The Sports Xchange

Arizona Cardinals (3-1) at Detroit Lions (0-4)

Sunday, 4:05 p.m. ET, at Ford Field, Detroit – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Justin Kutcher, Daryl Johnston, Holly Sonders

*Keys to the game: The Cardinals get RB Andre Ellington back to a unit already averaging 37 points per game and Arizona expects to have its full complement of offensive players together for the first time this season. The Cardinals got LG Mike Iupati back last week but the line struggled against St. Louis’ deep defensive front. The Rams got to QB Carson Palmer four times and harassed him throughout the game by using a variety of blitzes and stunts. Detroit got to Seahawks QB Russell Wilson six times on Monday night and must get after Palmer in a similar fashion to prevent him from spreading the ball around to an array of playmakers.

It’s critical for the Lions to not fall into an early hole and get squeezed into a one-dimensional offense. QB Matt Stafford threw 35 times last week while rookie RB Ameer Abdullah managed just 33 yards on 13 carries. Backed into constant third-and-longs much of the season, Stafford predictably has an even TD-to-INT ratio of 5-to-5. The Cardinals enter with the league’s 16th-ranked run defense allowing 107.5 yards per game, so Detroit would be well-served to keep the game within reach and attempt to provide Stafford with some ground support.

*Matchup to watch – Cardinals LT Jared Veldheer vs. Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah: Veldheer is coming off a few uneven performances while Ansah was a terror in Seattle, with his two sacks and tackle for loss not telling the full story of his dominance.

*Player spotlight – Cardinals WR Michael Floyd: Fully recovered from three dislocated fingers, Floyd is integrated into the offense again. He caught five passes for 59 yards while playing 53 snaps (72 percent) last week.

*Fast facts: This will be the 14th meeting in the past 18 seasons, with Detroit visiting Arizona each of the previous three seasons. … WR Golden Tate has at least four catches in all nine of his home games as a Lion.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

The Lions are already on the verge of a lost season and the signs of frustration are evident. Arizona invades Detroit with a loaded offense that will keep the pressure on Lions QB Matthew Stafford, who eventually buckles with a few passes forced into coverage.

*Our pick: Cardinals 31-24