With no preseason games and minimal information coming out camps, it is hard to figure out how the teams have been progressing during the offseason. Likely that doesn’t stop the experts from blessing us with their best guesses on which teams will come out victorious in Week 1.
The Detroit Lions will be kicking off their season against division foe Chicago Bears at home in hopes of bucking their four-game losing streak to the Bears over the last two seasons.
At the time of this writing, 68% of experts feel confident the Lions will reign supreme against the Bears, according to NFL Pickwatch. The Lions have been getting some national recognition as a sleeper team who can make a run this season, so it is nice to see the trend continue to start the season.
Last year, the Matthew Stafford-less Lions lost both games against the Bears by a combination of 11 points, so they weren’t too far off the mark. With a healthy Stafford slinging the ball and a potentially improved defense, you have to think the outcome will be different than last year.
Unfortunately, for the Lions, they will look to be shorthanded with right tackle Halapoulivaati Vaitai already ruled out, wide receiver Kenny Golladay doubtful for the contest, and Jeff Okudah reportedly out for the matchup. Expect Marvin Hall to get a healthy dose of Golladay’s snaps, Tyrell Crosby should be next in line to fill Vaitai’s spot, while Amani Oruwariye was likely already a likely start at corner.