After a devastating loss to the Oakland Raiders this past Sunday, the Detroit Lions now sit at 3-4-1 with 8 games remaining on their 2019 regular-season schedule.
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Though 3-4-1 is not a pretty sight, NFL analyst Gil Brandt believes the Lions are better than their record shows.
From NFL.com:
If not for two controversial hands-to-the-face penalties called on Trey Flowers in a narrow Week 6 loss to Green Bay, the Lions could be 4-3-1 right now. Of course, if any of Detroit's three close losses had gone the other way, or if they hadn't squandered a double-digit lead against the Cardinals in their Week 1 tie, this team could be sitting pretty rather than reaching the midpoint of a second straight season with a sub-.500 record.
Sure, this team has its flaws, including a surprisingly bad defense (31st overall, 27th in scoring) and a 21st-ranked running game that has foundered without injured back Kerryon Johnson. But if the Lions get as hot as their quarterback, watch out. Matthew Stafford is playing as well as he ever has, tying a franchise record by posting three straight games with 300-plus passing yards, two-plus passing touchdowns and a passer rating of 110 or better. They'll get another shot at each of the two NFC North teams ahead of them (Green Bay and Minnesota), while the rest of their remaining opponents — aside from the Cowboys — are below .500.
Nation, do you think the Lions can do the (almost) impossible and get into the playoffs this season?
