Week 8: vs. Las Vegas Raiders (Oct. 30, Monday Night Football)
Another prime time game for the Lions, this time on a Monday night, Halloween Eve and at home.
The Raiders have changed quarterbacks, from Derek Carr to Jimmy Garoppolo, and they may be a bit better this year in a broad sense. But they are beatable until further notice.
If the Lions are going to meet expectations in 2023 this is the kind of game, at home as mentioned and regardless of the prime time stage, that you have to, to borrow from legendary Raiders owner Al Davis, “Just win, baby.”
Five wins in six games. Who even remembers the 0-2 start now?
Prediction: Lions 27, Raiders 17 (5-3)
Week 9: Bye
Rather than having a short week coming off a Monday night game, the Lions get a bye.
Week 10: at Los Angeles Chargers (Nov. 12)
West Coast trips can be difficult regardless of opponent, and the Lions get a double challenge here. The Chargers have a top-tier quarterback in Justin Herbert, and a new offensive coordinator (Kellen Moore) that should be able to fully unleash him. And there are plenty of weapons around Herbert, and a talented Chargers’ defense on the other side of the ball.
This game has the potential to be very high-scoring and fun to watch. But the Lions fall just short in another tough road game.
Prediction: Chargers 34, Lions 28 (5-4)