Detroit News predictions: Playoffs or bust for the Lions?

Detroit News

Justin Rogers, Rod Beard, John Niyo and Bob Wojnowski of The Detroit News offer their predictions for how the Lions will fare this season.

Justin Rogers: As if season predictions weren’t already an impossible task, now we’ve got to tackle them without the benefit of seeing how new pieces are fitting, in Detroit and around the league, through preseason games. OK, as long as you agree not to hold this prognostication against me. 

Last year was a major whiff. I thought the Lions were headed toward 10 wins. They finished with three. But my instinctual compass wasn’t completely malfunctioning. Before Matthew Stafford got hurt, you could see how close the Lions were to turning a corner. Heck, they easily could have won six of their first eight games in 2019. 

This year, many of those same indicators remain in place. There’s a cohesion and chemistry on and off the field that typically translates to success. And the team made some solid upgrades, on paper, to both sides of the ball (although concerns about a lacking pass rush remain). The biggest improvements should be with the ground game, which has the pieces to finally be competent. If the plug-and-play New England-based additions to the defense fit as well as expected, elevating the unit from the basement to league average, playoffs are a realistic possibility. Record: 9-7

Rod Beard: For years, the Lions have been predictably disappointing. In a year dominated by the pandemic, things will be anything but predictable — including the Lions. They have all the pieces on offense to compete with the elite teams and the addition of Adrian Peterson could be the fix they need in the running game. Defense will be the big question mark, and if new defensive coordinator Cory Undlin’s retooled defense can be even in the middle of the pack in the league, it’ll be a huge development. A healthy Matthew Stafford gives the Lions a chance, but in a competitive NFC North, making the playoffs will be tough. Record: 8-8

► John Niyo: The continuity is what had everyone in an uproar last December. But it’s probably the best thing the Lions have going for them to start this season. Year 2 of Darrell Bevell’s offense playing to Matthew Stafford’s strengths gives Detroit a decided advantage coming off a virtual offseason that’ll have some teams scrambling. And while the defense is retooled, most of the new parts are veterans who understand what Matt Patricia is trying to do — and believe in it. I think that’ll be enough to get back on track in a wide-open NFC North. Record: 9-7

Bob Wojnowski: The Lions will be better in several areas, but it’s moot if they’re not better in one area — the offensive line. With two new starters on the right side — rookie guard Jonah Jackson and tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai — they need to protect Matthew Stafford for longer than it takes to spell Halapoulivaati. If Stafford stays healthy, the Lions have enough receivers and backs to roll out a top-10 offense. It’s on Matt Patricia and new coordinator Cory Undlin to upgrade the defense to at least modestly respectable. The Lions will get close to that coveted playoff contention but fall short. Record: 8-8

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