NFC North: If You're Fearing the Lions...

[ThunderDan]

I am not as optimistic about the Lions as some on here. While the rosters aren't set I just went over the Lions schedule and I see them in the 6-10 to 8-8 range. Most likely I see 7-9.

The Lions for the 3rd place team doesn't get a cakewalk in its games. They get Dallas and SF. Both teams have questionmarks but both look to be playoff contenders at the beginning of the year.

The NFC North gets the NFC South and AFC West next year. That means ATL, NO, Tampa, KC and SD. Five tough non-division/conference games for everyone in the North.

I don't think the Lions will sneak up on anyone this year and teams won't take the DET week lightly in 2011.

[MJZiggy]

I don't necessarily FEAR the Lions at this point, but let's just say I'm paying attention. There's potential there.

[sharpe1027]

As bad as they were, it is almost impossible for them not to have improved. There is a difference between being somewhat competitive and being a serious threat. Many teams never clear the hurdle. The Bills have been trying for a long time to do just that, San Fran is stuck there as well. I think it is just as likely that the Lions top out at around a .500 team and then slip back to their familiar position near the bottom.

[MJZiggy]

As bad as they were, it is almost impossible for them not to have improved. There is a difference between being somewhat competitive and being a serious threat. Many teams never clear the hurdle. The Bills have been trying for a long time to do just that, San Fran is stuck there as well. I think it is just as likely that the Lions top out at around a .500 team and then slip back to their familiar position near the bottom.

I'd prefer to see them unseated on the bottom rung by Chicago...

[Lurker64]

I'd prefer to see them unseated on the bottom rung by Chicago...

Last place should really just alternate between the Vikings and the Bears.

[MJZiggy]

Last place should really just alternate between the Vikings and the Bears.

I could live with that...

[Pugger]

Last place should really just alternate between the Vikings and the Bears.

Maybe they could end up in a tie for last place?

[bobblehead]

Last place should really just alternate between the Vikings and the Bears.

First place should alternate between GReen Bay and the Packers.

[3irty1]

They will be decent, but they still have major issues. Besides there QB staying healthy, there oline needs to improve greatly. Those two go hand and hand.

Then stift to the defense. The linebackers are average and the secondary is still below average. The stength of the team is there skilled position players and there dline.

8-8? Maybe......but I'd bet they are still closer to 6 than 10 if they don't land 8 wins.

Don't think I agree with this assessment. For one, their offensive line isn't that bad. Its certainly not good but I wouldn't trade it for the Bears' or anything. Their strength is pass blocking so I don't suspect a ton sacks like back in their Mike Martz days. They also have 2 TE's on the field pretty much all the time which takes a lot of pressure off of their oline.

Calling their linebackers average is super generous in my opinion. That group is trash and the weakest unit on the team followed by their secondary.

[gbgary]

a good bump i think.