New Orleans Saints (2-3) at Detroit Lions (4-2)

Sunday, 1:00 p.m. ET, at Ford Field, Detroit – TV: FOX

*TV announcers: Chris Myers, Ronde Barber, Jennifer Hale

*Keys to the game: Screens in every geometrical design are coming this week from the Saints, who want to get the Lions’ dominant defensive front off-balance. Lit up by QB Drew Brees repeatedly, Detroit will drop seven or eight and let the front four fight its own battles, a strategy that equates to red carpet treatment for the Saints’ multi-faceted running game.

The Lions are winning thanks to a toothy defense. Points and extended drives aren’t coming easily for QB Matt Stafford and Detroit. WR Calvin Johnson (ankle) might sit for at least another week, but RB Reggie Bush returns to the mix. With New Orleans allowing 28.2 points per game, the Lions like their chances if they protect the ball. WR Golden Tate’s emergence as a top threat is noteworthy, but Stafford’s easiest throws are at the linebacker and safety levels. TE Brandon Pettigrew will be a key target.

*Matchup to watch – Lions DE Ezekiel Ansah vs. Saints LT Terron Armstead: Brees’ lightning release helps, but Armstead hasn’t allowed a sack this season. Ansah, drafted in the first round in 2013, had 2.5 sacks and lived in the Minnesota Vikings’ backfield last week.

*Player spotlight – Saints RB Mark Ingram: At only 73.5 yards per game, Detroit’s run defense is rock solid. Behind one of the NFL’s best guard tandems, the Saints are certain to accept the challenge of moving DTs Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley out of their single-gap lanes hoping to pop a big play or two. Ingram, back from a broken hand, averaged 6.0 yards on 24 carries in the first two games this season.

*Fast facts: Eight former Saints players are on the 2014 Lions roster. … The Lions’ offense has produced only 12 points in the past two games. … Brees is 4-0 with 14 touchdowns, one interception vs. Detroit.

WHO WILL WIN AND WHY

If the Saints want to outscore the Lions it will take consistent defensive stops. Anticipate a conservative shift from coach Jim Caldwell to put the game in the hands of Detroit’s defense.

*Our pick: Lions 24-17