THREE THINGS TO KNOW
1. POSTSEASON SUCCESS: The Saints are 4-2 in the playoffs since Sean Payton arrived in 2006 with a win in Super Bowl XLIV. Prior to that, they were 1-5 in their first 39 years of existence.
2. LONG DROUGHT: The Lions, who qualified for the postseason for the first time since 1999, have only one playoff win since claiming the 1957 NFL title. They’re 1-9 since with the only win coming in 1991.
3. NOT SO SUPER: Detroit is the only franchise in existence when the first Super Bowl was played that’s never been there. The only others that haven’t are Jacksonville, Houston and the new Cleveland Browns.
WHO HAS THE EDGE
Offense — Saints
Defense – Saints
Special teams — Saints
Intangibles – Saints
PREDICTION
The Saints are on quite a roll with eight consecutive wins and an offense that isn’t showing signs of slowing down. The Lions are thrilled to be here, however, and won’t go down without a fight.
SAINTS 38, LIONS 28
Sheldon Mickles