When first evaluating the Detroit Lions 2018 schedule prior to the start of the season, there is no way I would have ever predicted that I would be writing a piece like this. After all, the Lions opened the season at home against the New York Jets on Monday Night Football. It seemed like the perfect scenario for a team that had just hired a new head coach. And that scenario seemed to improve even more when the Jets revealed they would be starting rookie quarterback Sam Darnold in their season opener.
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Unfortunately, Lions’ Nation was completely blindsided when the Jets ran away with a 48-17 win. The loss not only shocked the fans but cause many of them to completely freak out on the team. Some blamed Bob Quinn, some blamed Matt Patricia, and some blamed our best player, Matthew Stafford. The Lions were thought of as a lock to start the season 1-0 and they blew it.
In Week 2, it was more of the same as the San Francisco 49ers jumped out to a huge lead on the Lions before holding on for a 30-27 win. The loss not only dropped the Lions to 0-2 but with a tough schedule staring them in the face, many fans are wondering, when will they get their first win of the season?
Daunting schedule lies ahead
When looking at the Lions’ upcoming schedule, I get a little bit nervous. Hell, who am I kidding? I am VERY nervous. Let’s take a game-by-game look to predict when the Detroit Lions will win their first game of the 2018 season. This is the NFL and “any given Sunday” is a real thing, but I am going to give it to you straight.
Week 3 vs. New England Patriots
The Lions are at home on Sunday Night Football for their matchup against what is a ticked off New England Patriots team after they were taken to the woodshed by the Jaguars in Week 2. I would be shocked if the Lions stick within 10 points of Tom Brady and company.
Patriots 34 Lions 20
Week 4 @ Dallas Cowboys
Dallas is not a good football team but they will get the Lions on their home turf. If the Lions can find a way to contain Ezekiel Elliott, they will have a shot, but I do not see that happening.
Cowboys 27 Lions 23
Week 5 vs. Green Bay Packers
As I have said before, I am not sold on the Green Bay Packers as a Super Bowl contender like many are. That being said, the Lions defense is not capable of stopping a rookie quarterback, imagine what Aaron Rodgers will do to them.
Packers 33 Lions 27
Week 6 – BYE
Week 7 @ Miami Dolphins
Prior to the start of the season, this was a game I thought the Lions would win. Now that we know what we know (Miami is 2-0), this is certainly not an easy game for Detroit. Folks, the Lions defense is bad now but it will get better as the season goes on as the players get comfortable with Matt Patricia’s system. The bye week will be just what the doctor ordered for the Lions as they will pick up their first win of the season!
Lions 28 Dolphins 23
Nation, when do you think the Lions will pick up their first win of the season?
