The Detroit Lions are the only team that won’t have a primetime game in the 2022 NFL season.
While they are regular fixtures during Thanksgiving, they usually get the earliest time slot.
After decades of futility, putting them on primetime is a gamble.
They haven’t done much to turn their fortunes around lately and even regressed from their 5-11 record in 2020.
Head coach Dan Campbell‘s charisma is softening the criticism for another disappointing campaign.
However, they might turn things around this season, especially with their easy schedule at the homestretch.
ESPN’s Rich Cimini tweeted, “The easiest finishing stretch (December-January) belongs to the Lions (.382 opp win pct), Vikings (.387), Titans (.392) and Jets (.407). Via @ESPNStatsInfo #Jets.”
The Lions will have six games in December and January, starting with the Jacksonville Jaguars in Week 13.
Then, they will face the Minnesota Vikings, New York Jets, and Carolina Panthers to complete their December schedule.
Their final two games are against the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers.
The Packers are the only team that made the playoffs last season, but the Lions defeated them to close out the 2021 regular season.
Typically, games in December and January are crucial in determining playoff positions.
If the Lions remain in the postseason hunt, they must win these games to improve their chances of reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2016.
Worst yet, the team hasn’t won a playoff game since 1991.
Detroit’s Promising Draft Class
The Lions already have some good players in D’Andre Swift, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and T.J. Hockenson.
However, rookies Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Pascal can help generate more pressure on opposing quarterbacks.
Meanwhile, Jameson Williams could be the deep threat the Lions have been looking for.
If all goes well, Detroit won’t make it easy against their foes.
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