NFL Strength of Schedule Appears to be Beneficial for Detroit

0
221

The Detroit Lions hot start to the season created a lot of playoff buzz around the motor city. Climbing as high as number 2 in the NFL power rankings, the Lions seemed closer to a super bowl contender than a fringe playoff contender.

Their 3-1 record, with the one loss* to defending NFC champion Atlanta had fans everywhere drinking the Honolulu Blue Kool-Aid. Although now, admittedly, that Falcons team does not look as impressive and the Lions stumbled going 1-3 in the next four games.

Leaving many fans to believe that their Lions yet again, filled them up with false hope. However, there is help on the way! Detroit needs to have a solid second half of the season in order to climb back into the playoffs. Fortunately for the Lions, their strength of schedule over their next 8 games is among the easiest in the league.

The Lions final 8 games are against the Browns, the Bears (twice), Vikings, Ravens, Bucs, Bengals, Packers, ranking Detroit 31st in strength of schedule. This projects quite favorably as the Lions (4-4) try to catch the Vikings (6-2) for the NFC North crown.

More good news! The Vikings have a top ten strength of schedule. With games against the Rams, Panthers, Redskins, and Falcons, the Vikings will be tested in their final 8 games. A couple of Minnesota losses would open the window for the Lions to take back control of their division.

Suppose they aren’t able to take back the NFC North title, the wildcard holds some promise as well. Three of the four teams ahead of the Lions in the wild card also have a top ten strength of schedule. Falcons(1st), Cowboys(2nd), and Seahawks(6th) all have a tough ending to the season.

The Lions week 12 Thursday Night Football matchup against the Vikings is shaping up to be a major deciding factor in the NFC North race. The Lions will have to tidy up some things before making their playoff runs, most notably their red zone offense. The playoffs are more than a reasonable goal for the Lions and the back half of their schedule should only help them in their quest.