NFL Spin Zone
Fansided

NFL Predictions 2018: Best-case scenario for all 32 teams

By Randy Gurzi

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: A view of the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Philadelphia Eagles 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - FEBRUARY 04: A view of the Vince Lombardi trophy after the Philadelphia Eagles 41-33 victory over the New England Patriots in Super Bowl LII at U.S. Bank Stadium on February 4, 2018 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The Philadelphia Eagles defeated the New England Patriots 41-33. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
12 of 33
Next
OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 10: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions interlock arms with his players during the National Anthem prior to the start of an NFL preseason football game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – AUGUST 10: Head coach Matt Patricia of the Detroit Lions interlock arms with his players during the National Anthem prior to the start of an NFL preseason football game against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on August 10, 2018 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /

Detroit Lions: Compete for NFC North

After going 9-7 in each of the past two seasons, the Detroit Lions made a change at head coach. Jim Caldwell is out and former New England Patriots defensive coordinator Matt Patricia is in. The team hopes his tough approach will have good results on a franchise that seems close but just hasn’t made enough plays when they’ve needed to.

Led by quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Lions have been incredibly reliant on the passing game in recent seasons. Receivers Golden Tate and Marvin Jones have been up to the task, but when the season gets into the later months, a running game would sure help. Especially in the NFC North where some road games are played in frigid conditions.

This offseason, Patricia and the Lions front office looked to change their fate at that position. They landed LeGarrette Blount in free agency and the three-time Super Bowl winner could carry the load still despite his advanced age. In the second round of the draft, they added Kerryon Johnson who could also fight for the job.

Center Frank Ragnow was selected on day one, and he could help as well in this area by opening more running lanes. The added help should allow the Lions to make a play for the NFC North, should everything fall into place for them.

Home/NFL