

Drei Schlusselduelle. Drei Gelegenheiten. (Thank you, Google Translate).