The Detroit Jock City staff makes their picks for the Detroit Lions‘ 2015 season opener against the San Diego Chargers.
Braden Shackelford – I see no reason why the Lions shouldn’t win this game. This is the first time the Lions open a season on the road since 2011 when they played the Bucs, and this is a later start time than usual against a quality opponent, but none of that will matter if the Lions are as good as most of us think they are. I do wonder, however, about the defense. It’s been reported that DeAndre Levy is likely to miss Sunday and Haloti Ngata has been worked in slowly from an offseason injury. The absence of the Lions’ best player on defense could be huge, but good teams find a way to win. I’ll take the Lions in this one 27-23.
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Nate VanNorwick – The Lions are likely without DeAndre Levy, and are definitely without Ndamukong Suh. While the defense replaced Suh with Haloti Ngata, he isn’t in game shape, and won’t likely be able to occupy the offensive line like Suh did, leaving the linebackers less room to run to the ball. With the run game in play, the play-action becomes more effective, and Philip Rivers will take advantage of it to lead the Chargers to victory. San Diego 27, Detroit 24
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Matt Snyder – The Detroit Lions defense was a major strength for the team in 2014. And while I think the defense can be above average again, losing DeAndre Levy to injury is going to hurt them badly in this game. The Lions will hang in a tough battle versus the Chargers, but unfortunately I see them coming up one big defensive stop short of an opening week victory. Chargers 24, Lions 20
Aaron Huizenga – The Chargers were sneaky good versus the pass last season but were weak up front. Ameer Abdullah will get a chance to shine in his debut as a Lion opening up the passing game in the process. Detroit has more weapons on offense and a better front seven that will give the questionable Chargers rushing attack fits. I like Detroit by a touchdown opening the season with a crucial win on the road. Detroit Lions 24, San Diego Chargers 17
Erik Schlitt – In this game we should see a lot of production from both teams passing down running backs. Danny Woodhead is a difficult matchup with the Lions likely missing DeAndre Levy. Ameer Abdullah will be equally elusive for middle linebackers Manti T’eo and Donald Butler. San Diego’s secondary doesn’t give up many big plays but they also struggle with tall wide receivers. No one in San Diego’s secondary is over 5’11”, so look for the well rested 6’5” Calvin Johnson put up triple digit yards and a score. I expect the Lions make it 5 years in a row of winning their opening game: Lions 24, Chargers 17.
Mike Rizzo – The Lions have high expectations this season and I think they start the season off with a win. Philip Rivers has been known to throw a pick or two. Even without DeAndre Levy I believe the Lions win. Lions 24, Chargers 16
Zac Snyder – Games on the road in the NFL are tough, especially when a cross-country trip is involved. The job gets tougher for the Lions without Larry Warford and Caraun Reid, and likely DeAndre Levy. I look for Ameer Abdullah to out-perform fellow rookie running back Melvin Gordon but for the Lions to come up just short. Chargers 20, Lions 17
Next: Lions game-by-game season predictions