Detroit Lions: Game-by-game predictions for the 2017 season
By Zac Snyder
Week 17: vs. Green Bay Packers
For the second year in a row, the Lions close the regular season by hosting the Green Bay Packers. Unlike last year, I don’t expect this to be a de facto NFC North Championship Game.
Perhaps the Lions still have hopes for a playoff berth – especially if they exceed this prediction by a game or two – but so much went right for the Lions to be in that position before the roof came crashing down at the end of the season. It’s hard to expect to play with fire so often and not get burned.
The Packers are the class of the division until proven otherwise. The Lions have had their opportunities to topple the Packers in recent seasons but have come up short each time. I’ll be ecstatic when they finally get over that hump, but I don’t see it being this season. I just hope it doesn’t take Aaron Rodgers retiring before it finally happens.
A 7-9 season is sure to disappoint and will lead to some big decisions having to be made. A step back from last season may cost Jim Caldwell his job. That’s especially true since he wasn’t hired by the current front office regime, even if they did make the decision to retain him.
Prediction: Loss (7-9)
Next: Michigan football game-by-game season predictions
What is your prediction for the Lions’ 2017 season? Do you think they improve on last season’s record or are they in for a dose of reality after pulling off comeback after comeback in 2016? Let me know your thoughts on Twitter or Facebook, or by leaving a comment below.