The 2013 Detroit Lions will leave something to be desired especially considering I’ve never been one to put stock in preseason numbers and games. Essentially you pray for one thing, health.
The Lions made some good offseason additions and might have been the most active team in the NFC North. But before that overhaul of sorts tickles your inner homer, the Lions had to be active. The Detroit Football Lions were behind the rest of the division and had no choice but turn over 50% of this roster. In my review of the Lions offseason I wrote about how the roster additions will help so lets see how this translates to the regular season now that the offseason and preseason is all said and done.
Week 1 – Sunday, September 8th vs. Minnesota: Even when A.P. goes off, Detroit should be able to out score the Vikings. The defensive line, a Vikings trademark over the years is getting older but is a solid veteran group and a good test for a revamped offensive line Detroit employs.
Lions win 31-24 (1-0)
Week 2 – Sunday, September 15th at Arizona: I’m never going to buy into Carson Palmer at QB, plus the Cards have received a big blow losing 1st round draft pick G Jonathan Cooper to a broken leg in preseason. Zona even being in a Super Bowl a few years ago, are just as bad of a franchise as the Lions overall. Outside of Fitzgerald they have little that can hurt you.
Lions win 24-13 (2-0)
Week 3 – Sunday, September 22nd at Washington: On the road in back-to-back weeks the Lions won’t be as fortunate this time around. The Skins have to many options for Detroit to handle on defense. I see a heart breaker as RGIII gets a long rush late to put them in game winning field goal range.
Lions lose 24-23 (2-1)
Week 4 – Sunday, September 29th vs. Chicago: Detroit should take care of the Bears at Ford Field. This game will be a test for new LT Riley Reiff as he will battle perennial Pro Bowler Julius Peppers. The Bears have talent and Forte is an all purpose back but even Bears’ fans don’t trust Jay Cutler.
Lions win 20-17 (3-1)
Week 5 – Sunday, October 6th at Green Bay: With the Lions at 3-1, fans are starting to think this is a joke. Just wait though it’s about to get real. Lacy should be able to get some nice yards as Rodgers will draw coverage more down field and will keep his Pack on the field for long drives.
Lions lose 28-17 (3-2)
Week 6 – Sunday, October 13th at Cleveland: As bad as Detroit looked against the Browns in the preseason that game meant absolutely nothing. I’m buying Trent Richardson at RB (if you’re a fantasy guy) but Brandon Weedan is a 30-year old second year player at QB. Keep in mind too Cleveland is so desperate for play makers they signed an ancient Jerome Harrison for the defense.
Lions win 34-20 (4-2)
Week 7 – Sunday, October 20th vs. Cincinnati: I’m really buying into the Bengals. I think they have the core make up of a team that could be around for 4-5 years and take the Division over from Pittsburgh and Baltimore. That Dalton deep ball to Green will be too much for Detroit’s secondary.
Lions lose 27-20 (4-3)
Week 8 – Sunday, October 27th vs. Dallas: Romo is being questioned (what else is new?) and Garrett’s job is on the line (again what else is new?). Demarcus Ware should tear up Reiff and have a 3 sack day. The Lions and Cowboys do in a way mirror each other roster wise but Dallas will rise up and challenge for the division.
Lions lose 23-20 (4-4)
BYE WEEK
Week 10 – Sunday, November 10th at Chicago: At Chicago and the back half of this schedule is the most challenging. Seven of the eight teams have playoff hopes. I don’t think Chicago really makes the playoffs because there will be 4 other better teams competing for the wild cards. These teams prove to be close with each other. Nonetheless the Bears still come out on top in this one.
Lions lose 20-17 (4-5)
Week 11 – Sunday, November 17th at Pittsburgh: This isn’t Hines Ward’s Steelers. But they haven’t fallen off that bad for Detroit to win a game in the Steel City. Big Ben is still there and along with plenty of weapons at his disposal.
Lions lose 28-24 (4-6)
Week 12 – Sunday, November 24th vs. Tampa Bay: If Freeman is still the QB, I have Detroit winning this one. Megatron should be able to work Revis Island like he is looking to build property on it. I can’t see this Bucs Defense matching up with Detroit’s play makers.
Lions win 27-24 (5-6)
Week 13 – Thursday, November 28th vs. Green Bay: This should be a day of thanks which it will be for the Cheeseheads. It’s almost tradition, loss to the Packers, loss on Thanksgiving…. Why not combine the two?
Lions lose 38-34 (5-7)
Week 14 – Sunday, December 8th at Philadelphia: The Eagles have playoff hopes right now but by season end will Chip Kelly look like a genious or will there be wide spread demonstration within the City of Brotherly Love calling for the head of Mr. Michael Vick? In this game, Philly will be beat up competing in the NFC East and Detroit escapes with a rare road win.
Lions win 31-21 (6-7)
Week 15 – Monday, December 16th vs. Baltimore: Most Super Bowl winners have jet lag the next season. The Ravens lost some key parts but still have enough to dash Detroit’s playoff hopes.
Lions lose 24-17 (6-8)
Week 16 – Sunday, December 22nd vs. New York Giants: The G-Men aren’t a team you want to see late in the year. The Giants have a history of needing wins late for a playoff push which is exactly what happens here.
Lions lose 31-21 (6-9)
Week 17 – Sunday, December 29th at Minnesota: Detroit will be trying to finish on a high note with plenty of young players trying to earn jobs next season. and got something to prove.
Lions win (7-9)