Safety Brian Branch won’t dress for the game due to an illness, according to the team. He practiced throughout the week, although did miss some snaps because of brain and neck injuries. He was originally expected to play anyway, but was downgraded to doubtful on Sunday due to illness, then officially declared out 90 minutes before kickoff.

Detroit got things going with a touchdown run from David Montgomery to take an early 7-0 lead. Seattle attempted to answer with a promising drive of their own, but DK Metcalf had a rather untimely fumble which was recovered by the Lions. That’ll work.

The Detroit Lions have lost early home games to the Seattle Seahawks in two straight seasons. Our Free Press sports writers dig into the matchup.