Game Details:
- Date: Sunday, September 28, 2025
- Time: 1:00 PM EST
- Venue: Ford Field, Detroit, MI
- Spread: Lions -10
- Total (Over/Under): 44.5
Game Preview
The Detroit Lions look to defend their home turf as heavy favorites in a Week 4 matchup against the visiting Cleveland Browns. The Lions are riding high but will be tested, coming into this contest on a short week after playing on Monday Night Football. The Browns, meanwhile, face a tough road test against a premier NFC opponent and will need a signature performance from their stout defense to pull off the upset.
Can the Browns’ Defense Keep Them in the Game?
The identity of the Cleveland Browns is built around a tough, physical defense. They will need every bit of that grit on Sunday. Facing the Lions’ high-powered offense in a hostile environment is a monumental task, especially when dealing with injuries.
According to the team’s official injury report, the Browns will be without a key rotational piece on their defensive line, as rookie defensive tackle Mike Hall Jr. has been ruled out for the contest. Furthermore, the offense could be shorthanded on its protection unit, with veteran offensive tackle Jack Conklin listed as questionable with an elbow injury. To cover a 10-point spread, Cleveland will need its defense to create pressure and force turnovers, while the offense must control the clock and avoid mistakes against an opportunistic Lions team.
Lions Look to Overcome Short Week
The Lions enter this game as the clear favorites, but they face the significant challenge of a shortened preparation week. After a physical Monday night game, recovery and game-planning are compressed, which can often lead to sluggish starts or uncharacteristic mistakes.
Detroit’s explosive offense will look to set the tone early, but they aren’t without their own injury concerns. The team’s final injury report on Friday listed several players, including key veterans like tackle Taylor Decker, defensive lineman Ifeatu Melifonwu (potentially misidentified as “Muhammad” in one source), and rookie Sione Vaki. While the severity of their statuses isn’t fully detailed, having key contributors on the report is something to monitor, especially for a team on a short week. If the Lions can overcome the quick turnaround and play a clean game, their talent advantage should shine through at home.
Injury Report
- Cleveland Browns: DT Mike Hall Jr. (Out), OT Jack Conklin (Questionable).
- Detroit Lions: Key players including OT Taylor Decker and S Sione Vaki were listed on the final injury report, making their statuses worth watching up to kickoff.
Prediction
A 10-point spread is a significant number in the NFL, even for a dominant home team. The biggest factor working against the Lions is the short week. Teams often struggle to find their peak form playing on Sunday after a Monday night game. The Browns’ defense is their strength, and they are built to keep games competitive and low-scoring.
While Detroit has more than enough offensive firepower to win, the combination of Cleveland’s defensive identity and the Lions’ compressed schedule points to a closer game than the spread suggests. Expect the Browns to do just enough to keep this a one-score contest late into the fourth quarter. The Lions get the win, but the Browns cover.
Prediction: Lions 24, Browns 17
The Pick: Cleveland Browns +10
Total: Under 44.5
Sources:
Browns Injury Report | Cleveland Browns – clevelandbrowns.com
Los Angeles Chargers Cleveland Browns Injury Report Week 9 2024
Bengals Browns Injury Report
Cleveland Browns Injury Status – ESPN
Browns injury report: Tillman, Thornhill, and Wills out. : r/Browns
Lions vs. Browns injury report: Sept. 26
Wednesday’s Packers vs. Browns injury report – Green Bay
Steelers vs. Browns Injury Report – Week 14, 2024 | FOX Sports
Cleveland Browns Injury Report and Status 2025-26 – CBSSports.com
Eagles vs. Browns Injury Report – Week 6, 2024 | FOX Sports