Detroit Lions: 10 Bold Predictions for 2014 Season

By Fuad Shalhout

Detroit Lions: 10 Bold Predictions for 2014 Season

JIM CALDWELL — The Detroit Lions enter the 2014 season as one of the most talented teams in the NFL. Head coach Jim Caldwell is the new man in charge and he’s expected to change the culture in Detroit. Having said that, here are 10 bold predictions for the Lions season. Let’s get to it, shall we?

No.10: Larry Warford will make the Pro Bowl

LARRY WARFORD

No.10: Larry Warford will make the Pro Bowl

LARRY WARFORD — This probably isn’t all that bold, but Larry Warford will make the Pro Bowl this year. He probably should have made it last year, but this will be the season people will recognize how good he is. I'm sure Stafford appreciates him.

No. 9: Reggie Bush will not rush for 1,000 yards

REGGIE BUSH

No. 9: Reggie Bush will not rush for 1,000 yards

REGGIE BUSH — Reggie Bush will not rush for over 1,000 yards. Last season, Bush ran very well in between the tackles, something Lions fans have been waiting for out of the running back position. But with the emergence of Joique Bell, I expect both guys to share the load even more this year, which is why I say Bush won’t reach 1,000 yards rushing. He should still be critical in the passing game coming out of the backfield.

No. 8: Matthew Stafford will throw fewer than 16 interceptions

Matthew Stafford

No. 8: Matthew Stafford will throw fewer than 16 interceptions

Matthew Stafford — Matthew Stafford will throw fewer than 16 interceptions this year. Not counting the 2010 season in which he only played three games, Stafford has never thrown fewer than 16 interceptions. Heading into his sixth season, Stafford should be smarter and more efficient.

No. 7: Lions sack total will rise

NICK FAIRLEY

No. 7: Lions sack total will rise

NICK FAIRLEY — The Lions sack total will rise. Last season, Detroit only had 33 sacks as a team; only three teams had fewer than that. With guys like Ndamukong Suh, Ziggy Ansah and Nick Fairley, there’s no reason why they shouldn't total more than 33 sacks.

No. 6: Slay will be Detroit's best cornerback

DARIUS SLAY

No. 6: Slay will be Detroit's best cornerback

DARIUS SLAY — Darius Slay had a rough first year as a pro. Veteran cornerback Rashean Mathis was the Lions’ best corner last year and that can’t be the case this time around. Slay will have a strong second season for Detroit. They’ll need him to.

No. 5: Calvin Johnson won't reach 1,500 yards

CALVIN JOHNSON

No. 5: Calvin Johnson won't reach 1,500 yards

CALVIN JOHNSON — Saying Calvin Johnson won’t crack 1,500 yards isn’t a knock on him at all. It says more about the talent around him. With the additions of Golden Tate and Eric Ebron, Stafford will have the luxury of spreading the wealth around this year. The Lions no longer need Megatron to play like an alien where he’s had to carry the offense all by himself in the past. They have legit weapons now and Stafford will use them.

No. 4: Lions won't finish top 5 in penalties

Detroit Lions

No. 4: Lions won't finish top 5 in penalties

Detroit Lions — The Lions won’t finish in the top 5 in penalties this year. Jim Schwartz and his shenanigans are no longer in charge. Under Jim Caldwell’s calm guidance, the Lions should be a more disciplined team.

No. 3: Ndamukong Suh will not get fined

NDAMUKONG SUH

No. 3: Ndamukong Suh will not get fined

NDAMUKONG SUH — Suh has been fined more than $300,000 in his career so far. Maybe I’m naive to think he won’t get in any trouble, but in a contract year, I have a feeling Suh will be on his best behavior.

No. 2: Detroit will finally win in Green Bay

GREEN BAY PACKERS FANS

No. 2: Detroit will finally win in Green Bay

GREEN BAY PACKERS FANS — Yeah, you heard that right. The Lions will finally win in Green Bay. This is the year, right? It just has to be. Detroit hasn’t won in Lambeau Field since 1991. I was only a one-year-old at the time. Is it so much to ask that they win there this season? The curse has to end.

No. 1: Lions will go 10-6 and make the playoffs

DETROIT LIONS

No. 1: Lions will go 10-6 and make the playoffs

Detroit Lions — The Lions will go 10-6 and snatch a Wildcard spot. Detroit has only made the playoffs once since 1999. Even though they’ll beat the Packers in Lambeau, I’m still not crazy enough to say that they’ll win the division over them. But with so much talent, and a coach that preaches discipline, they will make the playoffs. Get your popcorn ready.

Fuad Shalhout is a Detroit Pistons writer for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter, “Like” him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google

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