The wait is just about over as the Detroit Lions will take the field against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football in less than a week.
Will the Lions improve on their 9-7 (non-playoff) 2017 season or will they take a step back. Heck, to be honest, it is quite possible that they have a better all-around team but do not post a better record because of a tough schedule.
With 53-man rosters finalized around the league (or at least as finalized as they can be as they are fluid), it’s time to take a stab at predicting each and every Detroit Lions regular season game. So, without further ado, let’s get started!
(W) WEEK 1 – vs. New York Jets (Monday Night Football)
The Lions will be licking their chops for this one as rookie quarterback Sam Darnold will get the start for the Jets. You can bet that Matt Patricia will have his team ready for this one.
Lions 27 Jets 17
(W) WEEK 2 – @ San Francisco 49ers
The 49ers finished strong in 2017 and they are the sexy pick by many to take another step in 2018. That being said, with a trio of tough matchups on the horizon, this is a game the Lions have to win.
Lions 24 San Francisco 23
(L) WEEK 3 – vs. New England Patriots (Sunday Night Football)
Matt Patricia’s first matchup against his former team comes at Ford Field on Sunday Night Football. You can bet the fans will be loud and the team will be fired up but the Lions lose a close one.
Patriots 31 Lions 27
(L) WEEK 4 – @ Dallas Cowboys
Personally, I do not believe the Cowboys will be a very good team in 2018. Unfortunately, the Lions will have to go on the road and that will spell trouble.
Cowboys 24 Lions 20
(W) WEEK 5 – vs. Green Bay Packers
If the Lions want to have any chance of making the playoffs, this is as close to a must-win game as you can have. Even a Hail Mary will not save Aaron Rodgers and company this time around.
Lions 30 Packers 20
WEEK 6 – BYE WEEK
(W) WEEK 7 – @ Miami Dolphins
The Dolphins are not a good football team and this is a golden opportunity for the Lions to steal one on the road. It won’t be easy but Matthew Stafford and company will get the job done.
Lions 26 Dolphins 23
(W) WEEK 8 – vs. Seattle Seahawks
Russell Wilson is one of the best quarterbacks in the NFL and he will likely have a big game against the Lions defense. That being said, the Seahawks are no longer a defensive powerhouse and Matthew Stafford will be slinging it around in this game.
Lions 30 Seahawks 27
(L) WEEK 9 – @ Minnesota Vikings
Like it or not, the Vikings are one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL. If the Lions can pull off the upset, look out NFC North. Unfortunately, the chances of that happening are slim.
Vikings 34 Lions 20
(W) WEEK 10 – @ Chicago Bears
The Bears added Khalil Mack and everybody and their brother is hopping on the bandwagon. I am telling you right now, the Lions are still the better team from top to bottom (though it got closer) and they will win a tough battle.
Lions 27 Bears 20
(W) WEEK 11 – vs. Carolina Panthers
Carolina is a team that many are picking to make the playoffs this season. Personally, I am not buying it. If this was a road game, the Panthers would take this one but Ford Field will be the difference.
Lions 23 Panthers 20
(W) WEEK 12 – vs. Chicago Bears (Thanksgiving Day)
Thanksgiving against the Bears, what can be better? For the second time this season, the Lions will take the Bears to pound town before chowing on some turkey.
Lions 28 Bears 17
(L) WEEK 13 – vs. Los Angeles Rams
The big question in this game is whether or not the Lions defense can find a way to stop Todd Gurley. As of now, I just do not see that happening. Rams cruise.
Rams 33 Lions 23
(W) WEEK 14 – @ Arizona Cardinals
It’s never an easy task to travel out west but at least it’s against the Cardinals, who I do not believe in one bit. Lions win on a last-second field goal.
Lions 24 Cardinals 23
(W) WEEK 15 – @ Buffalo Bills
The Bills will be absolute garbage in 2018 and the Lions will have to win this game with the Vikings and Packers coming up in the final two weeks of the season.
Lions 31 Bills 23
(L) WEEK 16 – vs. Minnesota Vikings
If the Lions are in the hunt for the NFC North crown, this will be a must-win game. Unfortunately, the Vikings are the real deal and even home field advantage will not be enough for the Lions in this one.
Vikings 26 Lions 17
(L) WEEK 17 – @ Green Bay Packers
What a way to end the season. On the road against the Packers in late December! Though I am not high on the Packers this season (other than their quarterback), I just do not see the Lions pulling out a victory in this situation.
Packers 38 Lions 24
As you can see, I have the Lions finishing with a 10-6 record. The only question is, will it be enough for them to make the playoffs? I say yes!
