Detroit Lions (7-3) at New England Patriots (8-2)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Gillette Stadium, Foxborough, Mass. – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Joe Buck, Troy Aikman, Charissa Thompson

*Keys to the game: Getting to QB Tom Brady is essential for the Lions, who did not record a sack at Arizona last week and the secondary paid for it with two early touchdown passes surrendered.

Coach Bill Belichick credits the Lions as being one of the NFL’s best tackling teams for Detroit’s top run defense. Rookie RB Jonas Gray, who had 201 yards and four touchdowns last week, will get another chance to carry the load, with the team also re-signing LeGarrette Blount on Thursday.

Bringing down Brady has been difficult for most of New England’s opponents this year. He has taken just 14 sacks in 2014, but the Patriots are 2-2 when he goes down multiple times. If the Lions can create pressure and limit his downfield opportunities, the defense could keep the game close.

Lions coach Jim Caldwell wants QB Matt Stafford to pick his spots. The Patriots have used bracket coverage on top receivers and will likely shadow WR Calvin Johnson with CB Brandon Browner and a safety over the top, and Darrelle Revis against Golden Tate.

Stafford, when left no choice but to read the field from short to long, can use his backs and tight ends to move the chains.

*Matchup to watch – Patriots LT Nate Solder vs. Lions DE Ziggy Ansah: Ansah leads the Lions with 5.5 sacks and seven tackles for loss. If Detroit is going to hold the Patriots below their 33-point average, Ansah must win one-on-one with the Patriots aiding C Bryan Stork against DT Ndamukong Suh.

Ansah is a combination of power and athleticism off the edge. Solder has been better of late, but had his hiccups early in the season.

*Player spotlight – Lions RB Reggie Bush: He expects to return from an ankle injury and could be critical to extending possessions and keeping Brady on the bench.

*Fast facts: The Lions are No. 1 in total defense, rushing defense and scoring defense. … New England is tied for the NFL lead with a scoring differential of 10.5 per game.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

The Lions lack the running game to match chess moves with Brady and Belichick, but count on Detroit’s No. 1 defense to keep the game close into the fourth quarter.

*Our pick: Patriots 26-18