- This game is on the Lions' defensive line. The Chargers offensive line has been pieced together by tape and glue because of injuries. Their left tackle, Jared Gaither, for example,didn't pass a physical for one team and was cut by another team before landing in San Diego. Conversely, the Lions defensive front is their great strength. Time to live up to its reputation.

- The Lions can't just rush to the outside by crashing their ends. They need to maintain leverage on the outside. Ryan Mathews is a dangerous runner who has come into his own.

- Can you imagine how history would be different if the Lions had taken cornerback Quentin Jammer instead of Joey Harrington with the third overall pick in the 2002 NFL Draft. He's still a good player for the Chargers, who selected him 5th overall that year. Also, Chargers' safety Eric Weddle has been playing at an All-Pro level this season. San Diego has a good secondary.

- Just a gut feeling, but I see this as a shootout. I have the Lions winning, 37-34.