ALLEN PARK — There are people out there who are writing off the Lions’ playoff chances against the New Orleans Saints on Saturday night.

Yes, it was just a month ago they lost 31-17 to the Saints, but this is a different Lions team now.

They’ll have three starters on defense that they didn’t have that game — Ndamukong Suh, Louis Delmas and Chris Houston.

Plus since the 11 penalties that cost them 107 yards in that game, they have become more disciplined especially when it comes to after-the-whistle situations.

Drew Brees is on fire and the Saints haven’t lost at the Superdome this season.

But Matthew Stafford and the Lions’ offense have found a rhythm in the last few games. Stafford has averaged 428 passing yards in the last three games with a total of a dozen touchdowns and just two interceptions. They were 5-3 on the road this season.

I’m not saying it’s a lock, but the Lions should not be overlooked. They could win this game.

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