Detroit Lions (2-1) at New York Jets (1-2)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at MetLife Stadium, East Rutherford, N.J. — TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Kenny Albert, Daryl Johnston, Tony Siragusa

*Keys to the game: Jets coach Rex Ryan likes to take the hits for his players in front of the media, but he can’t protect his overmatched secondary against the Lions’ passing attack. On a short week after watching Bears QB Jay Cutler largely eschew the ground game in favor of slinging the ball downfield at will, the Jets draw QB Matthew Stafford, WR Calvin Johnson and the Lions’ merry crew of playmakers. New York’s hope lies with its strong defensive line — if Muhammad Wilkerson and Sheldon Richardson can be consistently disruptive, Stafford is still a turnover waiting to happen under pressure.

Ryan has also come to the defense of QB Geno Smith, who continues to make a few backbreaking decisions with the ball every game. The Lions rank first in the NFL in total defense, but it’s early and the unit still has plenty to prove. Jets RB Chris Ivory had career-highs with four catches for 52 yards last week, showing versatility to go with his battering-ram running style. Depending on the health of WR Eric Decker (hamstring), the Jets might be forced to pare down the passing playbook, ask Smith not to lose the game and hope Ivory and Chris Johnson can control the clock and keep the score within reach into the fourth quarter.

*Matchup to watch — Lions linebackers vs. Jets RBs Chris Ivory and Chris Johnson: Lions LB DeAndre Levy began his career in the middle and moved there following Stephen Tulloch’s season-ending knee injury last week. The Lions could also opt to move Tahir Whitehead inside and play Ashlee Palmer in his strong-side spot.

*Player spotlight — Lions PK Alex Henery: Detroit’s experiment with Nate Freese was short-lived, cutting the rookie after he hit just three of seven field-goal attempts in three games. Henery made 28 of 31 attempts for the Eagles last season, but was released largely due to concerns over short kickoffs.

*Fast facts: Calvin Johnson has had at least 100 receiving yards in 22 of his past 36 games. … Smith leads all NFL quarterbacks with seven rushing touchdowns since 2013.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

It’s easy to overreact to early-season results, but entering the season we knew the Jets’ secondary was thin while the Lions were loaded with playmakers. And both units have performed as expected.

*Our pick: Lions 27-23