It all sets up for a great NFL game on Sunday. The Lions, on the rise, meet head-on with one of the league’s top defenses in the N.Y. Jets

Here are five things the Lions must do to beat the Jets:

1. Get the run game going early. Had trouble with this last week, but managed to get it turned around when Kevin Smith got the hot hand. Jahvid Best said his toe feels fine and he’s ready to go. Lions have not done well gathering yards on first downs. It’s an emphasis and will help get the passing game going.

2. Stop the run. The Jets’ LaDainian Tomlinson may be a veteran but he hasn’t lost a step. It’s like he fell into a time warp. The Lions’ defense seems to be improving week to week this is one area they must step up.

3. Matthew Stafford must play with his ‘A’ game from the get-go. Last week he was rusty in the first half. It was excused because he had missed five starts. He needs to pick up where he left off in the second half against the Redskins.

4. The Stafford to Calvin Johnson connection must continued. Johnson had nine catches last Sunday, including three for touchdown passes. If the Jets use man coverage on him, this should not be an issue. But look for them to bring in a free safety over the top. Revis Island could get exposed against Johnson.

5. Once again, they must play to the bitter end and don’t let a slow start or mistakes rattle them. They had to come from behind against the Redskins and they just did it. Obviously it’d be better not to get behind, but if they do they need to keep the right mindset. There’s no reason to believe they won’t -- they’ve done it all season it’s just that most times it did not lead to a win.

Prediction: Lions 27, Jets 20

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)