Week 15
At Buffalo Bills
Like the Cardinals, the Bills are probably starting their rookie quarterback Josh Allen. The Bills accidentally made the playoffs last year, but I don’t think that anyone is expecting them to repeat that this year. There are a lot of holes on this roster.
If LeSean McCoy starts showing signs of aging, this Buffalo offense could be completely void of talent. Even with a still-performing McCoy, this offense is probably going to look one dimensional, and Patricia should be able to find a way to stop it.
The Bills are far more talented on defense, but not enough that I would worry too much about a Matthew Stafford lead offense that is fighting for a playoff spot.
I think that this is an easy win for Detroit, despite being a road game, in cold weather, late in the year.
Detroit Lions 2018 Record : 9-5
Week 16
Vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Lions close out their year with two of the toughest games on their schedule. The first of these, against the Minnesota Vikings, is at home. This is going to be a crucial one. The fans are going to be out and ready for this one. Playoff hopes are probably on the line.
Vikings probably are fighting for the division title at this point. Not likely that they are going to be far enough ahead that this isn’t a “must-win” for them as well.
I’d like to think that the Lions split with the Vikings and pull off a win here, but the Vikings are just too good a team, and I think that they probably sweep the Lions here.
This late in the year, the question is probably, which team is healthier? Since we can’t answer that, I’m sticking with my gut and giving this game to the better team.
Vikings win a close one, pinning Detroit’s wild card hopes to week 17.
Detroit Lions 2018 Record : 9-6
Week 17
At Green Bay Packers
Playing the Green Bay Packers, in Lambeau, in week 17, with a healthy Aaron Rodgers is not how you want to close out a season. You certainly don’t want all of your playoff hopes to rest on that game.
Unfortunately, that is where the Lions find themselves. It is entirely possible that 10-6 would not be good enough to win a wild card spot in a loaded NFC, but for now I’m going to assume it is.
Packers and Lions may be in a similar situation here, both fighting for a wild card spot, or the Packers may be fighting for a chance at winning the NFC North. Either way, I think it is probable that the Packers have just as much to play for in week 17 as the Detroit Lions.
Lions have the better roster, but with the season on the line, it’s tough to bet against Aaron Rodgers with the Lambeau crowd on his side to close out the season.
Unfortunately, I think that Packers win this one and finish Detroit’s playoff hopes.
Detroit Lions 2018 Record : 9-7
Thanks for checking out the article everyone. Go Lions! You can follow me on Twitter @Lanny1925 and be sure to join the community on the Detroit Lions subreddit.
