Detroit Lions news: Not everyone is down on the Lions

Detroit Lions news takes a look at some disappointing predictions, but finds a bright ray of hope in the form of Peter Schrager.

The Detroit Lions are coming off a playoff appearance in 2016 but you’d be hard pressed to find many people locally or nationally ready to thrust them into contender status. They had an opportunity to win the NFC North right down to the final week of the season but couldn’t close the deal.

It seems most prognosticators have focused more on the end of the Lions’ 2016 season than on the rest of it in predicting what will happen in 2017. Take this from USA Today, for isntance.

Ouch.

But not everyone is down on the Lions. Peter Schrager sung their praises on NFL Network’s Good Morning Football, picking them as an under the radar contender who could be this year’s Atlanta Falcons.

Schrager pointed to the 9-4 record the Lions had at one point last season, another year in Jim Bob Cooter’s offense, a healthy Ameer Abdullah and roster continuity with some important improvements. Basically, Schrager loves him some Lions. Check out the clip thanks to the Good Morning Football twitter account.

Schrager has been on the Lions bandwaggon going back to last year when they emerged as NFC North contenders midway through the season. If he’s right, it could be a fun fall at Ford Field.

More Detroit Lions news from around FanSided

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Detroit Lions: Taking down playoff banners is a smart decision
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Early look at the Detroit Lions 2017 opponents: Pittsburgh Steelers
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Who will emerge for Lions after Abdullah, Riddick?
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Next: Top 10 Lions receivers in Detroit Lions history

It may be hard to believe but football is just about here. Rookies and injured players reported over the weekend and veterans will be back next weekend for the first team practice of training camp next Sunday.