WHEN THE PATRIOTS HAVE THE BALL: QB Drew Bledsoe’s jammed thumb wasn’t as much of a factor last week as it was two weeks ago. Expect Bledsoe’s thumb to bother him even less this week. He’ll need all the help he can get against a Lions’ secondary that has turned it up several notches in the last few weeks. The Patriots’ running game is still up for grabs, especially if RB J.R. Redmond (ribs) sits out this week. Patrick Pass led the Patriots last week with 12 carries for a paltry 39 yards.

WHEN THE LIONS HAVE THE BALL: WR Herman Moore is beginning to re-emerge as a key cog for the Lions. Last week’s game was one of the Lions’ best offensive displays of the year, against a tough Giants defense. The Patriots must find a way to stop the big play. The secondary has had problems in that area, and the front seven haven’t put enough pressure on the quarterback to help relieve the secondary.

MATCHUP TO WATCH: Lions DL Robert Porcher vs. the Patriots’ offensive line. Porcher has finally come around this season, having his two best games the past two weeks. Porcher has been playing both end and tackle and seems to have benefitted from it. The Patriots held an opponent to fewer than two sacks for the second time last week.