Three straight close wins have turned the Detroit Lions into one of the NFL’s steadiest teams. Now, at FC Bayern Munich Stadium, they carry that tough-minded run across the ocean for a Week 10 meeting with the New England Patriots. Detroit arrives at 6-2 after holding Miami, Minnesota, and Green Bay to 15 points or fewer. New England, 5-4, is trying to answer a very different question after Green Bay’s deep passes created a difficult 45-27 loss last week.

This game could become a race between Detroit’s many weapons and New England quarterback Drake Maye’s ability to lift a depleted offense. The Lions score nearly 28 points per game because they can attack in several directions. Jared Goff gets the ball out quickly, and Amon-Ra St. Brown works the middle of the field with sharp routes and sure hands. St. Brown already has 61 catches, showing how often Detroit leans on him when it needs an important play.

Then comes Jahmyr Gibbs, a runner who can turn a small opening into a long dash. His 847 rushing yards and nine rushing touchdowns in eight games make him a constant problem for defenses. If the Patriots crowd the line to slow Gibbs, Jameson Williams can use his speed downfield. Williams has five touchdown catches, and his ability to pull defenders deep can create room for St. Brown, tight end Sam LaPorta, and Gibbs underneath.

Still, Detroit enters Munich with important questions. Goff is questionable with a chest injury, while St. Brown is questionable with sore ribs. Safety Brian Branch and cornerback D.J. Reed are also questionable, and linebacker Jack Campbell is on injured reserve. The Lions have allowed 23.6 points per game, so Maye will look for every opening against a defense still working to become more consistent.

Maye has the arm talent and running skill to create those openings. He has thrown 18 touchdown passes and rushed for three more, making him dangerous even when the first play breaks down. But last week showed why ball security matters. New England gave Green Bay short fields after early mistakes, and the Packers made the Patriots pay with big plays. The Patriots have lost the ball far more often than they have taken it away this season, while Detroit has done a better job winning that battle.

New England also may be missing too much help around Maye. Wide receiver A.J. Brown and running back TreVeyon Henderson are out, while powerful runner Rhamondre Stevenson is doubtful. That could place more pressure on Hunter Henry, who is questionable, and the rest of a Patriots offense that must protect Maye and keep Detroit’s pass rush from taking over.

Detroit’s recent wins show a team that can stay calm in tight games, and its deeper group of playmakers gives it the edge. If Goff and St. Brown are active, the Lions should leave Munich with the win.

Lions Bring Their Winning Streak to Munich Against the Patriots