Predicting the rest of the Detroit Lions 2022 schedule
Heading into meaningful December games for the first time in awhile, here’s a game-by-game prediction for the rest of the Detroit Lions’ 2022 schedule.
The Detroit Lions are 4-7 this season, and sit 2.5 games behind the Washington Commanders for the final NFC playoff spot. While 4-7 may sound like a disappointing season, and there certainly have been many moments of disappointment, fans that have been watching this team know there has been some significant progress.
The Lions have the top-scoring offense in their NFC North and rank as the 10th-best offense overall in the league this season. And while the defense remains the worst scoring defense in the league, there have been a few players that have been bright spots like Aidan Hutchinson and Jeff Okudah.
While the Lions most likely will not be a playoff team this year, there are still a lot of games to showcase even more improvement with their eyes set on being more competitive next season. Let’s take a look at the remaining games left on the schedule and see how they may shake out.
Predicting the final six games of the Detroit Lions 2022 schedule
Week 13: December 4th vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
This is a game between two young teams who both have shown flashes of improvement this season but whose eyes are set on the future. This will be a battle between two former no. 1 overall picks in quarterbacks Jared Goff and Trevor Lawrence. Both teams are coming off games that could arguably be their most complete performances. The Lions lost at the last second to the Buffalo Bills on Thanksgiving 28-25, and the Jaguars beat the Ravens 28-27 with a two-point conversion for the win after their last touchdown.
These teams are evenly matched with both having a fairly steady offense and a pretty suspect defenses. Neither secondary is great and neither stops the run very well either, but Jacksonville gives up roughly 40 yards less per game on the ground. In a game where most of the best playmakers on both teams come out of the backfield, that statistic may matter. But ultimately, home field will matter in this one. The Lions have struggled at home this season, going 2-4 but losing to very tough opponents (Seahawks, Cowboys, Dolphins, and Bills). However, the Jaguars have gone 1-4 on the road this season. Coming off of the high of winning against Baltimore, look for this to be a trap game for them.
Final Score Prediction: Lions 31, Jaguars 27
Subplot to watch: This is the first matchup between the No.1 and No. 2 overall picks from this year’s draft–Travon Walker and Aidan Hutchinson.