Detroit Lions Predictions: Why They Will Beat Tampa Bay in Week 1

Heading into week one are few teams more hyped than the Detroit Lions.  After a stellar preseason, they are looking to take the next step this year and become a playoff team.  The last time the Lions went 4-0 in the preseason though, they went 0-16 in the regular season.

This year will be different, as they will win in week one against Tampa Bay, and here's why.

Matthew Stafford Is Healthy

Hey what do you know, Matthew Stafford is healthy.  Every game that Stafford played in last year saw the Lions have the lead before he was injured.  This year will be a little different as he will finally stay healthy and lead the Lions to a great season. 

With Stafford healthy, the Lions honestly have a shot to win every game.  I am not saying they will go 16-0 but he is truly the key to success for the Honolulu blue and silver.

The Buccaneers Have No Safeties Right Now

The Tampa Bay Buccaneers' secondary is in shambles right now.  Their cornerbacks are pretty much set with Aqib Talib, Ronde Barber, E.J. Biggers and Myron Lewis but their safety position is murky.

Right now the projected starters are Sean Jones and Cody Grimm.  No offense to the Buccaneers, but those are not two well known names.  If the Bucs expect to cover the Lions' explosive passing offense, this secondary is going to have to step up huge, and I don't think they will.

Jahvid Best Will Have a Huge Game

Jahvid Best has yet to play after his minor concussion against Cleveland.  This may come as a scare, but this was only a precautionary move and the Lions already know that he can play and needed to figure out the rest of their backfield situation.  It's kind of a blessing in disguise if you think about it.  Now Best can will come out rested and ready to play week one and will have a huge week. 

After Best was well rested and healthy going into last season he went on to record five touchdowns and 268 total yards in his first two games.  This season won't be much different as he will come out of the gate hot and have a stellar week one.

The Lions Have a Road Winning Streak to Continue

The Lions finished the 2010 season with back to back road wins for the first time since 2003.  One of those victories came against these Tampa Bay Buccaneers and this game won't be any different.  Although there is no blueprint for winning on the road, the Lions got a huge monkey off their back last season and don't plan on ever looking back.

The Lions Are Healthy

Overall the Lions have been pretty lucky with injuries this preseason and handled the injuries they have had well.  With great overall health going into week one as every projected starter is supposed to play, it will be hard not to see them pushing their road winning streak to three.

The only major injuries were to the two top rookies Nick Fairley and Mikel LeShoure, but Fairley looks able to come back soon.  Although LeShoure is done for the season the running game for the Lions should be alright.

So look for the Lions to continue their road win streak and continue their dominance they have had in the preseason.