On Sunday, the Detroit Lions dealt with the heat just fine as they went on the road and defeated the Miami Dolphins 32-21.
With the victory, the Lions are now 3-3 and within striking distance of first place in the NFC North.
Looking ahead, the schedule looks a bit demanding and depending on whether or not they can navigate the storm will dictate if the Lions can make run at the NFC North crown.
So, without further ado, let’s take a look a how I believe the Lions final 10 games will go.
(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 as the Lions move to 4-3.
Lions 31 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. Lions move to 4-4 on the season.
Vikings 31 Lions 23
(W) WEEK 10 – @ Chicago Bears
The Bears, who once lead the NFC North with a 3-1 record 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 climb to 5-4.
Lions 23 Bears 20
(W) WEEK 11 – vs. Carolina Panthers
Carolina is a team that many are picking to make the playoffs this season. That may be the case when all is said and done, but they are not the same team on the road as they are at home. Luckily for the Lions, this game will be played at Ford Field. Lions move to 6-4!
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 move to 7-4
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 as the Rams are the best team in the NFL. Lions fall to 7-5.
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 this one but it will be closer than the experts think. Lions move to 8-5.
Lions 24 Cardinals 16
(W) WEEK 15 – @ Buffalo Bills
The Buffalo Bills are not close to being a good football team. On the road in Buffalo late in the season could be dicey, but the Lions will have a lot to play for and pull out the win. Lions move to 9-5.
Lions 27 Bills 20
(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. Lions fall to 9-6.
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 with a playoff spot on the line! Personally, I do not believe the Packers are an NFC contender, but they will also be in a must-win situation at this point. Unfortunately, the Lions fall to 9-7
Packers 31 Lions 24
As you can see, I have the Lions finishing with a 9-7 record. The only question is, will it be enough for them to make the playoffs?
