2011 Detroit Lions NFL Expert Predictions, Picks, 2012 Vegas Super Bowl Odds and Schedule – Detroit Lions NFL Football Season Preview: During the past decade and a half, the Detroit Lions have been known for three things – Barry Sanders, bad draft picks and losing football games. Well, Sanders is retired and after a 6-10 campaign in 2010-11, losing is still an issue. However, savvy moves on draft day in recent years have left the Lions with more plenty of firepower on offense and plenty of muscle on defense. In fact, Detroit may just have the right pieces in place to make it to the postseason for the first time since 1999.
A major factor in the Lions’ quest to return to the playoffs is going to be the health of quarterback Matthew Stafford. The former No. 1 overall pick has shown all the makings of a superstar when he has been on the field. The problem is that staying on the field has been his biggest problem. However, hopes are high the Stafford will play a full 16 games this year after offseason surgery to repair his bothersome shoulder. If that happens, Stafford immediately jumps into the Pro Bowl conversation, and Detroit becomes a legitimate playoff contender.
Despite being forced to start three different quarterbacks last season, the Lions still managed the 12th-best passing attack in the NFL. Wide receiver Calvin Johnson was a big reason why, finishing with more than 1,100 yards and 12 touchdowns. Tight end Brandon Pettigrew is an emerging star as well, and the Lions added former Boise State standout Titus Young in the second round of the draft to add yet another weapon.
Even with the passing game spreading out opposing defenses, the Lions couldn’t field a top 20 rushing attack. Nagging turf toe issues slowed down promising young runner Jahvid Best, and like Stafford, the versatile back could be in for a breakout season if he can stay healthy. The bad news is the second-round pick Mikel Leshoure suffered a season-ending injury during training camp and won’t be able to provide the power to Best’s speed as anticipated. Jerome Harrison was brought in to replace Leshoure, but Detroit’s ground game is basically in the hands of Best.
The cupboard is just as stacked on the defensive side of the ball where the Lions are quickly building one of the scariest front lines in the NFL. Ndamukong Suh is an absolute beast at defensive tackle, and Detroit added Auburn star Nick Fairley in the first round of the draft to further bolster the middle of its 4-3 base. Kyle Vanden Bosch provides a rush off the edge, and linebacker Stephen Tulloch joins the mix as well, coming off a 160-tackle season. After ranking ninth in the league against the run a year ago, this year’s unit has the personnel to challenge for the top spot.
Detroit made some moves to help the secondary as well. Cornerback Chris Houston resigned with the team, and fellow CB Eric Wright was added in free agency. Safety Erik Coleman was another key free agent addition. Rumors swirled at one point that Nnamdi Asomugha might be coming to town, but in the end, the Detroit front office opted to bring in two solid players and resign the Houston rather than splurging on one superstar.
With a loaded offense and an upgraded defense, there is a lot to love about the Lions in 2011-12. That being said, Stafford and Best have to stay healthy if the team is going to reach its full potential. At full strength, the Lions could surpass Chicago in the NFC North and make the playoffs. If the injury bug hits again, a 7-9 season is more likely. The division is still Green Bay’s to lose, but the Lions are contenders.
Preseason 2011 Detroit Lions NFL Odds:
Odds to Win 2012 Super Bowl: +2050
Odds to Win 2011 NFC Championship: +1215
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2011 Detroit Lions NFL Football Schedule
1 Sunday Sep. 11 1:00 PM at Buccaneers – – –
2 Sunday Sep. 18 1:00 PM Chiefs – – –
3 Sunday Sep. 25 1:00 PM at Vikings – – –
4 Sunday Oct. 2 1:00 PM at Cowboys – – –
5 Monday Oct. 10 8:30 PM Bears – – –
6 Sunday Oct. 16 1:00 PM 49ers – – –
7 Sunday Oct. 23 1:00 PM Falcons – – –
8 Sunday Oct. 30 4:05 PM at Broncos – – –
9 Bye Week
10 Sunday Nov. 13 1:00 PM at Bears – – –
11 Sunday Nov. 20 1:00 PM Panthers – – –
12 Thursday Nov. 24 12:30 PM Packers – – –
13 Sunday Dec. 4 1:00 PM at Saints – – –
14 Sunday Dec. 11 1:00 PM Vikings – – –
15 Sunday Dec. 18 4:05 PM at Raiders – – –
16 Saturday Dec. 24 4:05 PM Chargers – – –
17 Sunday Jan. 1 1:00 PM at Packers
Check out NSAwins.com’s official 2011 NFL Over Under Team Wins Odds and Predictions and 2011 NFC North Odds and Predictions articles.
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