The coaches: Lions — Dan Campbell (9-23-1 overall, 4-16-1 with Lions); Patriots — Bill Belichick (291-146 overall, 255-102 with Patriots).
Last game: Lions lost to Seattle Seahawks, 48-45; Patriots lost to Green Bay Packers, 27-24 (OT).
Key matchups
Lions DC Aaron Glenn vs. Patriots assistant Matt Patricia: Glenn has come under intense fire for the performance of his defense, which ranks last in the NFL in points and yards allowed and is giving up touchdowns on nearly 90% of opponent trips to the red zone. Glenn plans to simplify his defense this week, when he matches wits with Patricia, the former Lions coach and longtime Patriots defensive coordinator who now is calling plays on offense in New England.