The Detroit Lions went 7-9 last season and lost the final four games of the season. They should have made it into the playoffs, but they collapsed and couldn\u2019t hang on to win the weak NFC North. <\/p>\n
\nLions Over Under Lines<\/h3>\n
2013 Record: 7-9<\/strong>
\n2014 O\/U Win Total Line: 8.5 Games<\/strong>
\n Detroit [dfads params=’groups=63740&limit=1&return_javascript=0′]<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\nOffensively, the Lions have tons of talent. However, they failed to produce down the stretch and this year they need way more consistency. Even with the problems, the Lions ranked 6th in YPG (392.1).<\/p>\n
Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson led the Lions to the #3 passing offense (280.1 PYPG). The run game wasn\u2019t as productive (112 RYPG \u2013 17th), but the new coaches have said they want to run more often.<\/p>\n
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That means we\u2019ll likely see more of Joique Bell, as he has been the better option over Reggie Bush. Keep this in mind when drafting your fantasy team this year. I won\u2019t be targeting either RB.<\/p>\n
On offense the Lions lost Nate Burleson, but they signed Golden Tate to replace him. Tate has speed and that\u2019ll help open up the field for Johnson. Drafting Eric Ebron was a smart move as well.
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\nEbron should produce right away, as he has the size and great athletic ability. With a strong o-line again I expect this offense to be in the top 5 throughout the regular season if they remain healthy.<\/p>\nDetroit has also made changes on defense, as they\u2019ll look to employ a 4-3\/3-4 hybrid system. Upfront this team is strong with the likes of Ndamukong Suh, Ziggy Ansah and Nick Fairley.<\/p>\n
The front seven should be able to get pressure on the QB and keep opposing RB\u2019s in check. The problems will be in the secondary where the Lions are weak coming into the regular season.<\/p>\n
CB is an especially weak position this year in Detroit. Teams will be able to pass on them. I think running the football more often is a good idea, as it\u2019ll keep the opposing offenses off the field longer.<\/p>\n
I think the biggest question mark on Detroit is the coaching. They made wholesale changes to the staff. I expect the coaches to help change the culture in the locker room, which will help this team.<\/p>\n
\n2014 Detroit Lions Season Win Betting Prediction<\/h3>\n
Bet on Over 8.5 Games (-115)<\/b><\/p><\/blockquote>\n
It\u2019s difficult to bet on the Lions to win over 8.5 games after watching them underachieve in recent years, but I like this team a lot. Detroit is talented on both sides of the football, but they lack focus.<\/p>\n
This team started 6-3 last season before ending the season on a 1-6 stretch. The schedule is easy, as they only have to play three teams that made the playoffs last year during the regular season.<\/p>\n
NFC North match-ups will be pivotal. The Lions went 4-2 in the division last year and they\u2019ll have to match that at the very least. Nothing is easy for Detroit, but they have a lot of winnable games.<\/p>\n
I have the Lions making the playoffs as a wild card in the NFC. The offense is top 5 and the defense is good enough to keep them in close games. I may be wrong, but I\u2019m high on the Lions in 2014.<\/p>\n
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