NFL: One bold prediction for every team in 2021-22

One bold prediction for the Detroit Lions in 2021-22: Finish above .500

With the loss of quarterback Matthew Stafford, the Detroit Lions lost arguably the greatest signal-caller the franchise has ever seen. Still, under normal circumstances, once a player receives that level of adulation, that would normally come with winning a bunch of games and leading said franchise to the promised land, or, at the very least, a championship game.

In the case of Stafford, he was given more than capable rosters, including having two Pro Bowl receivers in Calvin Johnson, who ultimately turned into a Hall of Famer, and Golden Tate.

Regardless of the help he was given, Stafford failed to lead them past the first round. Now that he’s gone, explain to us why exactly new quarterback Jared Goff, won’t be able to get the job? Tight end T.J. Hockenson registered 723 receiving yards and running back Kerryon Johnson figures to take on a more prominent role with Adrian Peterson out of town.

Not only that, but Goff had just as good a season as Stafford if not better. He completed a higher percentage of his passes, 67.0 to 64.2 and he also threw for more yards per game, 263.5 to 255.3. It may seem like a stretch with so many of their players out the door, including wide receiver Kenny Golladay, but with Goff failing to produce a failing record outside of his first season in the league, we believe he’ll lead them to a better record than the 5-11 they had the season prior.