Detroit Lions 2009 NFL Projection:
Finally Millen is out, replaced by Mayhew... And Schwartz replaces Marinelli.
However, the way Detroit's schedule opens in 2009, there's a real chance they could start (0-6) out of the gate,
conjuring up fears of a repeat (0-16) performance.
While we projected the Lions to go (2-14) last season, it's obvious they're fielding a stronger team
heading into 2009.
That's not to say the Lions don't have weak areas remaining. They do. But they also have some bright spots.
Linebacker! Yes, the acquisition of Julian Peterson from Seattle, and Larry Foote from Pittsburgh
add instant credibility and ability to the middle of Detroit's defense.
Coming off a season in which the Lions allowed 517 points overall, these upgrades should serve as a barrier
between a questionable defensive line which added DT Grady Jackson to help defend the run,
and a secondary lacking a star-- patched together this off-season to include castoffs
Phillip Buchanon of Tampa Bay, and Anthony Henry of Dallas.
Promising safety Louis Delmas was drafted in the second round. But
Daniel Bullocks has been lost for the season.
On the other side of the ball, new offensive coordinator Scott Linehan has scrapped
Detroit's zone blocking scheme in favor of a straight ahead approach. Already in preseason it looks to be paying dividends.
Meanwhile, first round draft pick TE Brandon Pettigrew (Detroit's 2nd of two first round selections)
adds beef to the running game.
Kevin Smith is running well. And WR machine Calvin Johnson is joined by newcomer Bryant Johnson of the 49ers.
Of course all eyes are on first round draft pick, strong armed quarterback Matthew Stafford
of Georgia. Could he step right in and start?
If Detroit's offensive line keeps blocking like they have in preseason, then perhaps so. Otherwise,
Daunte Culpepper appears to have some game left in the tank... Although he's got to avoid releasing the ball too early
when passing from the pocket... While mobile he appears to follow through better.
Schedule Analysis:
As mentioned above, Detroit's first six games are no picnic before hitting their
bye in week 7;
Record Projection:
Detroit upgraded their GMing, coaching, linebacking, future quarterbacking,
and scheming.
But we've got to make comparisons in relation to their competition.
While the Lions' defense looks better on paper, so do the offenses
of their three division rivals;
Minnesota having added Brett Favre, Chicago having added Jay Cutler,
Green Bay having Ryan Grant healthy to name a few.
Meanwhile, the Vikings and Bears are strong against the run.
And the Packers defense looks much improved year over year.
It remains to be seen if the Lions' offensive line can keep their
defense off the field with so many
tough games on their schedule; due to a competitive division and strong NFC conference overall.
If the Lions can show a four game improvement over last
season, that would be a welcome step in the right direction. Overall, we forecast a (4-12) season for the 2009
version of the Detroit Lions.
Revisit this prediction page for any potential upgrades or downgrades
to the 2009 Detroit Lions season forecast & outlook.
This projection will be "frozen" before the '09 season officially kicks off...
Once the regular season begins, you can track rolling standings projections
here.
Get FootballLOCKS.com's Weekly NFL Game Predictions:
Receive FootballLOCKS.com's 2009 NFL predictions each week for use in your
office football betting pool,
NFL pick'em, or other purposes such as
wagering in Las Vegas.
Click here now for details.
In past seasons at FootballLOCKS.com, we posted
preseason forecasts & predictions for every game on the schedule...
FootballLOCKS.com is instead offering current, in season weekly point spread predictions and pick'em
predictions for a very small fee so affordable
that even if you're just playing in an office pool,
it may be worth your while to join...
Sign up here.
Top Ranked Plays And Football Pool Selections:
Upon subscribing you'll get picks for your football pool each week of your membership
during the regular season in all games (made two ways)
against the spread (ATS) and pick'em.
You'll also get
FootballLOCKS.com's top ranked ATS predictions of the week, plus top ranked over/unders
and weekly teasers.
If you're not absolutely 100% satisfied for any reason, FootballLOCKS.com
will extend your subscription to cover an identical amount of time absolutely free (see details
at bottom of ordering page).
Click now to view subscription options.
NFL Season Win Totals:
Naturally, one goal of the 2009 NFL team record prognostications
as seen above is to create a guide for assessing and/or betting on
2009 NFL season win totals listed by Las Vegas NFL odds makers during the preseason.
If you order a
subscription before the season begins, you'll get full access to all of
FootballLOCKS.com's
favorite regular season NFL win totals picks listed in the member area.
Otherwise if you sign up after, you still receive all of FootballLOCKS.com's
week to week NFL plays for the duration
of your subscription.
So get a pass for FootballLOCKS.com's best weekly
NFL point spread picks
and more types of plays against Las Vegas NFL latest lines than you can
shake a stick at.
It's almost like you're getting
free NFL predictions... Why? Because all you have to do is claim you weren't completely satisfied (even
if you were actually 100% satisfied with the package) and you get double time on the house, no questions
asked.
Sign up now for FootballLOCKS.com.
Team By Team Free NFL Previews Note:
When reading NFL previews & outlooks consider that much can change throughout the course of the regular
season that can affect
FootballLOCKS.com's opinion of these early NFL season previews & forecasts...
All of these pro football predictions are made
before getting an actual glimpse of what each team might have been
holding back or keeping secret during the slate of preseason games.
Beware of using any given NFL preview or outlook to make any large NFL bets on wins totals
that would be unaffordable if they were to be lost.
Remember to get your pass for
FootballLOCKS.com’s weekly NFL football picks.
As a member you also get details on sports
gambling money management tips used by sports betting pros around the world.
FootballLOCKS.com’s top rated plays are made using our exclusive
backwards odds handicapping
of Las Vegas NFL betting odds.
Browse the;
Check out more of FootballLOCKS.com's NFL team previews:
Thank you for reading the above 2009 NFL team preview from FootballLOCKS.com.
We hope you enjoyed this NFL forecast... Pro football forecasts are available for all
32 teams. So check out the season projection for each squad in the league.
