It’s finally here. After all the waiting its finally time for… part three? While true, it’s also time for Detroit Lions football. Following another off-season of promise the time has come for the Lions to show their mettle and produce results on the field. While not explicitly said that Bob Quinn and Matt Patricia’s jobs are on the line, Martha Ford said in December that she expects the team to compete for a playoff spot in 2020. This article will break down each game and see whether they can accrue enough wins to make the playoffs and save the jobs of Quinn and Patricia. Without anymore delays, here is the Detroit Lions Season Preview: Part Three!
This is part three of the series. If you missed the first part you can find that here and the second part here.
Week One: Chicago Bears (H)
The Chicago Bears came into this season with quarterback concerns, and fans may still be concerned about Mitch Trubisky, but he will start week one for the Bears. With this being a home game for the Lions it seemed like a good opportunity to start 1-0. However, with the news that Kenny Golladay is doubtful with a hamstring injury, the Bears have their hardest cover likely out. That should give them a slight edge to the opening game.
Result: Bears sneak out an opening game win. (0-1)
Week Two: Green Bay Packers (A)
Playing at Lambeau Field is a tough task, but playing there in the winter months is another level of difficulty. The Lions will get that trip out of the way early this season and it should give them a stronger chance to win then those December trips to Green Bay. Even with that advantage as long as Aaron Rodgers is playing for the Packers in week two, they should come away with a home victory.
Result: Lions don’t win often in Lambeau and won’t in week 2. (0-2)
Week Three: Arizona Cardinals (A)
These two teams played to the only tie of the 2019 season after then-rookie Kyler Murray lead a fourth quarter comeback to save them from what should’ve been a victory for Detroit. Murray now has a year under his belt and a shiny new toy in superstar wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins. With that kind of talent out wide, Murray should be set up for a great season. But even with that, the Lions have to win this kind of game to have a shot at the playoffs, and will find a way to win a close, but high scoring game.
Result: Lions finally put away the Cardinals and secure win number one. (1-2)
Week Four: New Orleans Saints (H)
As long as the Saints still have Drew Brees, Michael Thomas, and Alvin Kamara on their offense, they will have a strong chance to win the NFC South. The Lions have their own strong offensive trio of Matthew Stafford, Kenny Golladay, and Kerryon Johnson. Until the Lions trio makes some noise league-wide or in the playoffs, the Saints will be favored.
Result: Saints stars shine brighter than Lions do. (1-3)
Week Five: BYE
Believe it or not, the Lions are undefeated during their bye week in team history. Mark your calendars for another bye without a loss for Detroit.
Result: Lions still don’t lose on their bye week. (1-3)
Week Six: Jacksonville Jaguars (A)
Gardner Minshew and his mustache have taken fans and social media by storm. Minshew-Mania runs wild in Jacksonville, but they are just not talented enough to take down the Lions, even at home. This would be a great game to finally see D’Andre Swift and Jeff Okudah make big impacts.
Result: Lions slow down the Minshew hype train and win in North Florida. (2-3)
Week Seven: Atlanta Falcons (A)
Atlanta has underachieved the last two seasons, finishing with seven wins in both 2018 and 2019. For a team that was in the Super Bowl in 2016 the seat for Dan Quinn has to be getting warmer. Matt Ryan and Matthew Stafford are both above-average quarterbacks with star receivers and solid running backs. This game will be decided by the defense and Desmond Trufant will make an impact against his former team to give his new team a victory on the road.
Result: Trufant clips the wings of the Falcons to bring Detroit to .500. (3-3)
Week Eight: Indianapolis Colts (H)
We could see two rookie running backs playing a big role in this game. Jonathan Taylor will have a strong chance to have taken over the lead back role for the Colts by this time in the season. Philip Rivers signed a one year deal to join the Colts and shouldn’t have pressure if things don’t go well for Indy. Playing at home should give the Lions a slight advantage in what should be another close game.
Result: Lions steal an important game and secure their first home win. (4-3)
Week Nine: Minnesota Vikings (A)
Michigan-native Kirk Cousins signed the largest guaranteed-money contract, but the Vikings bread-and-butter is running the football. Dalvin Cook who just signed a $63 million contract extension is the focal point for Minnesota. The Lions defensive line appears to be the weak point on their defense and a back like Cook can take advantage of that.
Result: Cook carries Cousins and Vikings to a win over Detroit. (4-4)
Week 10: Washington Football Team (H)
Washington added possibly the most talented player in the 2020 draft when they selected Chase Young second overall. He will join a defensive line with 2019 first round pick Montez Sweat. Those are the kind of defensive ends who can wreak havoc for an opposing quarterback. The offense for Washington is much less impressive and likely won’t be able to keep up with the Lions offense.
Result: Lions offense is better than Washington and starts second half of the season victorious. (5-4)
Week 11: Carolina Panthers (A)
Carolina had a disappointing year in 2019, leading them to let Ron Rivera go and bring in Matt Rhule from Baylor. They spent every 2020 draft pick to improve the defense and brought in Teddy Bridgewater to succeed Cam Newton. They also still have Christian McCaffery who is among the best all-around backs in the game. These upgrades should give them the edge over Detroit.
Result: McCaffery impacts every aspect of the offense and Detroit won’t have any answers. (5-5)
Week 12: Houston Texans (H)
Thanksgiving Day has been a polarizing one for Detroit. There have been numerous occasions where the Lions are embarrassed on a national stage and people call for them to be removed. Other times, the Lions get up for this game and play their best game all season. The latter is necessary for Detroit to make the playoffs, and the pressure will bring out the best of Stafford to win on a 4th quarter comeback.
Result: Stafford works his magic to try and keep his coach’s job. (6-5)
Week 13: Chicago Bears (A)
The Lions would be favored to win week one against Chicago if Golladay was playing. Let’s assume he is playing in week 13. His skill-set is game changing and will be the difference in this game.
Result: Golladay plays; Lions win. (7-5)
Week 14: Green Bay (H)
Last season the Lions went 0-6 against the division for the first time since 2012. Even in poor seasons since then Detroit manages to win games against the division opponents. For them to make the playoffs they will need to at least split their division games. Playing at home should be enough for the them to pick up a win here.
Result: Lions win a division game at home to keep playoff hopes alive. (8-5)
Week 15: Tennessee Titans (A)
Tennessee somehow managed to turn Ryan Tannehill into the most efficient passer in the NFL. Derrick Henry became the best running back in the NFL. This team will likely win the AFC South and Detroit will not be able to keep up with one of the premier teams in the AFC.
Result: Tennessee is really good and the Lions aren’t there yet. (8-6)
Week 16: Tampa Bay Buccaneers (H)
The biggest news of the offseason came when Tom Brady left the New England Patriots to join the Bucs. He brought his favorite target Rob Gronkowski out of retirement to join him in Florida. Brady will be inheriting the best offensive group that he has probably ever had and they should win against the Lions.
Result: Brady is the GOAT; Detroit fading when it needs to win the most. (8-7)
Week 17: Minnesota Vikings (H)
Splitting against division opponents is the bare minimum to be in playoff contention for this Lions team. They will take advantage of playing at home and not against the Packers and secure a winning record and at least within shouting distance of the playoffs.
Result: Lions finish above .500 and will have the potential to make the playoffs. (9-7)
Wrapping Up
So there you have it. The definitive spoilers of the 2020 Detroit Lions season. They will finish just over .500 and be positioned to compete for a wild card berth. Let us know what you think Detroit will do this season! Thank you for reading the Detroit Lions Season Preview: Part Three and the other two parts as well. One Pride forever!
