It’s time once again for the too-early “schedule game”. You know how it goes. We get the Detroit Lions schedule finalized and then it’s a requirement we go through and predict wins and losses for each game. It’s a time-honored staple of sports radio and fandom!
I have a slightly different process than most folks in doing it. I actually go through each game three times. I guesstimate the best possible outcome for the Lions, the worst possible outcome, and then which one is more likely given the opponent and my general feeling towards that team in 2022.
In this exact prediction piece in 2021, I had the Lions finishing 5-12.
Week 1: Philadelphia Eagles
(AP Photo/Paul Sancya)
Last year the Eagles gave the Lions one of the worst beatdowns in franchise history. Philadelphia trounced Detroit 44-6 and ran for more yards than the Lions gained in total. That embarrassing effort led to the end of the Anthony Lynn era as the Lions’ offensive coordinator.
The Eagles are still talented and present a nice challenge to open the season. With so many key pieces for Detroit still of undetermined health status, it’s hard to forecast a revenge victory.
Prediction: Loss (0-1)
Week 2: Washington Commanders
Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Washington has a new nickname and a new quarterback in Carson Wentz. Neither is threatening enough to bring down the Lions in Ford Field.
Prediction: Win (1-1)
Week 3: At Minnesota Vikings
(AP Photo/Duane Burleson)
The Lions beat the Vikings in the second meeting of 2021 and should have won the earlier matchup in Minnesota if not for Greg Joseph nailing the two longest field goal attempts of his NFL career in the fourth quarter, including a 54-yarder as time expired for the Vikings win.
I know the Lions are better than they were a year ago. New regime in Minnesota, the Vikings coming off a Monday Night Football battle in Philadelphia,…