2012 Detroit Lions Predictions
Odds to win Super Bowl XLVII: 20-1

The Lions completed their turnaround with their first playoff season in more than a decade. Unfortunately, their postseason run ended quickly as they fell at New Orleans, 45-28. Head coach Jim Schwartz, who got into a heated conversation with the 49ers’ Jim Harbaugh in their Oct. 16 25-19 loss, knows the Lions will have a tougher challenge this year with a stronger schedule. They were 0-5 against NFC North playoff teams and their defense completely collapsed in the second half of the season. They picked up very little help in free agency and went for offensive help with their first two picks.

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Offense:
The Lions made a playoff push thanks to Matthew Stafford staying healthy and throwing for 5,038 yards with 41 TDs and 16 picks (97.2 passer rating). They led the league in passing plays with 702 pass dropbacks compared to just 356 rushes. The problems with the 29th-ranked rushing game was that Jahvid Best (390yds) led the team in rushing despite playing just six games. Best sustained two concussions in October and rookie Mikel Leshoure tore his Achilles in training camp. Both should be healthy though Leshuore was suspended for the first two games due to violating the NFL policy and program for substances of abuse. At receiver, Calvin “Megatron” Johnson caught 96 passes for 1,681 yards and 16 TDs. He also had help from Nate Burleson (73 for 757 yds) and TE Brandon Pettigrew (83 for 777 yds). Second-round pick Ryan Broyles should add a possession receiver if his repaired knee is sound. On the offensive line, LT Jeff Backus (6-5, 305) is back after signing a new two-year deal in March. He has never missed a regular-season start in 11 seasons. He suffered a biceps injury in the playoffs but should be back. Top pick Riley Reiff (6-5, 313) will be the eventual replacement. RT Gosder Cherilus (6-6, 325) has long arms (unlike Backus) but struggled last year in pass protection allowing 9 sacks. C Dominic Raiola (6-6, 295) is the dependable veteran of the line.

Defense:
The Lions finished 23rd in the NFL in total yards allowed per game at 367.6ypg. The group generated seven defensive touchdowns, 41 sacks and 17 forced fumbles. Injuries hampered the Lions, especially in the secondary. Up front, Ndamukong Suh (6-4, 307) had a decline in production as his tackles were cut in half and his sacks were down from 10 to 4. DT Nick Fairley (6-4, 291) keeps creating headlines off-the-field. He was bothered by a foot injury in his first season but should end up starting at some point. DE Cliff Avril (6-3, 260) is an explosive pass rusher with long arms who has caused 14 fumbles in four seasons. He had 11 sacks last year with 36 tackles. At linebacker, Stephen Tulloch (5-11, 240) led the team in tackles with 111, adding 3 fumble recoveries. OLB Justin Durant (6-1, 240) added speed and 68 tackles. He missed three games due to a concussion. WLB DeAndre Levy (6-2, 238) is another speedy ‘backer who notched a career-best 109 tackles. In the secondary, the loss of FS Louis Delmas, who missed the final five games was devastating. Delmas was an alternate Pro Bowl pick who provides a hard-hitter and speed. SS Amari Spievey is a converted cornerback who needs to improve his tackling. CB Chris Houston had a career-year with five picks and two TD returns. But he was also bothered by a dislocated shoulder and missed two games. They lost Eric Wright in free agency to Tampa Bay so the other corner spot will be a competition between Aaron Berry and third-round pick Dwight Bentley. Both are fast but lack size.

Special Teams:
The Lions have a dependable kicker in 41-year old Jason Hanson, who had made 24 of 29 kicks, including hitting 5 of 7 from 50 yards or longer. The punting job is a competition between Ryan Donahue and Ben Graham. The return game was a mess last year as Stefan Logan fumbled six times and lacked consistency.

Outlook:
The Lions will have a tougher season but if they can stay healthy at running back and in the secondary, there’s no reason why they can’t get back in the postseason as a wild card.

2012 Schedule:

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