Are The Detroit Lions Playoff Bound? Reader Poll
By Tony Fischer
Oct 27, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh (90) during player introductions prior to the game against the Dallas Cowboys at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions are at the halfway mark in the 2013 season. Their 5-3 record is good enough for second place in the division and considering the remaining schedule the Lions are set-up to have an excellent season.
But are the Detroit Lions playoff bound?
The short answer: Yes
The Lions are 3-1 at home and 2-2 on the road. Although their second half schedule is a bit harder than the first half. The Lions could be a 10 win team and 10 wins usually is good enough to make the playoffs.
Here is a game by game breakdown of the remaining schedule
November 10th – @ Chicago
The Lions have a great chance to sweep the season series here. The Bears will be starting a back-up QB in Luke McCown and The Lions will have Nate Burelson back. Lions Win 24-17. (6-3)
November 17th – @ Pittsburgh
The Lions are catching Pittsburgh in the right season. This could be the game that puts the final nail in Mike Tomlins coffin triggering a complete rebuild in Pittsburgh. The Lions should win this one but won’t. Lions lose 27-24 (6-4)
November 24th – Vs. Tampa Bay
The Buccaneers will visit Ford Field and play in front of a rabid sold-out crowd. After losing a close game to Pittsburgh the week before the Lions will be hungry for a win going into Thanksgiving and they will get it. Lions win 48-21 (7-4)
November 28th – THANKSGIVING DAY – vs Green Bay
The Ford Field crowd will play a factor again as the Lions look to avoid a season sweep by the Green Bay Packers. This game could also have implications in the division race. The Lions thrive under the pressure and win a squeaker 21-17 (8-4)
December 8th – @ Philadelphia
The game in Philadelphia could have playoff implications in the same way the Dallas game did. Either Dallas of Philly will be in the wild card race and having the tie breaker will be important. Unfortunately, The Lions will probably lose this game in Philly giving back any ground they may have gained on Green Bay in the division race. Lions lose 35-27 (8-5)
December 16th – MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL – vs. Baltimore
This will a huge test for the Lions against the Superbowl champions. The Ravens are struggling this year and the game against Detroit could go along way to determining their playoff fate. The Lions will need this game to stay ahead in the wild card race. Lions lose 31-27. (8-6)
December 22nd – vs New York Giants
The Lions will need to win the next two to make the playoffs. They get a good start by taking apart the struggling Giants. Lions win 42-31 (9-6)
December 29th @ Minnesota
The Minnesota Vikings will play the Lions tough in their game. The season will be over for them but there are young players and coaches playing for their jobs. The Lions will win though in close finish and clinch a berth in the playoffs on the last week of the season. Lions win 24-21.(10-6)
In above breakdwon has the Lions going 10-6 but if they could swing the games in Philly and Pittsburgh into the win column we could be talking 12-4.
So you have seen the breakdown and heard the predictions. How do you think the Lions will finish the season?