After crapping the bed at Ford Field against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football, the Detroit Lions are all of a sudden in the crosshairs of many of their fans. Some want offensive coordinator Jim Bob Cooter fired, others are saying new head coach Matt Patricia has already lost the team, and many have already turned their thoughts to the 2019 NFL Draft. Hell, look through social media, there is even talk about whether or not the Lions should move on from Matthew Stafford!!!
Now, I am not going to lie, my faith in the Lions (I originally picked them to win 10 games) has definitely taken a shot to the gut but to jump the gun and call for drastic action to be taken after one week. That is just moronic. That being said, I am not handing out free passes either. The Lions looked like horse shit in Week 1 and that has to change quickly if they want to make something out of the 2018 season.
The bottom line is that Detroit does not have a great roster. I still believe in the offense (if healthy) but the defense may be one of the worst in the NFL. Matthew Stafford was awful in Week 1 but he will bounce back and win games for the Lions as the season goes along.
So, with Week 1 in the books, let’s take a look at how I (MY OPINION ONLY) believe the team will fare for their remaining 15 games.
(L) WEEK 2 – @ San Francisco 49ers
This is a game I originally picked the Lions to win but now I have some big-time doubts. Detroit has not won in San Francisco in over 40 years and traveling west in a short week could end up being too much. I am not a believer in Jimmy G. or the 49ers, but they will get the job done against the Lions.
49ers 27 Lions 20 (0-2)
(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 and it would be just like the Lions to pull out a victory. Damnit, who am I kidding, you would have to be drinking some serious Kool-Aid to pick the Lions in this one.
Patriots 31 Lions 23 (0-3)
(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 (0-4)
(L) WEEK 5 – vs. Green Bay Packers
Prior to the start of the season, I had the Lions winning this game. Now, it looks like Aaron Rodgers is back and ready to make an MVP run. Lions drop to 0-5
Packers 30 Lions 27 (0-5)
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 (1-5)
(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 (2-5)
(L) WEEK 9 – @ Minnesota Vikings
Like it or not, the Vikings are one of the most well-rounded teams in the NFL. I would be absolutely shocked if Detroit went into Minnesota and defeated the Vikings.
Vikings 34 Lions 20 (2-6)
(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 (3-6)
(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 (4-6)
(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 (5-6)
(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 (5-7)
(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 (6-7)
(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 (7-7)
(L) WEEK 16 – vs. Minnesota Vikings
If the Lions are in the hunt for the NFL Playoffs, 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 (7-8)
(L) WEEK 17 – @ Green Bay Packers
What a way to end the season. On the road against the Packers in late December! This could be an important game for the Packers if they are still battling for a playoff spot or the NFC North crown. If that is the case, the Packers roll. If not, the Packers still roll.
Packers 38 Lions 24 (7-9)
