Will the Detroit Lions make the playoffs this year? (1 Viewer)

[hutchins929]

I think a lot of people look at the Detroit Lions as the failure that they have been the past half decade, and really find it almost impossible for them to ever climb back up to the top.

They won 7 games last year. Yes, I'm giving them 7 because that CJ touchdown against Chicago would have stood the year before, and would stand this year as well. Debate all you want about semantics, but the Lions absolutely won that game.

Stafford played what, three games last year? Best is a fantastic RB. Granted, as someone mentioned, he is a little small, but most teams are RBBC anyway, so he'll have some help, and as I already mentioned, with his receiving skills, a healthy Stafford, and the all-world CJ, he will have some room to show his ability.

Suh, Vanden Bosch, and Fairly will be an incredible force. Other than Rogers, who else in that division will be able to avoid them without fearing for their lives?

If they can get 7 wins last year without Stafford, Vanden Bosch, Fairley and an oft-injured and most times defensivly targeted Best, how could they not logically be expected to win 9 or 10 games this year?

To answer your question: because other teams may also have improved nearly as much, as much, or more, through the draft, free agency, and/or added experience. The problem for detroit is that so many of the players you're referring to as helping the team take the next step are a) 1st or second year players who've now missed out on a great many opportunities to improve and learn this offseason and b) players in a relatively new coaching regime with one less offseason to grow and learn within the system.I believe this season, moreso than in the past, the advantage will go to the teams that are already elite, and the teams that are not facing new or relatively new coaching regimes.

I can see Detroit vying for #2 in the division, but its not a good bet that they'll beat out GB and Chi. Min maybe. Could they? Sure, that's why they play the games. But you won't catch me laying money on them.

I'd put money on them over Chicago... That is if I had any money! lol

 

[Tornacl]

I'm a big Lions fan, but I don't see them making the playoffs this year, but just the fact that there's even a discussion shows how far they've come. I see 8 wins as being where they should be, any less is a disappointment, and any more is a bonus. They won't win the division and they won't get enough wins to get the wild card.

I hope they can get Joseph and a LB to solidify the back 7, it would make this team competitive, but Stafford still has to prove he's for real.

 

[hutchins929]

I'm a big Lions fan, but I don't see them making the playoffs this year, but just the fact that there's even a discussion shows how far they've come. I see 8 wins as being where they should be, any less is a disappointment, and any more is a bonus. They won't win the division and they won't get enough wins to get the wild card.I hope they can get Joseph and a LB to solidify the back 7, it would make this team competitive, but Stafford still has to prove he's for real.

What do you think about someone like LB - Takeo Spikes? He is getting old but he would help the linebackers core a lot. Big improvement over what the Lions have there now.

 

[Tornacl]

I'm a big Lions fan, but I don't see them making the playoffs this year, but just the fact that there's even a discussion shows how far they've come. I see 8 wins as being where they should be, any less is a disappointment, and any more is a bonus. They won't win the division and they won't get enough wins to get the wild card.I hope they can get Joseph and a LB to solidify the back 7, it would make this team competitive, but Stafford still has to prove he's for real.

What do you think about someone like LB - Takeo Spikes? He is getting old but he would help the linebackers core a lot. Big improvement over what the Lions have there now.

It would be a good move, but is pretty unlikely. As a player, I think that he still seems to have a bit left (had a great year last year) and is a very good leader/locker room presence. I just wouldn't want to see them put too much cap space into him, since he is 34. He'd be a huge improvement over what they have, but I think he stays in SF, and that it would take a substantial contract by Detroit to get him.

 

[T with T]

I think a lot of people look at the Detroit Lions as the failure that they have been the past half decade, and really find it almost impossible for them to ever climb back up to the top.

They won 7 games last year. Yes, I'm giving them 7 because that CJ touchdown against Chicago would have stood the year before, and would stand this year as well. Debate all you want about semantics, but the Lions absolutely won that game.

While you can't let that go, let's discuss other possibilities.

-Lets say they count the TD, Detroit goes up 21-19 with 31 seconds left.

-That leaves a Chicago team 31 seconds to get into FG range to win the game.

-Chicago has the best ST unit in the NFL. The best returners that would've probably got them into good field position and one of the better FG kickers in the NFL.

-Jay Cutler was 23/35 for 362 yards and a 108.3 QB rating.

-The Bears also had all 3 Timeouts left.

-Adding all of that together, I think Chicago still wins.

Doubt it.. and in all actuality if not for that weak call on SUH on 3rd down where all he did was simply push J. Cutler, the lions should have been 2-0 against the bears and should have been 8-8 with Stafford gone most of year.. If the lions go get Tulluch/ J. Joseph or M. Huff they could def win 10 games this year.. Don't forget the addition of Leshoure, who I really like and Titus Young who will open up the field for Calvin/petti/burleson with his speed.

 

[PatsFanCT]

I think a lot of people look at the Detroit Lions as the failure that they have been the past half decade, and really find it almost impossible for them to ever climb back up to the top.

They won 7 games last year. Yes, I'm giving them 7 because that CJ touchdown against Chicago would have stood the year before, and would stand this year as well. Debate all you want about semantics, but the Lions absolutely won that game.

While you can't let that go, let's discuss other possibilities.

-Lets say they count the TD, Detroit goes up 21-19 with 31 seconds left.

-That leaves a Chicago team 31 seconds to get into FG range to win the game.

-Chicago has the best ST unit in the NFL. The best returners that would've probably got them into good field position and one of the better FG kickers in the NFL.

-Jay Cutler was 23/35 for 362 yards and a 108.3 QB rating.

-The Bears also had all 3 Timeouts left.

-Adding all of that together, I think Chicago still wins.

You countered my facts with your speculation. I just put a small amount ($25) on the Lions to win the Super Bowl at +2500. Granted, it's not necessarily a good bet, but it was small, and shows my confidence. If the Cardinals could get there with less, then so could they.

 

[Sabertooth]

They continue to build the right way, and that is through the draft. Free agency isn't going to put them over the top. One year away unless the stars align perfectly. At which point they could potentially fight their way deep into the playoffs.

 

[Iwannabeacowboybaby!]

I'm a big Lions fan, but I don't see them making the playoffs this year, but just the fact that there's even a discussion shows how far they've come. I see 8 wins as being where they should be, any less is a disappointment, and any more is a bonus. They won't win the division and they won't get enough wins to get the wild card.I hope they can get Joseph and a LB to solidify the back 7, it would make this team competitive, but Stafford still has to prove he's for real.

Hi Tornacl,Glad to hear you're a big Lions fan, but I'm not sure how anything less than 8 games is considered a disappointment but you can't see them making the playoffs. Any team in the NFL where you think will be .500 or better definately has a shot at making the playoffs.Just like any other team that will be around the .500 mark, if the Lions stay healthy this season, they'll have a shot.I don't like that Backus was injured and heading into the season dinged.

 

[Ilov80s]

I've looked at the schedule and I see @TB,,vs. Chi on Monday Night, @Oak and vs SD as being the 4 most important games of the season. Those are the swing games that the Lions need to win to make the playoffs. I think Detroit is looking at 8-8, 9-7, 10-6. Anything less than 8-8 is a big disappointment and anything better than 10-6 is a shock.

 

[SaintsInDome2006]

Postulation: A young team with a horrid recent past like the Lions need a good start to make the playoffs.

They open with:

Sep 11 @Tampa Bay 1:00 pm

Sep 18 Kansas City 1:00 pm

Sep 25 @Minnesota 1:00 pm

Oct 2 @Dallas 1:00 pm

Oct 10 Chicago 8:30 pm

Oct 16 San Francisco 1:00 pm

Oct 23 Atlanta 1:00 pm

Oct 30 @Denver 4:05 pm

Three of the first four on the road. At TB is a tough opener. If the Lions don't cure their road woes permanently they are going nowhere.

The first two games against winning teams.

First 8 games set has 4 winning teams.

Personally I think if they start at 1-3 it's another typical Lions year. (Speaking as a Saints fan who knows full well what a 'typical Saints year' used to mean).

I will be drafting Stafford with high hopes though.

 

[Ghost Rider]

They won 7 games last year. Yes, I'm giving them 7 because that CJ touchdown against Chicago would have stood the year before, and would stand this year as well. Debate all you want about semantics, but the Lions absolutely won that game.

I hate this way of thinking. Had that Calvin TD stood (which looked like a TD to me), we have no way of knowing if the Bears would have come back down and scored at the end to steal the win back. It's not like the Calvin TD was on the last play of the game. And plenty of teams have went down the field at the end of games without much time on the clock. And with Hester back there to return the KO, who knows what would have happen.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

They won 7 games last year. Yes, I'm giving them 7 because that CJ touchdown against Chicago would have stood the year before, and would stand this year as well. Debate all you want about semantics, but the Lions absolutely won that game.

I hate this way of thinking. Had that Calvin TD stood (which looked like a TD to me), we have no way of knowing if the Bears would have come back down and scored at the end to steal the win back. It's not like the Calvin TD was on the last play of the game. And plenty of teams have went down the field at the end of games without much time on the clock. And with Hester back there to return the KO, who knows what would have happen.

Especially with that horrid defense.

 

[jurb26]

I voted no, and 9-10. Don't think they'll beat out GB for the division, and I see both wild cards coming out of the South.

Interesting that they will play all 4 of the teams fro the South this year. I think Det can win at least 2 of those games, if not 3. Going into NO is the only one I would place them at a significant disadvantage to winning. I think they are going to be good enough to beat all of the other 3. That doesn't mean they will of course. I have the Lions finishing at 9-7 but I have no idea if that will put them in the playoffs or not. As it's been mentioned by others, GB is the class of the NFC and should win that division. This places Det in a tough spot to start. I agree that the games vs. the NFC South will be critical to determining their playoff fate. If they go 3-1 in those games, their in IMO.

 

[Gopher State]

The lions have a FEW good players, not a TEAM of good players. I see them in the 5 to 6 game win range this year. The Packers will own them and the division. If the Vikings get McNabb the lions will be in the basement. Don't get we wrong the lions are getting better, but play offs, what are people thinking.

 

[King of the Jungle]

The lions have a FEW good players, not a TEAM of good players. I see them in the 5 to 6 game win range this year. The Packers will own them and the division. If the Vikings get McNabb the lions will be in the basement. Don't get we wrong the lions are getting better, but play offs, what are people thinking.

And basement...what are you thinking? 8-8...no playoffs...no basement.

 

[benson_will_lead_the_way]

I think a lot of people look at the Detroit Lions as the failure that they have been the past half decade, and really find it almost impossible for them to ever climb back up to the top.

They won 7 games last year. Yes, I'm giving them 7 because that CJ touchdown against Chicago would have stood the year before, and would stand this year as well. Debate all you want about semantics, but the Lions absolutely won that game.

While you can't let that go, let's discuss other possibilities.

-Lets say they count the TD, Detroit goes up 21-19 with 31 seconds left.

-That leaves a Chicago team 31 seconds to get into FG range to win the game.

-Chicago has the best ST unit in the NFL. The best returners that would've probably got them into good field position and one of the better FG kickers in the NFL.

-Jay Cutler was 23/35 for 362 yards and a 108.3 QB rating.

-The Bears also had all 3 Timeouts left.

-Adding all of that together, I think Chicago still wins.

You countered my facts with your speculation. I just put a small amount ($25) on the Lions to win the Super Bowl at +2500. Granted, it's not necessarily a good bet, but it was small, and shows my confidence. If the Cardinals could get there with less, then so could they.

You have added lots of opinion. The only opinion I added above is that I think Chicago Wins...which they mostly do vs the Lions.

 

[PatsFanCT]

They won 7 games last year. Yes, I'm giving them 7 because that CJ touchdown against Chicago would have stood the year before, and would stand this year as well. Debate all you want about semantics, but the Lions absolutely won that game.

I hate this way of thinking. Had that Calvin TD stood (which looked like a TD to me), we have no way of knowing if the Bears would have come back down and scored at the end to steal the win back. It's not like the Calvin TD was on the last play of the game. And plenty of teams have went down the field at the end of games without much time on the clock. And with Hester back there to return the KO, who knows what would have happen.

You can hate this way of thinking all you want, but when one BS call could make the difference between a 6-10 and a a 7-9 team while discussing the possibility of that team winning 9-10 games this year makes a big difference.

 

[PatsFanCT]

I think a lot of people look at the Detroit Lions as the failure that they have been the past half decade, and really find it almost impossible for them to ever climb back up to the top.

They won 7 games last year. Yes, I'm giving them 7 because that CJ touchdown against Chicago would have stood the year before, and would stand this year as well. Debate all you want about semantics, but the Lions absolutely won that game.

While you can't let that go, let's discuss other possibilities.

-Lets say they count the TD, Detroit goes up 21-19 with 31 seconds left.

-That leaves a Chicago team 31 seconds to get into FG range to win the game.

-Chicago has the best ST unit in the NFL. The best returners that would've probably got them into good field position and one of the better FG kickers in the NFL.

-Jay Cutler was 23/35 for 362 yards and a 108.3 QB rating.

-The Bears also had all 3 Timeouts left.

-Adding all of that together, I think Chicago still wins.

Doubt it.. and in all actuality if not for that weak call on SUH on 3rd down where all he did was simply push J. Cutler, the lions should have been 2-0 against the bears and should have been 8-8 with Stafford gone most of year.. If the lions go get Tulluch/ J. Joseph or M. Huff they could def win 10 games this year.. Don't forget the addition of Leshoure, who I really like and Titus Young who will open up the field for Calvin/petti/burleson with his speed.

Also, there was only 25 seconds left, against this terrible Detroit defense that only allowed a late 4th quarter Bears TD...as the only score in the second half, to take the lead. But scoring with 25 seconds left was obviously a piece of cake.

 

[PatsFanCT]

I think a lot of people look at the Detroit Lions as the failure that they have been the past half decade, and really find it almost impossible for them to ever climb back up to the top.

They won 7 games last year. Yes, I'm giving them 7 because that CJ touchdown against Chicago would have stood the year before, and would stand this year as well. Debate all you want about semantics, but the Lions absolutely won that game.

While you can't let that go, let's discuss other possibilities.

-Lets say they count the TD, Detroit goes up 21-19 with 31 seconds left.

-That leaves a Chicago team 31 seconds to get into FG range to win the game.

-Chicago has the best ST unit in the NFL. The best returners that would've probably got them into good field position and one of the better FG kickers in the NFL.

-Jay Cutler was 23/35 for 362 yards and a 108.3 QB rating.

-The Bears also had all 3 Timeouts left.

-Adding all of that together, I think Chicago still wins.

You countered my facts with your speculation. I just put a small amount ($25) on the Lions to win the Super Bowl at +2500. Granted, it's not necessarily a good bet, but it was small, and shows my confidence. If the Cardinals could get there with less, then so could they.

You have added lots of opinion. The only opinion I added above is that I think Chicago Wins...which they mostly do vs the Lions.

All things being equal, no they don't, as I noted in the post above. In fact, not only do the Lions win that game, they also win the second game, as T with T points out.

BUT, this isn't about simple wins and losses. It's about the potential of the Lions. Sure, their record said they were 6-10. Eyeball test says they were at least 8-8, without much from Staffored. How does getting a healthy Stafford back, with a Vanden Bosh, and a Fairly equate to anywhere less than 9 or 10 wins?

 

[Jersey35]

I think a lot of people look at the Detroit Lions as the failure that they have been the past half decade, and really find it almost impossible for them to ever climb back up to the top.

They won 7 games last year. Yes, I'm giving them 7 because that CJ touchdown against Chicago would have stood the year before, and would stand this year as well. Debate all you want about semantics, but the Lions absolutely won that game.

While you can't let that go, let's discuss other possibilities.

-Lets say they count the TD, Detroit goes up 21-19 with 31 seconds left.

-That leaves a Chicago team 31 seconds to get into FG range to win the game.

-Chicago has the best ST unit in the NFL. The best returners that would've probably got them into good field position and one of the better FG kickers in the NFL.

-Jay Cutler was 23/35 for 362 yards and a 108.3 QB rating.

-The Bears also had all 3 Timeouts left.

-Adding all of that together, I think Chicago still wins.

You countered my facts with your speculation. I just put a small amount ($25) on the Lions to win the Super Bowl at +2500. Granted, it's not necessarily a good bet, but it was small, and shows my confidence. If the Cardinals could get there with less, then so could they.

You have added lots of opinion. The only opinion I added above is that I think Chicago Wins...which they mostly do vs the Lions.

All things being equal, no they don't, as I noted in the post above. In fact, not only do the Lions win that game, they also win the second game, as T with T points out.

BUT, this isn't about simple wins and losses. It's about the potential of the Lions. Sure, their record said they were 6-10. Eyeball test says they were at least 8-8, without much from Staffored. How does getting a healthy Stafford back, with a Vanden Bosh, and a Fairly equate to anywhere less than 9 or 10 wins?

To answer your question: because Detroit isn't the only team that made a few draft picks, will be getting healthier, and signing free agents. At this point in the season every team has "gotten better". You don't improve your record by virtue of drafting a few players and signing a free agent. You have to actually improve your team MORE than the teams you are competing against.Do I like what Detroit is doing? Yes. But it's really silly to assume that they are now a 9-10 win team because they were a 6 (or 7, or 8) win team last year. It just doesn't work that way.

 

[Tornacl]

I'm a big Lions fan, but I don't see them making the playoffs this year, but just the fact that there's even a discussion shows how far they've come. I see 8 wins as being where they should be, any less is a disappointment, and any more is a bonus. They won't win the division and they won't get enough wins to get the wild card.I hope they can get Joseph and a LB to solidify the back 7, it would make this team competitive, but Stafford still has to prove he's for real.

Hi Tornacl,Glad to hear you're a big Lions fan, but I'm not sure how anything less than 8 games is considered a disappointment but you can't see them making the playoffs. Any team in the NFL where you think will be .500 or better definately has a shot at making the playoffs.Just like any other team that will be around the .500 mark, if the Lions stay healthy this season, they'll have a shot.I don't like that Backus was injured and heading into the season dinged.

I don't think they can win the division, and I don't think that they will get enough wins to get one of the wild card spots. I'm hoping they get 9 wins, but I think it'll take at least 9 wins with tie-breakers to get a wild card spot in the NFC. I really hope they make the playoffs, and with a little luck they may, but I think they come very close but don't get in this year.Just trying to keep a realistic attitude about it, that's all.

 

[JuSt CuZ]

I'm a big Lions fan, but I don't see them making the playoffs this year, but just the fact that there's even a discussion shows how far they've come. I see 8 wins as being where they should be, any less is a disappointment, and any more is a bonus. They won't win the division and they won't get enough wins to get the wild card.

I hope they can get Joseph and a LB to solidify the back 7, it would make this team competitive, but Stafford still has to prove he's for real.

Hi Tornacl,Glad to hear you're a big Lions fan, but I'm not sure how anything less than 8 games is considered a disappointment but you can't see them making the playoffs. Any team in the NFL where you think will be .500 or better definately has a shot at making the playoffs.

Just like any other team that will be around the .500 mark, if the Lions stay healthy this season, they'll have a shot.

I don't like that Backus was injured and heading into the season dinged.

I don't think they can win the division, and I don't think that they will get enough wins to get one of the wild card spots. I'm hoping they get 9 wins, but I think it'll take at least 9 wins with tie-breakers to get a wild card spot in the NFC. I really hope they make the playoffs, and with a little luck they may, but I think they come very close but don't get in this year.Just trying to keep a realistic attitude about it, that's all.

Whats not realistic about them making the playoffs? If you tell me having a first round pick on the bench with injury does not hurt your team, your out of your mind. Stafford playing makes a world of difference, he had the surgey he needed, so look out. Have you looked at the roster on the offensive side of the ball? I'm callin it, they make the playoffs. How many of those games were within one possession? Yup a first round pick can help win a few of those games.Do I have to remind you they beat the Champs and they had some guy named Hill at QB, lol....So again, whats not realistic about them making the playoffs with Stafford at the helm.

 

[JuSt CuZ]

Also, I wish there was a Chiefs thread like this last year, to look back on and see how many people were right and wrong.

 

[Addai's Adidas]

I'll take it a step further. Say they make the playoffs, how far do they go.

They have only won ONE playoff in in 50 years. ONE.

I'm a Lions fan. If they win 8 games and don't make the playoffs it is still a good season. Like I said earlier, just be mathematically in it on Thanksgiving and it will be a successful season.

 

[Tornacl]

I'm a big Lions fan, but I don't see them making the playoffs this year, but just the fact that there's even a discussion shows how far they've come. I see 8 wins as being where they should be, any less is a disappointment, and any more is a bonus. They won't win the division and they won't get enough wins to get the wild card.

I hope they can get Joseph and a LB to solidify the back 7, it would make this team competitive, but Stafford still has to prove he's for real.

Hi Tornacl,Glad to hear you're a big Lions fan, but I'm not sure how anything less than 8 games is considered a disappointment but you can't see them making the playoffs. Any team in the NFL where you think will be .500 or better definately has a shot at making the playoffs.

Just like any other team that will be around the .500 mark, if the Lions stay healthy this season, they'll have a shot.

I don't like that Backus was injured and heading into the season dinged.

I don't think they can win the division, and I don't think that they will get enough wins to get one of the wild card spots. I'm hoping they get 9 wins, but I think it'll take at least 9 wins with tie-breakers to get a wild card spot in the NFC. I really hope they make the playoffs, and with a little luck they may, but I think they come very close but don't get in this year.Just trying to keep a realistic attitude about it, that's all.

Whats not realistic about them making the playoffs? If you tell me having a first round pick on the bench with injury does not hurt your team, your out of your mind. Stafford playing makes a world of difference, he had the surgey he needed, so look out. Have you looked at the roster on the offensive side of the ball? I'm callin it, they make the playoffs. How many of those games were within one possession? Yup a first round pick can help win a few of those games.Do I have to remind you they beat the Champs and they had some guy named Hill at QB, lol....So again, whats not realistic about them making the playoffs with Stafford at the helm.

Is it possible they make the playoffs? Yes. Does that mean they will? No.I've been a Lions fan for a long time, and as such, I've been disappointed by them too many times. I hope that a) Stafford can stay healthy (but he hasn't shown that yet so it's a lot to assume); and b) that Stafford is for real (he hasn't played enough games to know that yet). They've come a long way, but they still aren't loaded with talent.

I hope I'm wrong and they make the playoffs, and if that happens, I'm sure you'll bring up this thread to prove to the world that you were right. It's really not that big of a deal.

 

[Sabertooth]

They are going to have a hard time beating Green Bay for the division. They are going to have an equally hard time beating Tampa, NO, Atlanta for the Wildcard. The Giants and Eagles will be in the mix there too. Who knows though, teams ascend quickly sometimes. Look at Green Bay last season. They were a middling team to start the year and took off like a rocket.

 

[Peiz]

As a Lions fan I agree with a lot of you saying 8 wins would be successful. The thing is, if you can win 8 games, you aren't that far off from a 10-6 season. This is the first year in a long time I can remember thinking that this team can win between 6 and 10 games legitimately. It'll come down to what they do in crunch time and, quite honestly, if Stafford stays healthy. It's looking better and better that Stephen Tolloch may end up signing with Detroit, which would be a huge boost the defense that still has some holes in the back 7. Get him, pick up a CB and re-sign Chris Houston...all of a sudden the defense is looking above average.

If nothing else, it should be a really fun year for once to be a Lions fan, and that's all I really want at this point. On the other hand, I haven't felt the sting of my football team losing in the playoffs for so long, I don't know how I'd take it. It's nice not having to stress by Thanksgiving.

 

[JuSt CuZ]

I'm a big Lions fan, but I don't see them making the playoffs this year, but just the fact that there's even a discussion shows how far they've come. I see 8 wins as being where they should be, any less is a disappointment, and any more is a bonus. They won't win the division and they won't get enough wins to get the wild card.

I hope they can get Joseph and a LB to solidify the back 7, it would make this team competitive, but Stafford still has to prove he's for real.

Hi Tornacl,Glad to hear you're a big Lions fan, but I'm not sure how anything less than 8 games is considered a disappointment but you can't see them making the playoffs. Any team in the NFL where you think will be .500 or better definately has a shot at making the playoffs.

Just like any other team that will be around the .500 mark, if the Lions stay healthy this season, they'll have a shot.

I don't like that Backus was injured and heading into the season dinged.

I don't think they can win the division, and I don't think that they will get enough wins to get one of the wild card spots. I'm hoping they get 9 wins, but I think it'll take at least 9 wins with tie-breakers to get a wild card spot in the NFC. I really hope they make the playoffs, and with a little luck they may, but I think they come very close but don't get in this year.Just trying to keep a realistic attitude about it, that's all.

Whats not realistic about them making the playoffs? If you tell me having a first round pick on the bench with injury does not hurt your team, your out of your mind. Stafford playing makes a world of difference, he had the surgey he needed, so look out. Have you looked at the roster on the offensive side of the ball? I'm callin it, they make the playoffs. How many of those games were within one possession? Yup a first round pick can help win a few of those games.Do I have to remind you they beat the Champs and they had some guy named Hill at QB, lol....So again, whats not realistic about them making the playoffs with Stafford at the helm.

Is it possible they make the playoffs? Yes. Does that mean they will? No.I've been a Lions fan for a long time, and as such, I've been disappointed by them too many times. I hope that a) Stafford can stay healthy (but he hasn't shown that yet so it's a lot to assume); and b) that Stafford is for real (he hasn't played enough games to know that yet). They've come a long way, but they still aren't loaded with talent.

I hope I'm wrong and they make the playoffs, and if that happens, I'm sure you'll bring up this thread to prove to the world that you were right. It's really not that big of a deal.

I'm not really a fan of that assumption.

 

[Ilov80s]

I'm a big Lions fan, but I don't see them making the playoffs this year, but just the fact that there's even a discussion shows how far they've come. I see 8 wins as being where they should be, any less is a disappointment, and any more is a bonus. They won't win the division and they won't get enough wins to get the wild card.

I hope they can get Joseph and a LB to solidify the back 7, it would make this team competitive, but Stafford still has to prove he's for real.

Hi Tornacl,Glad to hear you're a big Lions fan, but I'm not sure how anything less than 8 games is considered a disappointment but you can't see them making the playoffs. Any team in the NFL where you think will be .500 or better definately has a shot at making the playoffs.

Just like any other team that will be around the .500 mark, if the Lions stay healthy this season, they'll have a shot.

I don't like that Backus was injured and heading into the season dinged.

I don't think they can win the division, and I don't think that they will get enough wins to get one of the wild card spots. I'm hoping they get 9 wins, but I think it'll take at least 9 wins with tie-breakers to get a wild card spot in the NFC. I really hope they make the playoffs, and with a little luck they may, but I think they come very close but don't get in this year.Just trying to keep a realistic attitude about it, that's all.

Whats not realistic about them making the playoffs? If you tell me having a first round pick on the bench with injury does not hurt your team, your out of your mind. Stafford playing makes a world of difference, he had the surgey he needed, so look out. Have you looked at the roster on the offensive side of the ball? I'm callin it, they make the playoffs. How many of those games were within one possession? Yup a first round pick can help win a few of those games.Do I have to remind you they beat the Champs and they had some guy named Hill at QB, lol....So again, whats not realistic about them making the playoffs with Stafford at the helm.

Actually it was 3rd stringer Drew Stanton whom led the Lions to victory over Green Bay. In addition, I'd say the Lions didn't just draft a couple guys and sign a couple FAs, they also aren't losing anything very valuable. While other teams are making hard decisions on which players to cut to get line with the cap and FA. The Lions fortunately don't have to make cuts to any player that really contributed last year. The only valuable player the Lions could lose in FA is CB Chris Houston and if they do, it is likely because they signed a better CB. If I were the Lions, I'd lay low during early FA, let teams show their cards, over commit and out bid each other for the high profile players. Guys will be cut to make room for the new big name. The Lions can then scoop in and clean up the scraps. There will be some talented guys towards the end of their careers who could come in and contribute on short term deals.

 

[WolverineMan]

10-5-1, drinking the kool-aid.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

Also, I wish there was a Chiefs thread like this last year, to look back on and see how many people were right and wrong.

Is that what this turned into? It would be funny if they make the playoffs now.

 

[Hobbes]

@TB LKC L@MN W@Dall L*CHI WSF WATL L@Den Wbye@Chi LCAR WGB L@NO LMN W@Oak L*SD L@GB LI could see them beating Dal & Oak if they played them at home, I think they will win 1 of those games.They have CJ, a great DL & some nice prospects that are still question marks. I think they are at least 1-2 years away from gelling & filling in the blanks.

Last year they spilt with GB but this year they get swept? Beat TB @TB last year when the Bucs needed a win to get into the playoffs. They lost 7 games by less than a TD last year.

Can we put "Beat TB @TB last year" in quotes...I mean they already got knocked out of the playoffs last year because of it (and incidentally it is what allowed Green Bay into the playoffs last year). Do we really need to pile it on them here too???http://themajors.net/detroit/?p=994

 

[smackdaddies]

With Chicago giving away their #1 WR (Olson) and MN losing Rice, I think Detroits chances have improved

 

[hutchins929]

Joseph is out That really sucks

They need to get someone back there!

 

[bicycle_seat_sniffer]

No

worst linebacking core and secondary in the league.

1 more offseason away.

Now if Stafford stays healthy they will compete for a wildcard, but come up short becuase of the Defense.

Wonder what happened with Tulloch

 

[dtownlions]

Noworst linebacking core and secondary in the league.1 more offseason away.Now if Stafford stays healthy they will compete for a wildcard, but come up short becuase of the Defense.Wonder what happened with Tulloch

With the additions of Tulloch and Durant and the re-signing of Houston, I like the way free agency has panned out for the Lions. I like their chances to make the playoffs as a wild card team. They are in a tough division though for sure.

 

[LHUCKS]

I voted 10-6 and they make the playoffs. The Bears suck, the Vikes have issues, Green Bay coming off a Super Bowl.

They may have a terrible secondary but Fairley/Suh/VandenBosch will be huge.

One of the most fun teams to watch.

 

[drater]

If I were the Lions, I'd lay low during early FA, let teams show their cards, over commit and out bid each other for the high profile players. Guys will be cut to make room for the new big name. The Lions can then scoop in and clean up the scraps. There will be some talented guys towards the end of their careers who could come in and contribute on short term deals.

 

[Manster]

I dont know. they could get a WC. No way GB doesnt with the Norris this year.

All I know is, I'm actually excited to see them play on Thanksgiving again.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

How bout now?

 

[two_dollars]

How bout now?

Still think they finish 3rd to the Bears and Packers.. they could possibly sneak in as the 6 if no one steps up in the South though. West and East will send their division winners and that's it.

 

[PatsFanCT]

Anybody changing their opinions yet?

 

[Doctor Detroit]

The lions have a FEW good players, not a TEAM of good players. I see them in the 5 to 6 game win range this year. The Packers will own them and the division. If the Vikings get McNabb the lions will be in the basement. Don't get we wrong the lions are getting better, but play offs, what are people thinking.

 

[butcher boy]

Voted Yes/11 or more.

Detroit is the real deal.

 

[Ministry of Pain]

They will beat Dallas next week. Cowboys on a short week, can't keep Romo upright, Lions pass rush will destroy them.

 

[fred_1_15301]

The lions have a FEW good players, not a TEAM of good players. I see them in the 5 to 6 game win range this year. The Packers will own them and the division. If the Vikings get McNabb the lions will be in the basement. Don't get we wrong the lions are getting better, but play offs, what are people thinking.

The funny thing is he made that post in July thinking that McNabb would be the savior. Redskins fans probably thought the same thing last year. At this point of his career, McNabb is in the lower tier of starting NFL qbs.

Absolutely love the 2011 Detroit Lions story. I don't think any team will want to face them in the playoffs.

 

[jon_mx]

Looks like 96% of the voters will be wrong. Lions are winning 11 or more games

 

[Mr. Mojo]

I hope they make the playoffs just for their loyal fans for all they suffered through the past few years.

 

[jon_mx]

Current Vegas Odds at Winning The Super Bowl:

1. Green Bay Packers (4.5 to 1)

2. New England Patriots (4.5 to 1)





3. Detroit Lions (8 to 1)

 

[SofaKings]

I hope they make the playoffs just for their loyal fans for all they suffered through the past few years.

I appreciate those kind sentiments.