The Detroit Lions open their 2015 campaign on Sunday as they travel to San Diego, California to take on the Chargers. The staff here at The Majors Detroit has compiled their 2015 season game by game predictions for your Detroit Lions.
The TMSNX-Detroit staff contributing to this article are:
- Adam “Dorf” Waltersdorf – TMSNX Vice President and Editor
- Jason Bray – TMSNX Detroit Contributor
- Shawn Bell – TMSNX Contributor and TMSNX Radio Host
- “Downtown” Russell Brown – TMSNX NFL Contributor
- James “JNC” Christopher – TMSNX Detroit Contributor
- Stephen Whittio – TMSNX Sports Culture Contributor
- Adam Hernandez – TMSNX Founder and President
Here’s how they’ve predicted the Lions will do:
Week 1: at San Diego Chargers
Dorf
Detroit Lions 19 – San Diego Chargers 16
It is very rarely that a team crosses three time zones and comes home victorious. The only reason I’m picking the Lions is that the Chargers are going to be pretty bad and I feel that the Lions should be rather average. Rather average will be defeat pretty bad even with home field advantage being with the pretty bad team.
Bray
Detroit Lions 24 – San Diego Chargers 20
Chargers quarterback Philip Rivers is underrated as far as NFL quarterbacks go, but no safety net in tight end Antonio Gates, a new running back in first round draft pick Melvin Gordon, and factor in San Diego is notorious for early season letdowns.
Downtown
Detroit Lions 24 – San Diego Chargers 21
The Chargers are going to keep it tough, especially at home. However, a healthy Calvin Johnson will help Matthew Stafford spread the ball for a fourth quarter comeback.
Bell
Detroit Lions 24 – San Diego Chargers 17
The Chargers have no offense and won’t be able to produce points like they used to. The Lions defense will be able to handle the lame offense the chargers have. Who knows what rookie running back Melvin Gordon can do and quarterback Philip Rivers has no one to throw too with tight end Antonio Gates being suspended.
JNC
San Diego Chargers 24 – Detroit Lions 20
Stevie Johnson is back and Matt Stafford throws a late pick to seal it for San Diego.
Whittico
Detroit Lions 17 – San Diego Chargers 14
The Lions much improved offense has growing pains, but Melvin Gordon’s inability to block allows Detroit’s front seven to take the win anyway.
Hernandez
Detroit Lions 27 – San Diego Chargers 20
Road games in the NFL are tough, especially when you fly cross country to play them. San Diego aren’t world beater however and that high powered Lions offense should be able to overcome much of what San Diego throws at them.
Week 2: at Minnesota Vikings
Dorf
Minnesota Vikings 24 – Detroit Lions 17
This is going to be a very tough day for the Lions defensively. I wouldn’t be surprised if Adrian Peterson goes nuts and the Lions lose. The Lions will keep it close but will not be able to pull off the road victory in the division.
Bray
Minnesota Vikings 27 – Detroit Lions 24
Opening on the road in back to back weeks is tough for anyone. The Lions rush defense will be tested early in the season and fails.
Downtown
Detroit Lions 27 – Minnesota Vikings 17
Everyone is jumping on the Vikings bandwagon and I just can’t do it. A Sophomore quarterback and a young defense won’t be enough to stop the Lions who are red hot after a huge road win.
Bell
Detroit Lions 21 – Minnesota Vikings 20
This is going to be a very good match up. The Vikings offense is being run by a second year quarterback and it could go either way. I feel the Lions defensive line is capable of stopping Adrian Peterson. Quarterback Teddy Bridgewater will be scrambling with Lions linebackers Stephen Tulloch and DeAndre Levy chasing him down all game.
JNC
Detroit Lions 24 – Minnesota Vikings 21
Adrian Peterson keeps it interesting but Lions offense comes through for the victory.
Whittico
Minnesota Vikings 24 – Detroit Lions 21
Hernandez
Minnesota Vikings 24 – Detroit Lions 20
This isn’t the same Vikings team the Lions have seen in recent seasons. Teddy Bridgewater is legit and Adrian Peterson is back which means all kinds of trouble for the Lions on the road.
Week 3: Denver Broncos
Dorf
Detroit Lions 27 – Denver Broncos 20
I don’t think Denver is going to be any good this year. This is the year Peyton Manning loses it and is no longer a functional quarterback. He never has had a great arm, but I seriously question whether or not Peyton could throw the ball 35 yards anymore. The Lions will stack the box and take away C.J. Anderson and dare Peyton to go deep, which he won’t be able to do well enough to beat the Lions.
Bray
Detroit Lions 28 – Denver Broncos 27
This is Detroit’s home opener and my prediction isn’t about Detroit as much as it is Peyton Manning. I don’t think his 39 year old arm has much left. Add in the fact he lost two offensive lineman and a defense that weak up the middle and this game is a race to 30 points.
Downtown
Denver Broncos 24 – Detroit Lions 21
I can’t buy into Peyton Manning being terrible, especially with a solid run game behind him. Expect a late-second field goal to spoil the Lions home opener.
Bell
Denver Broncos 28 – Detroit Lions 23
The Broncos offense will just destroy the cornerbacks of the Detroit Lions. It will give quarterback Peyton Manning tons of opportunity to run play action and have their running game flourish.
JNC
Denver Broncos 30 – Detroit Lions 27 (OT)
Peyton Manning looks really good early in the season and he picks apart the Lions defense.
Whittico
Detroit Lions 31 – Denver Broncos 27
The Detroit fans give the national televison/home opener treatment to the visiting Bronco offense, but look for Denver to make it scary in the final quarter.
Hernandez
Denver Broncos 32 – Detroit Lions 23
I’m still not sold on that Detroit Lions secondary which means Peyton still has enough left in him to expose it.
Week 4: at Seattle Seahawks
Dorf
Seattle Seahawks 20 – Detroit Lions 9
This game won’t be very high scoring as it features two of the better defenses in football. However, the Lions won’t be able to make the trip all the way out west and beat the Seahawks and will ride the struggle bus all day offensively.
Bray
Seattle Seahawks 23 – Detroit Lions 17
B-R-U-T-A-L, that’s the four game stretch to start the year. A 2-2 record is a blessing and going on the road three of four weeks only to see the Seahawks and their 2 Superbowl appearances is rough. Oh yea… plus it’s Monday Night Football
Downtown
Seattle Seahawks 26 – Detroit Lions 17
Glover Quin has already jinxed the Lions for this game. You don’t run your mouth when you don’t play offense and can’t control one of the best defenses in the league, if not, ever.
Bell
Seattle Seahawks 28 – Detroit Lions 17
The Detroit Lions just have no chance to win going to Seattle and playing in the loudest stadium in the NFL. This game will just show Detroit Fans on who quarterback Matthew Stafford really is.
JNC
Seattle Seahawks 17 – Detroit Lions 13
Seattle’s defense is just to good for the Lions to overcome.
Whittico
Seattle Seahawks 14 – Detroit Lions 13
Lions take the loss here, but losing by one against Seattle and the 12th man gives the team something to build off of.
Hernandez
Seattle Seahawks 24 – Detroit Lions 13
An elite defense always comes out on top when head-to-head with an elite offense. And I’m not even sure Detroit is at elite status yet with that offense.
Week 5: Arizona Cardinals
Dorf
Arizona Cardinals 26 – Detroit Lions 20
I really think people always underestimate the Arizona Cardinals. The various predictions you will see for this game will often feature the Lions winning in a blowout. However, I don’t think Arizona is bad, in fact I think they are quite good and they will beat Detroit in the Motor City.
Bray
Detroit Lions 31 – Arizona Cardinals 17
Finally some relief in the schedule and the Lions get three straight at home. By now the Lions should have shown a top five offense, Detroit rolls here. Arizona isn’t good in any aspect.
Downtown
Detroit Lions 20 – Arizona Cardinals 17
The Lions bounce back with a solid home win against a physical defense. Carson Palmer will turn the ball over late in this game and cause the Lions to seal the deal for their third win of the season.
Bell
Detroit Lions 27 – Arizona Cardinals 14
After taking a road trip to Seattle, the Detroit Lions will be coming home for a few games. The Lions will be taking all their anger out on the Cardinals. The Cardinals do have a very good defense but will be going up against one of the better offenses in the NFL. Look to see quarterback Matthew Stafford and wide receiver Golden Tate have a big game here for the Lions.
JNC
Detroit Lions 21 – Arizona Cardinals 13
Finally a victory in Detroit because Arizona and Carson Palmer choke in the fourth quarter.
Whittico
Detroit Lions 23 – Arizona Cardinals 10
Ameer Abdullah makes defenders miss and Matt Prater makes defenders wish he would miss.
Hernandez
Detroit Lions 24 – Arizona Cardinals 21
I think we’ve seen a lot of smoke and mirrors from Carson Palmer. He’s another year older which can also be said for Larry Fitzgerald. This will be a close one but one the Lions pull off at home.
Week 6: Chicago Bears
Dorf
Detroit Lions 37 – Chicago Bears 10
The Bears suck and this is going to be a bloodbath. Don’t be surprised if Dan Orlovsky gets some time in this game.
Bray
Detroit Lions 27 – Chicago Bears 13
Nothing to stop Matthew Stafford to Calvin “Megatron” Johnson for two touchdowns here.
Downtown
Detroit Lions 35 – Chicago Bears 21
If the Bears play better than my predicted score, I’d be shocked. Jay Cutler’s time in Chicago is up and the Lions offense should have a field day against Da-Bears.
Bell
Detroit Lions 28 – Chicago Bears 17
Detroit will come out and run all over the Bears defense. It will be a easy week for quarterback Matthew Stafford and the receiving core. We should see rookie running back Ameer Abdullah have a big week.
JNC
Detroit Lions 30 – Chicago Bears 14
Chicago is going to suck. Enough said.
Whittico
Detroit Lions 28 – Chicago Bears 7
The Detroit defense outscores the Bears offense in this one, with Bears’ fans calling for Jay Cutler’s head afterwards.
Hernandez
Detroit Lions 34 – Chicago Bears 10
The Bears are going to be a disaster this season and Jay Cutler doesn’t come out of this one healthy.
Week 7: Minnesota Vikings
Dorf
Detroit Lions 26 – Minnesota Vikings 24
The Lions will win a close game only because of the home field advantage factor. The Vikings and Lions are very similar teams and the score will reflect that.
Bray
Detroit Lions 24 – Minnesota Vikings 20
Detroit gets revenge for the early loss but Vikings running back Adrian Peterson keeps Minnesota in it. Detroit Lions rookie running back Ameer Abdullah gets loose and records his first two touchdown game.
Downtown
Detroit Lions 24 – Minnesota Vikings 21
The Vikings play the Lions a little bit closer than their first meeting thanks to Adrian Peterson. He still won’t be enough for the Vikings to get the win, the Lions win on a late fouth quarter field goal by Matt Prater.
Bell
Detroit Lions 23 – Minnesota Vikings 20
Like week two, it will be a good week for football. It will be a close game but it will come down to the kicking game for Prater and the Detroit Lions.
JNC
Detroit Lions 24 – Minnesota Vikings 21
The same exact result will occur as in week two. Why? Because I said so.
Whittico
Detroit Lions 21 – Minnesota Vikings 20
The Lions have seemed unstoppable at times this season, but the Vikings remind a very lucky Detroit squad of how fast things change in this league.
Hernandez
Detroit Lions 26 – Minnesota Vikings 17
The Vikings aren’t good enough to sweep the Lions while Detroit isn’t bad enough to lose this one at home. The Lions rally in the fourth to get the win.
Week 8: at Kansas City Chiefs
Dorf
Kansas City Chiefs 24 – Detroit Lions 7
Going to London isn’t going to be an enjoyable experience for the Lions this year. They simply don’t have the offensive line to keep Matthew Stafford clean against Justin Houston and company and as a result won’t be able to get anything going on offense. Jamal Charles and company will do just enough offensively to pull out a victory.
Bray
Kansas City Chiefs 20 – Detroit Lions 17
This is one of two swing games in the Lions schedule that I really don’t have a good feel for. Kansas City running back Jamal Charles is the best all around back in football and K.C. should be able to get after Matthew Stafford with their elite pass rush.
Downtown
Kansas City Chiefs 27 – Detroit Lions 24
Give me Jamaal Charles, the Chiefs defense, and Alex Smith to manage a victory in London. I don’t think the Chiefs are a playoff team but I think Andy Reid will put a scheme together and win against Jim Caldwell and the mighty Lions.
Bell
Detroit Lions 21 – Kansas City 17
Detroit will come out strong and stop the Chiefs quarterback Alex Smith in the passing game. But trying to stop running back Jamaal Charles will be a struggle. However, the Lions defense will hold down the Chiefs and come out with a victory on the road.
JNC
Detroit Lions 17 – Kansas City Chiefs 13
The Detroit Defense scores seven points and has the game beaker across the pond.
Whittico
Detroit Lions 24 – Kansas City Chiefs 14
Kansas City traded away their only good offensive lineman this offseason, and Detroit’s rushers remind the Chiefs as to why that’s important in London.
Hernandez
Detroit Lions 27 – Kansas City Chiefs 24
Remember both teams have to travel across the pond for this one and the Lions come out on top once again in a shootout.
Week 9: Bye Week
Predicted records at the bye week.
Dorf: 4-4
Bray: 5-3
Downtown: 5-3
Bell: 6-2
JNC: 5-3
Whittico: 6-2
Adam: 5-3
Week 10: @ Green Bay Packers
Dorf
Green Bay Packers 27 – Detroit Lions 12
The Lions never play very competitive football at Lambeau. This year isn’t going to be any different. The worst part is that the team will be coming off a bye week.
Bray
Green Bay Packers 30 – Detroit Lions 21
It’s been how long since Detroit won in Green Bay? No demons exercised here.
Downtown
Green Bay Packers 24 – Detroit Lions 14
We’re talking about Lambeau Field and the Detroit Lions. Winning doesn’t happen for them on the Frozen Tundra and it won’t happen for them this time. This game will have us questioning the Lions offense for a week and then be more irritated about how good Aaron Rodgers is.
Bell
Green Bay Packers 28 – Detroit Lions 10
Besides Denver and Seattle, this will be the hardest game of the season. Going to Lambeau Field in Green Bay is never easy. There might even be some snow in November. Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers will pick apart the Detroit secondary in this game.
JNC
Green Bay Packers 34 – Detroit Lions 24
It’s Mr. Rodgers neighborhood. The Lions just simply don’t win there.
Whittico
Green Bay Packers 27 – Detroit Lions 17
Aaron Rodgers and his utility belt of offensive weapons remind the Lions that the Packers are the class of the NFC North.
Hernandez
Green Bay Packers 23 – Detroit Lions 13
A road game in Green Bay? Does anything further really need to be said? I’m picking against the Lions in this game until they prove they can win here on the road.
Week 11: Oakland Raiders
Dorf
Detroit Lions 34 – Oakland Raiders 20
When you get one of the worst teams in the league coming across the country to face you, you should beat them by two scores. The Lions will do just that.
Bray
Detroit Lions 30 – Oakland Raiders 17
What’s the cure for a rough tow weeks on the road? You welcome the Oakland Raiders to town. It’s funny their fans call their stadium the black hole, because that’s where their football hopes have been sucked into.
Downtown
Detroit Lions 35 – Oakland Raiders 17
Nothing against the Raiders and their young defense but Matthew Stafford and this offense need to show they’re legit. They do so in a big way against Da-Raiders.
Bell
Detroit Lions 35 – Oakland Raiders 14
This game will just be ugly for the Raiders. The Lions will just pick apart the Raiders defense. Look to see wide receiver Calvin Johnson to have a huge game.
JNC
Detroit Lions 24 – Oakland Raiders 10
Megatron scores twice in an easy win for the Lions.
Whittico
Detroit Lions 38 – Oakland Raiders 27
Amari Cooper has a fantasy field day, but the Raiders are still a season or two away from mattering.
Hernandez
Detroit Lions 32 – Oakland Raiders 16
These aren’t the same Raiders that have been the laughing stock of the league the past several years. Then again the Lions are dangerous enough at home to ruin a cross country trip for the Raiders.
Week 12: Philadelphia Eagles
Dorf
Philadelphia Eagles 31 – Detroit Lions 16
A short turn around for the Lions for a game that requires a complex defensive game plan to stop the Eagles offense. Sorry everyone, it isn’t going to happen.
Bray
Detroit Lions 22 – Philadelphia Eagles 14
Happy Turkey day folks. It’s a quick turnaround for Detroit but the Lions defense is rounding into form at the right time.
Downtown
Detroit Lions 27 – Philadelphia Eagles 21
By this time, the Eagles will have some injuries on defense and they don’t have enough depth there. For me, they look good on paper but not good enough to win during week 12 in Detroit.
Bell
Detroit Lions 21 – Philadelphia Eagles 20
This will be another close game for the Detroit Lions.Eagles running back Demarco Murray will come out and run on the Lions defense. The Eagles don’t have a solid passing game and look for the Lions secondary to come out and make a play on defense that will turn the game into a victory for the Lions. Plus it’s Thanksgiving and the Lions need to win.
JNC
Detroit Lions 31 – Philadelphia Eagles 27
Tim Tebow is re-signed just for this game to play tight end and he scores twice. His effort isn’t enough to beat the Lions at home.
Whittico
Philadelphia Eagles 38 – Detroit Lions 34
Detroit earns back their “Same Old Lions” tag as they blow this one late against Chip Kelly’s hurry-up offense.
Hernandez
Philadelphia Eagles 28 – Detroit Lions 20
The Eagles will have too much offense to go around while the Lions fall apart in the second half.
Week 13: Green Bay Packers
Dorf
Detroit Lions 21 – Green Bay Packers 20
The Lions have an extra few days to prepare for this game which will give them the edge. The already thin Packers are starting to get riddled with injuries that they can’t scheme around.
Bray
Detroit Lions 27 – Green Bay Packers 21
Revenge is a dish best served at home. These two teams are now neck and neck for the NFC North division title.
Downtown
Green Bay Packers 28 – Detroit Lions 21
Unfortunately, I had to chose between the Eagles or the Packers for the Lions fifth loss and I think the Packers make the most sense. The game is at Ford Field, which is the only advantage for the Lions. It still won’t be enough as Aaron Rodgers make another late fourth quarter comeback to secure a win for Green Bay.
Bell
Detroit Lions 27 – Green Bay Packers 24
This game will be to see who wins the NFC North division. Green Bay will come up short at the end. Look to see Lions kicker Matt Prater with a game winning Field Goal.
JNC
Detroit Lions 23 – Green Bay Packers 20 (OT)
The Lions win because of home field advantage. The defense will propel Detroit to the victory.
Whittico
Green Bay Packers 31 – Detroit Lions 10
The Lions have at least one huge disappointment each year, and losing back-to-back hurts team morale.
Hernandez
Detroit Lions 24 – Green Bay Packers 20
The Lions may have enough at home to make the Packers a little more one dimensional. That’s not saying the Lions won’t have their problems with Eddie Lacy but this time Detroit is able to outshoot Aaron Rodgers and the Packers.
Week 14: at St. Louis Rams
Dorf
Detroit Lions 21 – St. Louis Rams 14
The Rams are not going to be very good offensively but they sure can get to the passer. If Matthew Stafford survives in one piece, that will be enough to propel the Lions to victory.
Bray
Detroit Lions 16 – St. Louis Rams 13
A battle of two top-10 defenses. Both teams defenses are suited to get after the opposing teams offensive strength. The Lions will survive a ugly game.
Downtown
Detroit Lions 30 – St. Louis Rams 21
Whether the Rams have a run game or not, I don’t think they have a true receiver to help Nick Foles get the job done. Expect a second half turnover to help the Lions pick up another huge late season victory.
Bell
Detroit Lions 21 – St. Louis Rams 7
This will be a relaxing game for the Lions offense and defense. The Rams are a rebuilding team and won’t be able to keep up with the Lions offense.
JNC
St. Louis 20 – Detroit 17 (OT)
Greg “The Leg” Zuerlein nails a game winner for the Rams in overtime.
Whittico
St. Louis Rams 17 – Detroit Lions 16
Reminiscent of last years loss to the Bills, the Lions take charge early and fall asleep at the wheel.
Hernandez
Detroit Lions 29 – St. Louis Rams 23
The Lions remain in control almost the entire game but it’s the Rams who turn this into a one possession game late.
Week 15: at New Orleans Saints
Dorf
New Orleans Saints 37 – Detroit Lions 19
The Lions won’t win in New Orleans for two reasons. They won’t be able to win a game they have to win to keep their playoff hopes alive because they are the Lions and they won’t be able to stop Breesus.
Bray
New Orleans Saints 34 – Detroit Lions 28
Lions are simply playing New Orleans too late as they will have figured out life after Jimmy Graham. Drew Brees is cooking with Brandin Cooks in this Monday Night shootout.
Downtown
Detroit Lions 31 – New Orleans Saints 28
This game will be a coin flip because of the skill on offense but the Saints have lost too much defensively. Stafford will out-duel Drew Brees and the Lions get their only prime-time game victory.
Bell
New Orleans Saints 28 – Detroit Lions 13
This will be a tough game but going to New Orleans and it will not be easy to win. Look for Saints quarterback Drew Brees to have a big game and blow up the Lions defense.
JNC
New Orleans Saints 34 – Detroit Lions 30
Drew Brees lights up the Detroit secondary showing he still has it.
Whittico
New Orleans Saints 34 – Detroit Lions 30
Drew Brees gets revenge for his team’s sloppy play last year against the Lions and everyone watches Detroit’s playoff hopes shatter on national television.
Hernandez
New Orleans 23 – Detroit Lions 20
The Lions lead at halftime but the Saints come storming back after the half. Unlike their last meeting at Ford Field, the Lions don’t get lucky and just fall short in the Big Easy.
Week 16: San Francisco 49ers
Dorf
Detroit Lions 24 – San Francisco 49ers 6
I have the Lions sitting at 7-7 coming into the game. The have almost no hope left of making the playoffs but they get lucky because the 49ers are flat out the worst team in football.
Bray
Detroit Lions 23 – San Francisco 49ers 10
Is anyone buying the 49ers winning four games? That team has been gutted and at this point Matthew Stafford to Golden Tate and Stafford to Calvin Johnson is too much.
Downtown
Detroit Lions 28 – San Francisco 49ers 14
Truthfully, I believe that the 49ers are going to be the worst team in the NFL this year. The Lions will do just enough to get their playoff berth and will then focus on resting their starters in the final week of the season.
Bell
Detroit Lions 28 – San Francisco 49ers 14
The 49ers are just straight up horrible. Their run game will struggle with no offensive line and the defense is going to just get destroyed all season. The Lions should be no different.
JNC
Detroit Lions 20 – San Francisco 17
A last minute comeback attempt is thwarted by the Lions defense avoiding a letdown against an awful football team.
Whittico
Detroit Lions 44 – San Francisco 49ers 17
The Lions take out their frustration on the league’s worst team.
Hernandez
Detroit Lions 36 – San Francisco 49ers 16
The 49ers will be one of the worst teams in the League while the Lions defense has Colin Kaepernick running for his life.
Week 17: @ Chicago Bears
Dorf
Detroit Lions 17 – Chicago Bears 3
Chicago is what Charles Barkley would call “turrible”, terrible and horrible all in one. The Lions may have a shot to sneak into the playoffs as a wild card still and they do their part with a solid victory as Chicago is onto their third starting quarterback of the season.
Bray
Detroit Lions 42 – Chicago Bears 20
The Leo’s put it on the Bears as they have nothing to play for. At this point Detroit should be sniffing the division title with the Packers. The Bears cap off a two week gift from NFL scheduling department.
Downtown
Chicago Bears 21 – Detroit Lions 20
This game won’t mean anything for the Lions as they won’t be in contention to win their division and will already have their playoff ticket punched. They should rest their starters unless they have a legit shot for a home playoff game. If they do, then they win. If not, they rest and lose by a point.
Bell
Chicago Bears 23 – Detroit Lions 20
It’s never easy for the Lions to go to Chicago and win. It will be a tough game but the Bears at this point will just be a playoff stopper. Look to see Bears running back Matt Forte to have a big game in the air and on the ground.
JNC
Detroit Lions 23 – Chicago Bears 17
The Chicago Bears suck. They really, really suck and today will be no different.
Whittico
Detroit Lions 35 – Chicago Bears 14
It feels good to beat the lowly Bears, but a strong NFC is too much for the Lions to survive.
Hernandez
Detroit Lions 23 – Chicago Bears 17
The Bears keep it closer at home this season but in the end the Lions are a much more balanced team for more to play for.
Predicted records at the end of the regular season.
Dorf: 9-7
Bray: 11-5
Downtown: 10-6
Bell: 11-5
JNC: 10-6
Whittico: 9-7
Hernandez: 10-6
Average Record: 10-6