Today we’ll be breaking down the Key Matchups heading into Sundays game between the Detroit Lions and Seattle Seahawks.

Key Matchups heading into Sunday:

Jeff Okudah/Amani Oruwariye vs. DK Metcalf/Tyler Lockett

The matchup with the most hype is Jeff Okudah vs. DK Metcalf. Metcalf publicly spoke on Okudah’s game Wednesday, giving reporters their soundbite for the week:

“There’s a safety over the top of him, so he’s not really locking people down.” Ending it by saying, “But he’s a good corner.”

Okudah has had a phenomenal start to the year.  Okudah held Eagles Wide Receiver DeVonta Smith without a catch, Commanders Wide Receiver Terry McLaurin to four catches and Vikings Wide Receiver Justin Jefferson to only three catches.  While Okudah has shined, Oruwariye has been a bit sloppy through the first 3 games.

In last year’s matchup against the Lions, Metcalf caught six passes for 63 yards and three touchdowns.  In that same game, Lockett tallied three receptions for 24 yards and added a touchdown.

Lions Rushing Attack vs. Seattle’s Run Defense

The Lions have had an explosive rushing attack to start the season.  Detroit has rushed 87 times for 511 yards and five touchdowns. The Lions rank in the top three in the NFL for rushing yards, average yards per attempt (5.9 yards) and touchdowns.

Looking into the numbers, Detroit has the third-highest rushing offense in the NFL, while Seattle is tied for 30th for rushing defense.  The Seahawks defensive line has struggled this season, however, they are ranked fourth in the League for red-zone defense.  Seattle has held their opponents to just a 38.5% touchdown success rate in the red zone.  A big factor in that stat comes from Week 1 when the Seahawks stopped Denver on four occasions, forcing two fumbles near the goal-line.

While the Lions will be playing without lead running back D’Andre Swift, they still have numbers in Jamaal Williams.  Williams has averaged 3.9 yards per carry and accounted for four touchdowns through the first three games.

Aidan Hutchinson vs. Seattle’s Offensive Line

Rookie Aidan Hutchinson will look to take advantage of one of the leagues worst offensive lines. In Week 2, the rookie had 3 sacks against the Washington Commanders. He currently has 11 pressures on the season as well, leading all rookies in that category.

It will be a battle of the rookies as Seattles’ offensive line features two rookie tackles, Abraham Lucas and Charles Cross.  Collectively the line has allowed 6 sacks so far this season.  While the Seahawks’ offense ranks 28th in the League, they rank third in converting third-down opportunities, which is an area the Lions struggle.  Seattle has converted 17 of 35 third-downs for a conversion rate of 48.6%.

Maddy Miller – Detroit Lions Beat Reporter