The Schedule Game – 2020 Detroit Lions Schedule

It is May and we are in the middle of a Covid-19 induced pandemic, but the NFL moves forward and releases their 2020 schedule. So let’s play the obligatory Schedule Game. If you are not familiar with the Schedule Game it works like this: I will look at every game on the Lions schedule and pick a winner of each game. Let’s forget for a moment that none of the 32 NFL teams have held a mini-camp or for the most part have not even signed their 1st Round Draft picks (except for Miami – Overachievers). So away we go!!

Week 1 CHI – Mitch or Nick ?? I think the Lions will pull out a close one at home. The Bears still have a good Defense and will make things hard for the home team but they will pull it out.

Week 2 @ GB – It is good to get Green Bay in September in Green Bay. No one wants to go to the Frozen Tundra in Week 17!! Green Bay may be in a bit of mess with the drafting of a QB in the 1st Round, but #12 will still be chucking the pigskin in Green Bay for at least this year, and that always gives the Pack a chance. I think the Pack will win at home, again in a close game (the trend is already starting).

Week 3 @ ARZ –Kyler Murray will be 1 year older and more in tune with Kliff Kingsbury. I think they will be an improved team from last year offensively. The Lions seem to never do well in the desert. That doesn’t change here. Arizona for the win.

Week 4 New Orleans - Drew Brees, Michael Thomas, Alvin Kamara. Too much for the Lions. Saints in a not so close of a game.

Week 5 Bye Week – Lions do not lose this week!!

Week 6 @ Jax – Minschew vs Stafford- Stafford will prevail. Jacksonville still has Fournette but that is really about it on Offense for the Jags, Defense is in disarray. Lions win on the road!

Week 7 @ATL – The Falcons were very busy in the offseason: Gurley, Fowler, Hurst et al… Too much for the Lions on the road. Falcons with the win.

Week 8 IND - Is Phillip Rivers enough to push this team over the hump ? Not this day, although the Colts have a great Oline they will lose a close one to the Lions in Ford Field.

Week 9 @ MinN – The Vikings and Lions are always a close game and very hard fought. I think home field is the key here, Vikes win another close one.

Week 10 – WAS - Chase Young makes an appearance in Detroit but not in Honolulu Blue and Silver… Doesn’t matter, the Redskins will lose this time. Lions big.

Week 11 - @ CAR – The Lions have problems on the road, they have for a long time. I don’t see it here though. CAR is in the beginning stages of a rebuild. They went all Defense in the draft and only have Christian McCaffery on Offense. The Lions get win #2 in a row.

Week 12 HOU Thanksgiving day game - This is a tough game to figure. No DeAndre Hopkins, will David Johnson be back?? We know DeShaun Watson is the real deal, will JJ Watt play ( a legit question). I want to say the Lions should win this game, but my gut says Texans in a heart breaker.

Week 13 @CHI – The Bears will have their QB situation figured out by this game. Bears win at home.

Week 14 GB – Finally get GB at home late in the year, but there is nothing on the line for the Lions. However, the Lions win a meaningless game.

Week 15 @ TEN - Derrick Henry – Titans win

Week 16 TB – So the Patriots South will meet the Patriots North. The last time the Real Patriots came to town with TB12 and Gronk the Lions won. It should be a game that may determine who wins the NFC South for the Bucs. The Bucs have a pretty good defense – Bucs in a tight one.

Week 17 MINN – Another NFC North rival and the last game of the year. I think the Lions win this one and continue the split with the NFC North teams.

I think the Lions ceiling is 8-8 and I have them winning 7 games. That could change 1 or 2 games either way, but I don’t see them making the Playoffs. The 1st 4 games are tough and the last 4 are brutal. The early BYE week does not help either. Here is hoping to good health for the team and better than predicted results!!