7 Reasons the Lions Will Make the Playoffs in 2016

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Jan 4, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; Dallas Cowboys running back DeMarco Murray (29) scores on a touchdown run past Detroit Lions outside linebacker DeAndre Levy (54) during the third quarter in the NFC Wild Card Playoff Game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matthew Emmons-USA TODAY Sports /

5. Studs At Every Level of Defense

There are tons of questions about starters all along the defense, but the Lions may have the most talented 4-level tandem on any team in the NFL. Ziggy Ansah had a coming out party in 2015, recording 14.5 sacks. DeAndre Levy missed practically the entire season due to a hip injury but was arguably the best 4-3 linebacker in the game the previous two years. 2015 was also a coming out year for Darius Slay who certainly good enough to warrant top 10 talk when discussing the game’s best corners. And backstopping it all is Glover Quin, a top 5 safety when it comes to all-around skill set.

Add in solid and healthy contributors at defensive tackle and middle linebacker and the defense doesn’t look like it’s all doom and gloom. Maybe the stars can outshine any poor performance from the unproven starters in 2016.

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