New York @ Detroit preview

Last Meeting ( Aug 17, 2018 ) N.Y. Giants 30, Detroit 17

A pair of teams desperate to snap three-game losing streaks meet Sunday afternoon in Detroit as the Lions host the New York Giants. The Lions were unable to pick up a win during a three-game gauntlet against Kansas City, Green Bay and Minnesota -- losing by a total margin of 17 points to a trio that entered Week 8 with a combined record of 16-5.

"We're always going to coach and work and try to improve and get better," Lions coach Matt Patricia told reporters this week. "Certainly, that's happened many times in the year's past where teams have gotten better, as the season has gone on. We, obviously, have some work in front of us to do here and get that right. I certainly believe that's what we can do." Detroit has surrendered an average of 462.7 yards during its three-game slide and ranks 31st in the NFL in total defense (428.7 yards allowed per game), but it might get a respite in the form of the Giants, who have scored 45 points during their losing streak. Star running back Saquon Barkley totaled 72 rushing yards and a touchdown in his return from a high ankle sprain last week in a 27-21 loss to Arizona. Rookie quarterback Daniel Jones was sacked eight times and lost two fumbles in the defeat while throwing his seventh interception in a four-game span.

TV: 1 p.m. ET, FOX. LINE: Lions -7. O/U: 49

ABOUT THE GIANTS (2-5): Jones' sloppiness with the football last week left New York with a minus-10 turnover differential, worse than every team in the NFL other than winless Miami. "We have to secure the football," coach Pat Shurmur told the media. "The turnovers are the thing that we obviously have to get a handle on. There were throws in the game, in less than ideal conditions to throw, that (Jones) made some really good throws. He made some good reads. There were some things that he missed that he'll continue to improve on." Jones has found a rapport with veteran Golden Tate, who has 12 catches and 182 receiving yards over the last two games, but fellow wide receiver Sterling Shepard remains in concussion protocol and could miss a third consecutive contest.

ABOUT THE LIONS (2-3-1): Detroit will need to replace leading rusher Kerryon Johnson after he was put on injured reserve Tuesday with a knee issue, but the team hopes that the second-year pro can return this season. "Obviously, you know how much we value Kerryon and what a great part of our offense and our team he is," Patricia told reporters. "He's still here and he's still part of all that, certainly, but on the field we'll push forward as normal and we think we'll get good production with Ty Johnson and J.D. McKissic, and we think those guys are ready to step into roles." Matthew Stafford threw for 364 yards and four TDs -- all to Marvin Jones Jr. -- in last week's 42-30 loss to Minnesota.

EXTRA POINTS

1. The Lions traded S Quandre Diggs to Seattle this week in exchange for a 2020 fifth-round pick.

2. Giants TE Evan Engram was held to season lows of one catch and six yards last week after missing the previous game with a knee injury, but he still leads the team in receptions (34) and receiving yards (379).

3. Detroit took the last meeting 24-10 at New York in 2017.

PREDICTION: Lions 28, Giants 20