Detroit Lions: The Line for the 2011 Regular Season

This has been the most surreal offseason that I can remember. A draft, but no free agency. Yet.

I thought that I would depart from the usual “Greatest Lions Equipment Managers in History” theme that seems so pervasive during these dog days of the lockout and do something just for grins.

I’m going to establish some over-under “lines” on the Lions 2011 regular season. These lines are totally subjective and capriciously arbitrary to say the least.

What?  You expected something fair and impartial?

Over the next few weeks, I will present the lines for quarterback, offensive line, tight ends, wide receivers, running backs, defensive line, linebackers and secondary.

That is, if there is enough interest.  Otherwise, I will go fishing.

Obviously, free agency will impact the lines. Since we have no idea who the Lions are targeting in free agency, I simply went with the information that was available.

Could the over-under lines change in a post free agency environment? Yes. If the Lions make a big enough splash in free agency.

So, let’s see what the collective level of optimism, or pessimism really is these days. If I set the line perfectly, the poll results should be roughly equal for both the over and the under.

The Lions Regular Season

The Lions are faced with one of the toughest schedules in the NFL. Mitigating factors to consider are the successful drafting of DT Nick Fairley, RB Mikel LeShoure and WR Titus Young.

Is that four-game winning streak at the end of the 2010 season an indicator that team continuity and quality depth are enough in evidence that the Lions can seal the deal week in and week out?

Has the defensive line become so dominant that the Lions could win behind Joey Harrington at QB?

Can the Lions win road games with more frequency? Will the Lions dominate at home?

I’m going to set the over-under line for Lions wins at 9.5.

Will a 10-win season (the over) be good enough to get the Lions into the postseason for the first time since 1999? Are the Lions poised to gain supremacy of the NFC North division?

You be the judge.