NEXT OPPONENT: DETROIT (4-4)

The Lions have the second-best offensive production in the NFL (410.9 yards per game), but their uneven play on defense and special teams has them at .500.

LIONS WEEK 9

Detroit 31, Jacksonville 14

Mikel Leshoure ran for three touchdowns in the first half, Calvin Johnson had seven receptions for 129 yards, and Joique Bell rushed for 73 yards and a 10-yard TD for the Lions.

WHAT TO WATCH FOR

Matthew Stafford, QB

Stafford, third in the league in passing yards per game, completed 22 of 33 passes for 285 yards Sunday and appears to be back in 2011 form. He had more than 5,000 passing yards then.

OUTLOOK

The Lions are starting to become what we thought they were, and the Vikings are drifting back into what we thought they would be: rebuilding in stages. Outlook: Horns down.