Detroit Lions: Predicting the Outcome of Every Remaining Game

The Detroit Lions are enjoying one heck of a season thus far. They have become the symbol of a city, and an inspiration for many citizens of their hometown city. The Lions have "restored the roar" and are looking forward to the possibility of their first playoff birth since 1991. That road to the playoffs ultimately starts now.

Coming off of a bye in Week 9, the Lions head to Chicago, to take on the surging Chicago Bears. It is a matchup against a team that is 4-0 on the road and a team that is 3-1 at home. With playoff implications on the line for both teams, we look ahead to the consequences following this game for the Lions, as they play the remaining seven games vying for a playoff spot.

Every remaining game will be previewed and predicted. Will the Lions make the playoffs for the first time in 20 years?

Week 10: Detroit at Chicago

The Lions play in Chicago, against the Bears in their second matchup of the 2011 campaign. Both teams are in the hunt for a playoff spot, as well as a hold for second place in the NFC North.

The Bears haven't lost since the memorable Monday night game against the Lions. A team powered by quarterback Jay Cutler and running back sensation Matt Forte, the Lions will look to stop the Bear's two-toned offense.

The Lions will have their hands full, though. Since the Oct. 10th Monday night game, the Bears have looked like a totally different team. They've jelled considerably, and their offensive line looks powerful. Ndamukong Suh and the Lion's defensive line will have to get penetration and attack Forte and Cutler in order to win this game.

We all know that the Lions can score on offense. After struggling in Weeks 6 and 7, the Lions pummeled Tim Tebow's Denver Broncos 45-10.

The key here is the defense. The Lions have to stop Cutler and Forte for any chance of victory.

My Bold Prediction: Bears 27, Lions 21

Week 11: Carolina at Detroit

Through nine weeks, the Carolina Panthers are arguably the most exciting and explosive 2-6 team of all time. Rookie quarterback Cam Newton is making all the right moves in his first year as a professional. He ranks sixth in the league with 2,393 passing yards and 11 touchdown passes.

The Lions are coming off of a tough loss against their rival Chicago, and will want to avenge the Bears victory with a pounding on the Panthers. The Lions, being tied for second in the NFC North, will want to keep their playoff hopes well alive.

They will in impressive fashion.

My Bold Prediction: Lions 34, Panthers 20

Week 12: Green Bay at Detroit

Ah, yes. The matchup everyone was looking forward to in Detroit. The Lions are 7-3, riding high for the first time in a long time, and face the still, yes still, undefeated Green Bay Packers. The Lions finally have their opportunity to prove to the nation that they must be considered serious playoff and Super Bowl contenders.

Regardless, Green Bay will be decently favored. Still, this is the Lions' chance. The game is at Ford Field, were the crowd will be as much, if not, more fired up and raucous than the Oct. 10th Monday night game against Chicago. They will try to make Green Bay quarterback Aaron Rodgers as uncomfortable as possible in the pocket.

Too bad Rodgers and the Packers have played in more meaningful games than this one.

My Bold Prediction: Green Bay 20, Detroit 17

Week 13: Detroit at New Orleans

Heading into Week 13, the Lions are 7-4 and are hungry for some relief after starting out 1-3 after their bye week. Two crushing losses to separate division foes and one lone victory against a lowly team has them wondering what could have been. Now who do they play? 

Wait, who?

In—gulp—New Orleans?! 

That's right, the Lions head to New Orleans to play the Saints in Week 13. The Saints very well could be 7-4 come this game; they play at Atlanta and versus the New York Giants prior to this match-up.

Both teams will look to strengthen their playoff resumes, but only one will come out victorious. Who will go 8-4 and control their own destiny? 

New Orleans' high flying offense, that ranks second in the league, will exploit the Lions' surprisingly exceptional secondary, and Detroit will struggle to respond against an average passing Saints' passing defense. The crowd will also be a defining factor in the game.

My Bold Prediction: Saints 27, Detroit 14

Week 14: Minnesota at Detroit

The Lions are reeling, barely clinging to a playoff spot. Realistically, they need to win three of their final four games to safely clinch a playoff berth.

Week 14 brings in the Minnesota Vikings and a sigh of relief for the Lions and their fans.

I look for Detroit to absolutely unleash frustration and to showcase their weapons in this game. Calvin Johnson will have a huge day. Nick Fairley will sack the Vikings' quarterback twice, and Javhid Best will make his return for Detroit. 

A big win and a season-saver for the Detroit Lions.

My Bold Prediction: Lions 28, Vikings 12

Week 15: Detroit at Oakland

The Lions are 8-5, and still tied for second in the NFC North. Meanwhile, the Oakland Raiders are 7-6 and are on the outside looking in for a playoff spot.

Oakland quarterback Carson Palmer, by now, should be completely comfortable with his offense and will look to cut apart Detroit's defense. Although Palmer can pass, he can't run. 

The Lions' defensive line will attack Palmer all day, and force him to make throws he necessarily won't want to make.

Javhid Best and Kevin Smith will pound the ball effectively. Smith down the middle and Best running outside and screen pass routes.

My Bold Prediction: Lions 24, Raiders 17

Week 16: San Diego at Detroit

The Lions are now 9-5 and yes, still tied with the Chicago Bears for second in the NFC North. San Diego is 8-5 and leads the AFC West.

The Lions' running game will play a large factor for the second week in a row, and will effectively break down the Chargers rush defense. Javhid Best will be back to form, as this game will feature a handful of Lions running backs.

The key to this game on the defensive side is to clearly shut down Philip Rivers and his arm. Yes, his season has been average so far, but he is still one of the elite drop-back passers in the game.

My Bold Prediction: Lions 17, Chargers 10

Week 17: Detroit at Green Bay

Following the Lions' victory over the San Diego Chargers, the Chicago Bears fell to the Green Bay Packers to fall to 9-6 on the season. The Lions hold second place in the NFC North, as well as one of the final two playoff spots in the NFC.

The Lions head to Lambeau Field to face the Green Bay Packers. At this point, the Packers are 13-2 and have already clinched home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. Does this mean the Packers will send out their second unit to play their final game before the playoffs?

Is this really how the Lions clinch their playoff spot? Honestly, I don't mind it one bit. The lone year I've been alive for a Lions playoff berth, I was sixth months old. 

All Lions fans have been expecting and waiting for a team like this to make it all the way to the playoffs. Having only been three years removed from an 0-16 season, the Lions will make the 2012 NFL Playoffs.

My Bold Prediction: Lions 14, Packers 13