The Detroit Lions face a major test this weekend when they take on the New England Patriots in Munich, Germany. The Patriots, last season’s Super Bowl runners-up, enter the matchup with a 5-4 record after nine games.
Former Patriots tight end Rob Gronkowski believes a loss to Detroit would not end New England’s season. Speaking on *Up & Adams*, he pointed to the team’s position in the AFC East and its remaining opportunities.
“It is not a wrap if they [the Patriots] lose a game. They are still 5-5; they are still gonna be second in the division,” Gronkowski said. “The Jets and Miami, they don’t have a chance. They can beat up those two teams throughout the season. […] You can’t just say the season is a wrap. No, not at all. There is still a chance, no matter what.”
A defeat would leave New England at 5-5, but the Patriots could remain second in the division behind the Buffalo Bills, who have lost just once this season. Gronkowski argued that the team would still have a chance to compete, even if it fell to Detroit.
## Lions’ Winning Streak Adds to Patriots’ Challenge
The Lions and Patriots are heading into the game with different recent results. Detroit has won four straight and is 6-2, while New England has lost two of its last three games. One of those defeats came against the Green Bay Packers, a divisional rival the Lions have already beaten.
Detroit’s offense has been a major factor in its success, ranking fifth in the league with 3,038 total yards. The defense has also improved: after ranking last in total defense early in the season, it now sits 26th. A win over New England would move the Lions to 7-2.
The Lions may be favored heading into the matchup, but the series history gives the Patriots an advantage.
## Patriots Hold the Edge in the All-Time Series
Detroit and New England have met 13 times in the regular season. The Patriots lead the series 8-5, and the teams have never faced one another in the playoffs.
New England has also won four of the teams’ last five meetings. Detroit’s most recent victory came in 2018, when the Lions defeated the Patriots 26-10. Sunday’s game gives Dan Campbell’s team an opportunity to improve on that recent record.
