Our Free Press sports writers and columnists make their predictions on who many wins the Detroit Lions get in 2020, and whether they’ll qualify for the new expanded playoff format:
Dave Birkett: 9-7
The reason: Back in 2018, I dinged the Lions’ win total because the vibe around the team was so bad, and they struggled to a 6-10 record. Well, the way Matt Patricia and Co. have handled this very unique offseason has given me the opposite feeling. The Lions could be a surprise this year, and Matthew Stafford and the offense look good enough to make the playoffs.
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Biggest win: Vikings, Week 17 to make the playoffs
Lions’ MVP: Matthew Stafford
Lions’ leading rusher: Adrian Peterson
Lions’ leading receiver: Kenny Golladay
Matthew Stafford TD/INTs: 32/10
Starts by Jeff Okudah: 10
Where Lions’ offense will rank: Ninth
Where Lions’ defense will rank: 19th
NFC division winners: Seattle, Minnesota, Dallas, Tampa Bay
NFC wild cards: San Francisco, New Orleans, Detroit
NFC title game: Seattle over San Francisco
AFC division winners: Baltimore, Kansas City, New England, Indianapolis
AFC wild cards: Cleveland, Buffalo, Houston
AFC title game: Baltimore over Kansas City
Super Bowl: Baltimore over Seattle
[ How the Lions stack up against every team in NFC North ]
Carlos Monarrez: 9-7
The reason: A revamped defense should make a world of difference. A healthy Stafford and a healthy running backs room will complement what should be a top-notch receiving corps. And don’t forget about T.J. Hockenson having his rookie year behind him.
Biggest win: Houston on Thanksgiving
Lions’ MVP: Stafford
Lions’ leading rusher: Kerryon Johnson
Lions’ leading receiver: Golladay
Matthew Stafford TD/INTs: 25/12
Starts by Jeff Okudah: 10
Where Lions’ offense will rank: 15th
Where Lions’ defense will rank: 18th
NFC division winners: Philadelphia, Green Bay, New Orleans, San Francisco
NFC wild cards: Dallas, Tampa Bay, Seattle
NFC title game: San Francisco over New Orleans
AFC division winners: Buffalo, Baltimore, Tennessee, Kansas City
AFC wild cards: Pittsburgh, Houston, Indianapolis
AFC title game: Baltimore over Kansas City
Super Bowl: Baltimore over San Francisco
Jeff Seidel: 7-9
The reason: The Lions should have a fantastic offense but that defense is highly suspect. It will be bottom tier defense. Patricia has grown and it was smart to give up defensive play-calling responsibilities. But I won’t trust this front office, much less this coaching staff, until it shows me that it knows how to win.
Biggest win: New Orleans
Lions’ MVP: Stafford
Lions’ leading rusher: Peterson
Lions’ leading receiver: Golladay
Matthew Stafford TD/INTs: 32/10
Starts by Jeff Okudah: 14
Where Lions’ offense will rank: 12th
Where Lions’ defense will rank: 23rd
NFC division winners: Dallas, Minnesota, Tampa Bay, Seattle
NFC wild cards: New Orleans, Philadelphia, San Francisco
NFC title game: Dallas over Minnesota
AFC division winners: Kansas City, Baltimore, Tennessee, Buffalo
AFC wild cards: Pittsburgh, Indianapolis, New England
AFC title game: Kansas City over Baltimore
Super Bowl: Kansas City over Dallas
Shawn Windsor: 9-7
The reason: Stafford remains an upper-tier QB when healthy. He has receivers, running backs and a solid offensive line. At some point the defense should improve under Patricia. If not this season, then when? Besides, if the Tigers can compete for a wild-card spot, the Lions can, too.
Biggest win: At Tennessee
Lions’ MVP: Stafford
Lions’ leading rusher: Johnson
Lions’ leading receiver: Golladay
Matthew Stafford TD/INTs: 27/11
Starts by Jeff Okudah: 13
Where Lions’ offense will rank: Seventh
Where Lions’ defense will rank: 16th
NFC division winners: Dallas, San Francisco, Minnesota, Tampa Bay
NFC wild cards: Philadelphia, Seattle, New Orleans
NFC title game: Tampa Bay over San Francisco
AFC division winners: Buffalo, Kansas City, Baltimore, Houston
AFC wild cards: Tennessee, Pittsburgh, New England
AFC title game: Kansas City over Baltimore
Super Bowl: Kansas City over Tampa Bay