STRANGE WORK : MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL (WEEK 15)

I couldn't possibly be more excited for the upcoming 2015 NFL Playoffs. Unfortunately the two teams playing in tonight's Monday Night Football game will not be participating this post-season. They are though, teams playing for a little bit of pride, dignity and of course the want to safe the coaching staff of their respected organizations from termination. It's difficult to determine how this one will turn out. With all things being equal though, I have to say that the Saints will get it done on their home field tonight. Within this article I will tell you why New Orleans will add another victory to their season record. Tune in to this match-up tonight exclusively on ESPN at 8:25 p.m. to see how it all plays out.

(Dec. 5, 2015 - Source: Sean Gardner/Getty Images North America)

New Orleans defeated Tampa Bay 24-27 on the road in Week 14 and gave the undefeated Carolina Panthers a scare just the week prior (41-38). Considering their offensive ability with Hall of Fame bound QB Drew Brees leading, I'll make the bold prediction that the Saints may produce over 400 yards of total offense tonight at the Mercedes Silverdome. With the possibility of Sean Payton departing and Brees in the latter part of his NFL career, the Saints will be looking to put on a show for the home crowd. Unless the Detroit Lions offense can make this game a uphill battle for New Orleans they may face a double digit defeat tonight down in Louisiana. Look for WR Brandin Cooks to cause havoc in the Lions secondary tonight. The fade and deep post routes built in the Saints offensive schematic can be quite effective.

(Dec. 12, 2015 - Source: Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images North America)

The Lions would claim to have been robbed a victory considering their Monday Night appearance earlier in the season when a "illegal bat" disallowed the Lions to defeat the Seahawks in Week 4. They are not looking to carry the shame of that defeat into this week though. All eyes should be on QB Matthew Stafford who continues to strive and show himself worthy of the entitlement of "Elite" in this league, despite the adoration he receives. After a 3 game winning streak, the Lions had their hearts broken by a Green Bay Packers hail-mary in Week 13, and a baffling loss to a hardy St. Louis rams team in Week 14. Indeed the Lions offense has been horrid running the ball and thus, the reliance on Stafford may be a little bit distorted. Funny thing is, the Lions rank top in the league in Red Zone TD percentage in the entire NFL. Bizarre right? Well, we'll see if the stat can render them victorious tonight on the road against their NFC South opponent.