The Detroit Lions’ schedule for the 2010 season was released, and its a difficult one for the team, having to face the entirety of the NFC East and the AFC East over the course of the year. Having won just two games last season, the Lions are obviously hoping to improve this upcoming year with a revamped defense that was dead last the past two seasons. From a win standpoint, however, its hard to see the Lions get very many. Let’s take a look:
Week 1 – Sunday September 12th: (at) Chicago
The Lions start the season with a winnable game. Although the Lions have lost 20 straight road games, the last time they did win one was at Chicago, way back in 2007.
Week 2 – Sunday, September 19th: (vs.) Philadelphia
Many do not expect the Eagles to be as good as in years past not just from the loss of McNabb but from many other losses as well. However, the Lions have been known to make unproven QBs look real good, and many unknowing Eagles fans may be hyping up Kevin Kolb after he probably has a good game against the Lions.
Week 3 – Sunday, September 26th: (at) Minnesota
Doesn’t matter who Minnesota’s QB is, this is a guaranteed win for the Vikings.
Week 4 – Sunday, October 3rd: (at) Green Bay
The Lions go to Lambeau Field rather early in the year this season, but for a team who hasn’t won at this stadium in nearly 20 years trying to do so against a very potent Green Bay offense led by Aaron Rodgers is perhaps too tall a task for this team.
Week 5 – Sunday, October 10th: (vs.) St. Louis
St. Louis had one win last season. That win came against the Lions in Detroit. As such, I don’t think anybody can trust the Lions would have this game in the bag or anything.
Week 6 – Sunday, October 17th: (at) NY Giants
Nobody really knows which way the Giants are going, but this should still be an easy win for the G-men at their new stadium.
Week 7 – BYE WEEK
Insert your “Lions finally win a week” joke here.
Week 8 – Sunday, October 31st: (vs.) Washington
Detroit’s first win last season came at the expense of the Redskins, but this season’s Redskins look to be a completely different beast with a new front office, new coach and a new offense. Washington probably won’t stumble this time. Probably.
Week 9 – Sunday, November 7th: (vs.) NY Jets
The Jets sure have been busy this offseason, with this being an uncapped year and all. Frankly, I don’t think the Jets’ moves will net them a Super Bowl or even close, but they’ll have enough to destroy the Lions in this game.
Week 10 – Sunday, November 14th: (at) Buffalo
The Lions have another shot to win a road game here. The Bills are in a state of flux with an unproven coach and an uncertain quarterback situation.
Week 11 – Sunday, November 21st: (at) Dallas
I would say this is the first time Roy Williams plays against his old team, but will he even be an active member of the team by the time this game comes along?
Week 12 – Thanksgiving, November 25th: (vs.) New England
There have been requests to remove the Lions from Thanksgiving festivities because of how awful they’ve been. Putting the Lions in a competitive contest would help remedy this problem somewhat, but that’s not happening this year. The Patriots will destroy the Lions and add fuel to that fire. Seriously, couldn’t the Lions get the Bills here or something?
Week 13 – Sunday, December 5th: (vs.) Chicago
Another good chance at a win here, though I haven’t forgotten how much Chicago has changed through their offseason acquisitions.
Week 14 – Sunday, December 12th: (vs.) Green Bay
I don’t expect the Packers to slip up in this game, but with a divisional game like this you never know.
Week 15 – Sunday,December 19th: (at) Tampa Bay
Another possible road win for the Lions, though who really knows how well the Buccaneers will play after having their worst season in quite some time.
Week 16 – Sunday, December 26th: (at) Miami
QB Chad Henne and OL Jake Long face the team from the state where they had very successful college careers, to have a very successful game against the Lions.
Week 17 – Sunday, January 2nd, (vs.) Minnesota
The fact that its a home game gives the Lions a tiny chance at victory here, but only if Minnesota has nothing to play for, otherwise this will probably be another Viking romp.
Schedule Recap
Number of possible wins for the Lions: 8
Number of actual wins for the Lions: 4
Number of possible 10+ point losses for the Lions: 10
Number of actual 10+ point losses for the Lions: 10
Yeah, that’s Lion math for you. Should be another improvement from last season but this team still has a long way to go.
Source:
NFL.com, Detroit Lions Schedule, National Football League
