I know the record doesn't show it but the Lions really aren't a bad team. They have made a few mistakes that ended up costing them games, but take those away and you would be left with a team in contention right now in my opinion.
They have only won a total of two games this year, but look at how many they should have won:
Week 1: The Calvin Johnson "not a catch" for a TD. They would have beat Chicago, if that hadn't been over turned. That was a TD.
Week 2: Didn't catch the whole game, but lost to the Eagles 32-35 with their back up QB.
Week 4: Was on a flight to Europe so only caught part of the game on a layover, but lost to GB 26-28 so it was close.
Week 5: Lit a solid Rams team up 44-6
Week 6: Lost to NYG 28-20
Week 8: Stafford comes back and has a great game with 4 passing TDs and 1 rushing, leading his team to a 37-25 win over WAS.
Week 9: I think this was another game they should have won against the Jets (23-20) Stafford was moving the ball well until he got hurt, and the game would have never even gone into overtime if Suh didn't miss the XP after Hanson got hurt.
Week 10: Lost to BUF 12-10. Can't remember what went on here.
Week 13: Lost to Chicago 24-20, but was a close game with their third string QB.
Looking back on everything, there are six games I saw they should have, or could have won, which would have them sitting 8-4 right now. If that were the case, I think 11-4 would have been very possible with their remaining schedule against GB/TB/MIA/MIN. But could have, would have, should have. Close only counts in horse shoes and hand grenades, right?
Their offense isn't the problem, they can compete and will only be even better with a healthy Stafford and Best. Suh has been a beast on defense, Kyle Vanden Bosch is solid, and talented guys like Louis Delmas at Safety, LB Levy, DE Cliff Avril, and CB Spievey. This is a young team, so mistakes will be made but they will learn from them. I think if they have another good draft and load up the O/D lines, get another CB and then LB they will be solid. All the skill positions are accounted for - you have arguably the best WR in the game who is still young, a RB who is one of the biggest home run threats in the league and was killing it before getting turf toes, a talented QB, one of the best returners in the league with Logan, Burelson isn't bad, and Pettigrew has been good this year although Scheffler has been quiet.
Its obvious this team has improved greatly, and should only continue to get better if they have another good draft and stay healthy. They are my sleeper pick for a playoff spot next year!