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Saturday open thread: How many rushing yards will Kerryon Johnson have vs. Patriots?

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Time to make some rushing predictions for Sunday.

NFL: Detroit Lions at San Francisco 49ers Sergio Estrada-USA TODAY Sports

Much like the Detroit Lions, the New England Patriots have had a tough time stopping the opposing team’s running game through two weeks. Against the Texans, New England allowed Lamar Miller to rush for 98 yards on 20 carries, while Alfred Blue added another 36 on just five carries. Last week was a little better for them, allowing a total of 104 rushing yards on 24 carries—but much of that was Blake Bortles scrambling for 35 yards.

Put it all together and the Patriots are allowing 135.5 rushing yards per game (27th) and 4.7 yards per carry (25th).

That’s a matchup the Lions could actually exploit, given that Kerryon Johnson and LeGarrette Blount have breathed life into Detroit’s rushing attack. It’s still unproven overall, but last week’s combined 81 yards rushing on 16 carries is enough for Lions fans to cling to for a shred of optimism in an otherwise bleak start to the season.

So today’s Question of the Day is:

How many rushing yards will Kerryon Johnson have on Sunday night?

My answer: I ask specifically about Kerryon, because it appears he’s slowly becoming a bigger part of the offense. Obviously, injuries and ejections to Blount have probably bumped his time up thus far, but everything he’s done on the field has justified more snaps on offense.

Anyways, in regards to the actual question, much of the answer will rely upon how the game is playing out. If the Lions fall behind quickly (again), obviously Johnson won’t get a lot of opportunities in the run game. If the Lions can keep it close or even (gasp) hold a lead, Detroit will likely try to keep the offense moving on the ground.

That being said, I think there’s a pretty good chance this game turns into a shootout, and that means a lot of throwing the ball. I still think Kerryon will set a new high, but it will be something still pretty modest overall. Give me 10 carries for 52 yards.

Your turn.