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5 Early Predictions for the Detroit Lions’ 2015 Season

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5 Early Predictions for the Detroit Lions’ 2015 Season

5 Early Predictions for the Detroit Lions’ 2015 Season
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Training camp is a few weeks away still, but it is never too early for predictions about what the 2015 season may hold. The Detroit Lions have undergone somewhat of a roster makeover, especially on defense, so it will be interesting to see how it plays out for the team. Here are five early predictions for Detroit’s 2015 campaign.

5. Ameer Abdullah Gains 1,400 or more Yards from Scrimmage

Abdullah Prediction
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

5. Ameer Abdullah Gains 1,400 or more Yards from Scrimmage

Abdullah Prediction
Glenn Andrews-USA TODAY Sports

Abdullah is a rookie, but has all of the tools to be successful this year. Joique Bell and Theo Riddick will take some touches away, but by the midway point of the season, expect Abdullah to solidify himself as the starting running back. He has already impressed the coaching staff with his receiving ability through OTAs. Look for Abdullah to have around 1,000 yards rushing and 400 yards receiving.

4. The Streak of Losing in Green Bay Continues

Detroit Lions vs. Green Back Packers
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

4. The Streak of Losing in Green Bay Continues

Detroit Lions vs. Green Back Packers
Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The last time the Lions beat the Green Bay Packers in the state of Wisconsin was 1991. To put that in perspective, I was a 1-year-old toddler. For whatever reason, Detroit does not fare well at Lambeau Field. Detroit visits Green Bay in Week 10 this year, and it is a safe bet that the Honolulu blue and silver will be walking away with an “L” in the win/loss column. I hope I am wrong about this prediction.

3. Calvin Johnson Re-Emerges as One of the NFL’s Most Dominant Wide Receivers

Calvin Johnson re-emergence
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

3. Calvin Johnson Re-Emerges as One of the NFL’s Most Dominant Wide Receivers

Calvin Johnson re-emergence
Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

Megatron is coming off of a somewhat disappointing season, for his standards anyway. He missed three games, but posted 71 receptions, 1,077 yards and eight touchdowns -- a stat line many receivers would dream about --but for Johnson, that was his lowest total in receptions and yards since 2009. Although he only missed three games, he was rarely ever 100 percent throughout the duration of the season. Look for Johnson to top last year’s totals.

2. The Lions will Finish Second in the NFC North, Again

NFC North
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

2. The Lions will Finish Second in the NFC North, Again

NFC North
Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Detroit has not won a division crown since 1993 when it was called the NFC Central. That obviously means it has never won the NFC North (established in 2002). The team came awfully close last year, but those pesky Packers beat them out. Detroit has a tough slate in 2015, but expect the team to finish right behind Green Bay once again. There has been a lot of offseason chatter about the Minnesota Vikings making a run, but I don’t buy it.

1. Detroit makes back-to-back Playoff Appearances for the first time since 1993-1994.

Back-to-Back Playoff Appearances
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

1. Detroit Makes Back-to-Back Playoff Appearances for the First Time Since 1993-1994

Back-to-Back Playoff Appearances
Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

That is right, a rather bold prediction due to Ndamukong Suh’s departure and a schedule facing the NFC West and AFC West. The Lions have a chance to win nine or ten games and sneak in as a wildcard. It won’t be easy, but I still believe the defense will be top-10 against the run, and on offense the running game will be improved, which leads to Megatron and Golden Tate getting open. This team still has a lot of talent.

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