3 Bold Detroit Lions Predictions

What are your bold predictions for the Lions' 2020 season?

It's time to make some bold predictions about the Lions. 

Since NFL analysts have broken down what Detroit's divisional opponents accomplished this offseason, there has become increased hope that Detroit is not that far off from having a successful 2020 campaign.

"The Detroit Lions should be the most improved team in the NFC North this fall, if for no other reason than they have a healthy quarterback again," writes Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press.

Birkett explains, "Matthew Stafford's back injury cost the Lions wins in 2019, but it also afforded the team an opportunity to add high-end talent to its roster that no other team in the division can match."

The Bears, Vikings and Packers did not make many impactful signings that drastically have set them apart from the Lions.

"There weren't any game-changing free-agent signings in the division this offseason. The Chicago Bears game 30-year old pass rusher Robert Quinn the biggest contract, while the Minnesota Vikings added likely just one starter," Birkett wrote.

Here are three bold predictions for the upcoming Lions season:

1.) Matt Patricia will win NFL Coach of the Year

If there ever was a time that Patricia needed to prove he belonged in the league as a coach, this is the season. 

Patricia has more of his types of players, a returning Matthew Stafford and a revamped defense.  

The drastic turnaround of the Lions this season will garner national attention. 

billmatt1
© Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports

2.) Matthew Stafford leads Detroit to its first playoff victory since 1991

A healthy Stafford will be looking to finally silence his critics in 2020. 

After missing half of the 2019 season due to injury, a rejuvenated Stafford will lead Detroit to the playoffs, and will play a major role in Detroit's first playoff victory since 1991. 

USATSI_13250953_168388382_lowres
Kirthmon F. Dozier, Detroit Free Press

3.) Jeff Okudah will lead the NFL in interceptions

If Okudah can hit the ground running, his NFL career can produce plenty of interceptions and pass breakups. 

In his rookie season, Detroit's pass rush will improve, and Okudah will be the main beneficiary. 

Look for Okudah to become a ball-hawk early and to establish his presence in the first contest of the season against the Bears.

USATSI_13846192_168388382_lowres
Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports

Related

Orlovsky: Lions Will Make Playoffs If Defense Plays "Average"

3 College Quarterbacks Lions Must Keep an Eye

Did Lions Draft the Best Tight End in 2019?

One Key Defensive Stat Lions Must Improve Immediately


Published
John Maakaron
JOHN MAAKARON

John Maakaron has covered Detroit Sports since 2013. Brings a vast array of experience covering the Detroit Tigers, Detroit Lions, Michigan Wolverines, Michigan State Spartans, Detroit Mercy Titans, and Oakland University Golden Grizzlies. John brings a wealth of sports broadcast experience. In 2013, John had the vision to establish the Detroit Sports Podcast Network. Has recorded over 3000 podcasts analyzing Detroit Sports. In 2019, Sports Illustrated Media Group, a historical sports media outlet, partnered with Detroit Sports Podcast to provide daily Lions content for their growing and expanding digital media outlet. Our Lions content can also be read in the newspaper at The Oakland  Passionate about Detroit Sports and it is reflected in his coverage of the local teams!