Yes it’s early and yes there’s that chance that there won’t be a 2011 season. HOWEVER, what is more fun then sitting down and predicting what the Lions will do game by game in 2011. So without further adieu here is the schedule and my predictions (home games in CAPS).
Sun. Sept. 11 – at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m. – Last year’s game in Tampa was close and the Lions pulled it out. This game will again be close however the Bucs will come out on top this time around. Loss
Sun., Sept. 18 – KANSAS CITY, 1 p.m. – After another close opening loss the Lions come home and don’t dissapoint the hometown fans against Matt Cassel (who I still think is overrated) and the Kansas City Chiefs. Win
Sun. Sept. 25 – at Minnesota, 1 p.m. – How many times have the Lions gone to Minnesota and came so close to beating the Vikings? This year the Lions beat the Vikings in Minnesota and it doesn’t matter what stadium the Vikings are playing in. Win
Sun., Oct. 2 – at Dallas, 1 p.m. – I’m expecting Dallas to have a bounce back season from what they had last year. With that said the Lions lose at the Death Star this year. Loss
Mon. Oct. 10 – CHICAGO. 8:35 p.m. – A Monday Night game?! In Detroit?! Has Hell frozen over?! The D will be rocking on October 10th and so will the Lions! Win
Sun., Oct. 16 – SAN FRANCISCO, 1 p.m. – Even though Jim Harbaugh is going to be good for the 49ers, without a QB (and yes I think Stafford will have a break out season) the Lions will be able to overcome who ever San Fran parades out there under center. Win
Sun. Oct. 23 – ATLANTA, 1 p.m. – I thought Atlanta was one of if not thee best team in the NFC last year before they dropped a deuce against Green Bay in the playoffs. This is one of those Lions games that could get ugly. Loss
Sun., Oct. 30 – at Denver, 4 p.m. – Denver is horrible and Tebow isn’t an NFL starting QB. Win
Sun., Nov. 6 – Bye
Sun., Nov. 13 – at Chicago, 1 p.m. – I hate the Bears and that monstrosity they turned Soldier Field into. Unfortunately for the Lions they never seem to do enough at Soldier Field to get the win. This year will be no different. Loss
Sun., Nov. 20 – CAROLINA, 1 p.m. – Remember when Carolina use to be good? It doesn’t matter if the Panthers draft Newton this will be a blowout. Yes I said blowout. Win
Thurs., Nov. 23 – GREEN BAY, 12:30 p.m. – The Lions beat the Super Bowl champs last year at home in a very close game where they managed to take out Aaron Rogers. I can see this game being another close one but with the Lions coming out on the losing end of it. Loss
Sun., Dec. 4 – at New Orleans, 1 p.m. – The Saints are going to be good again this year and playing them at the Superdome is going to be tough. Loss
Sun. Dec. 11 – MINNESOTA, 1 p.m. – For the first time in I don’t know how long the Lions will sweep a season series against an NFC North opponent. Win 7-6
Sun. Dec. 18 – at Oakland, 4 p.m. – Oakland I believe was one of those surprising teams last year pulling out big wins against big opponents. Going to Oakland and playing in the black hole is going to be another tough trip. Loss
Sat., Dec. 24 – SAN DIEGO, 4 p.m. – Phillip Rivers is a stud and like the Lions I think San Diego is going to be right in the middle of a playoff race. I don’t think the Lions can overcome a hungry Chargers team. Loss
Sun., Jan. 1 – at Green Bay, 1 p.m. – Last year was a year the Lions ended a lot of streaks. They finally beat an NFC North opponent. They finally won a road game and they finally won consecutive games. Last season the Lions also should have won their game in Green Bay. This year the Lions end another streak by beating the Packers at Green Bay for the first time since the first Bush administration. Win
Overall Record: 8-8
Home Record: 5-3
Road Record: 3-5
The Lions continue to improve and with an 8-8 record they will compete for a playoff spot. Although I don’t think they will make the playoffs this year it sets them up to do just that in 2012.
2011 will give head coach Jim Schwartz some job security and ease some Lions fans’ worries in quarterback Matthew Stafford.
Sun. Sept. 11 – at Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.
Sun., Sept. 18 – KANSAS CITY, 1 p.m.
Sun. Sept. 25 – at Minnesota, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 2 – at Dallas, 1 p.m.
Mon. Oct. 10 – CHICAGO. 8:35 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 16 – SAN FRANCISCO, 1 p.m.
Sun. Oct. 23 – ATLANTA, 1 p.m.
Sun., Oct. 30 – at Denver, 4 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 6 – Bye
Sun., Nov. 13 – at Chicago, 1 p.m.
Sun., Nov. 20 – CAROLINA, 1 p.m.
Thurs., Nov. 23 – GREEN BAY, 12:30 p.m.
Sun., Dec. 4 – at New Orleans, 1 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 11 – MINNESOTA, 1 p.m.
Sun. Dec. 18 – at Oakland, 4 p.m.
Sat., Dec. 24 – SAN DIEGO, 4 p.m.
Sun., Jan. 1 – at Green Bay, 1 p.m.
