Lions vs. Browns: Defense Tests Resurgent Lions

The Detroit Lions have rediscovered a balanced, high-scoring offense over the past two weeks and enter Sunday at Ford Field as one of the NFL's most potent units. Waiting for them is a Cleveland Browns defense — led by coordinator Jim Schwartz and All‑Pro Myles Garrett — that ranks among the league leaders in fewest yards allowed and in rush defense and forces frequent three‑and‑outs. Despite a recent upset of Green Bay, the Browns' offense remains in a prolonged slump, having not topped 20 points since Dec. 2 last season, which has put veteran QB Joe Flacco's job in jeopardy with rookie Dillon Gabriel looming as a possible replacement. The matchup will likely be decided by Detroit's rushing duo, David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, and Jared Goff's ability to operate from a clean pocket against Cleveland's stingy front. Injuries on both rosters could affect availability, and local beat writers frame the game as a make‑or‑break moment for the Browns' offense and a major test of whether the Lions' surge can continue against elite defense.