What’s the Absolute Worst This Lions Season Could Go?
The schedule is out. The betting lines are set. Detroit arguably has the easiest schedule in the NFL and they’re favorited in all but three games this season. The outlook is pretty optimistic for the upcoming year.
But let’s be real for a second. This is still Detroit. We’ve seen good-looking seasons on paper turn into gut punches before. If expected playmakers don’t develop, if the injury bug hits again, or if that schedule turns out to be fool’s gold, things could go south fast.
So what’s the floor here? What’s the absolute worst-case scenario that doesn’t involve Jared Goff missing the entire season with an injury?
Eight Wins Feels Like Rock Bottom
Look, if Goff goes down for the year, we’re talking about a three to five win disaster. But that’s not much of a conversation. We all know what happens when quarterbacks get hurt.
Assuming somewhat normal health conditions, or at least no worse than the injury hell of Detroit’s last two years, this team’s floor feels like eight wins. That might sound pessimistic given all the optimism floating around Allen Park, but hear me out.
Even with an easy schedule, some of those projected wins could flip fast. The Panthers won’t be a cakewalk on the road in primetime. The Lions got swept by both the Packers and Vikings last year, so finishing with a losing record in the NFC North again wouldn’t exactly be shocking. Hell, even a game like the Giants in December could be tougher than it looks if John Harbaugh has that team clicking by then.
The Defense Still Has Everything to Prove
Here’s the thing that keeps me up at night. This defense still has a ton to prove. The defensive line might be improved on paper, but we’re banking on unproven players like Tyleik Williams, Levi Onwuzurike, and Derrick Moore to play big roles.
The linebacker room has a massive Alex Anzalone-sized hole in it. The secondary is filled with players who need to take major jumps or overcome serious injury concerns. DJ Reed and Terrion Arnold need to step up. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph need to stay healthy.
And let’s not forget Kelvin Sheppard, who’s stepping into some pretty big shoes as the new defensive coordinator. That’s a lot of question marks for a unit that needs to be significantly better than last season.
This team could and should push for a division title. But there’s still a lot that needs to go right for them to improve on last year’s win total. Eight wins might sound low, but it’s honest about the risks.
Am I being too pessimistic or is eight wins actually generous given all these question marks? Drop your floor predictions below.
