During the offseason, football fans and analysts enjoy predicting how each team will perform in the upcoming season. However, accurately predicting each team’s record is as challenging as navigating construction zones in Michigan. The Detroit Lions have generated a lot of excitement going into the season due to their unconventional coach in Dan Campbell and a talented roster that could potentially secure a playoff spot.
Recently, Connor Orr from SI contributed to the hype by predicting that the Lions will finish the season with an 11-6 record, win the NFC North, and secure a spot in the playoffs.
Here’s where I’ll jump in the stream of the “trendy” teams. Could the Lions realize their potential, or will they end up in the bin alongside a handful of other clubs we perpetually thought were going to turn the corner but never did? (Looking at you, Chargers since 2018.) After a bit of a gantlet (Chiefs, Seahawks) to open the season, the Lions’ schedule settles in and includes a long stretch of games against teams vulnerable to the run. This is where they could rack up some Ws.
Orr’s analysis shows that the Lions will start the season strongly with victories against two of the toughest teams in the league, the Kansas City Chiefs and the Seattle Seahawks. If the Lions can secure these wins, it will solidify their hype as a genuine playoff contender.
However, predicting divisional games is trickier. Orr predicts that the Lions will finish with a 3-3 record within the division, winning all their home games but losing on the road. It is unclear how the other teams in the division will perform this season. Will the Green Bay Packers succeed without Aaron Rodgers? Can Justin Fields elevate the Chicago Bears? Will the Minnesota Vikings continue to be a dark horse?
It’s exciting to speculate on how others view your favorite team. Orr’s predictions are favorable for the Lions, but it’s important to remember that anything can happen during the season. Fans shouldn’t rely too heavily on these predictions as they are not gospel. If the Lions do follow Orr’s predictions, it will undoubtedly be an electric season for fans at Ford Field.
