NFC North Preseason Schedule: Detroit Lions Breakdown

Our look at the NFC North preseason schedules continues with the Detroit Lions, who are likely very excited to have news that does not involve a police blotter.

I kid, I kid. (But seriously, someone find these guys something to do. Idle hands and all that.)

Here's the schedule.                         

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Cleveland                         

at Baltimore (FOX)            

at Oakland                        

Buffalo                          

"

Not a bad combination of home games for the paying ticket-holders in Detroit Rock City, especially if Buffalo proves last season wasn't just an illusion.

Let's take a close look at the slate.

CLEVELAND BROWNS

The Browns offense is still a shadowy mishmash at this point, at least until we see what they add in the draft. If they do what I think they should (two of their first three picks have to be offense) then you should see a new wide receiver and probably a new running back getting plenty of snaps. It will be a young, inexperienced group facing a very tough front seven. I can't see that ending well, really. 

Welcome to Detroit, rookies. 

Defensively, the Browns were quite good last year. I don't see that changing in 2012, so this could be a good test for the Lions. What shape the backfield is in will be key during the preseason. Will Jahvid Best hold up or will he have further concussion issues? Will Kevin Smith be more than an emergency player? Can Mikel LeShoure stay healthy and stay out of trouble? How will the backfield split carries? Furthermore, can the offensive line protect Matt Stafford? 

We'll get some early input in preseason Week 1.

AT BALTIMORE RAVENS

Another tough defensive matchup, the Lions will have to work hard to keep the Ravens front seven out of the backfield. Even aging as they are, this is a dangerous group. They can be beat though, and have lost a step collectively over the last few seasons. Still, another good early test for the Lions offensive line.

The defense will have a tougher test than in the first week, as they face one of the premier running backs in Ray Rice. Also, while Joe Flacco isn't elite (despite his belief otherwise) this offense can move the ball through the air, and I expect second-year receiver Torrey Smith to have a big impact in 2012. So the secondary will see some action.

AT OAKLAND RAIDERS

The Lions travel across the country for a showdown in beautiful Oakland Coliseum to face a team that, frankly, looks like it's going to be in a little disarray. On the one had, Darren McFadden should be healthy and second year wideout Denarious Moore will only get better with a full offseason. On the other hand, Carson Palmer was not impressive last year and the rest of the offense is streaky with giant holes in the depth.

This is the third game, so we'll see the most time from the starters, and I think that the defense should have little issue closing down this Raider offense.

It may go a little differently when the Raider defense takes the field. This group, while not Hall of Fame worthy, is better than people think and will be another good test for the Lions' starters.

I tell you, by the time this team hits the regular season, after the first three defenses they face—they should be ready to go.

In the end, the Lions' offense should overcome the Raiders' defense but I expect Oakland to give them a run for their money.

BUFFALO BILLS

There shouldn't be too much to see in this game save for the rookies and newer free agents who might need more action to prove themselves or shake out the rust.

We won't see much of new Bill Mario Williams, and probably very little of the offensive stars like Stevie Johnson, Ryan Fitzpatrick and Fred Jackson.

Of course, the Lions will play their starters very little as well. Stafford, Calvin Johnson, Best, Suh and the rest will get some reps to start but soon give way to the bench players.