Lions Diary: 2005 Schedule

The Detroit Lions 2005 schedule has been released. It's neither a cake-walk or overwhelming. Of course, this is the National Parity League, so I guess that's not an unexpected assessment. Like everyone else, allow me to predict the Lions record based on their shiny new schedule.

Week 1: Green Bay at Detroit
Green Bay is perceived as taking a step back. Detroit is perceived as moving slightly forward. The Lions are at home. It's got Bret Favre miracle written all over it, doesn't it? However, I will go against all common sense, a normal reaction from a Lions fan, and pick Detroit. Lions, 1-0.

Week 2: Detroit @ Chicago
The Lions ended their record road losing streak at Chicago a year ago. I suspect the Bears to be a bit annoyed by that. I also expect the Bears to a bit better team than in 2004. Bears win. Lions, 1-1.

Week 3: Bye
Already? Two weeks and they need a break? This seems ridiculous. I'm sure the majority of the week will be spent debating on whether Joey Harrington or Jeff Garcia should start next week.

Week 4: Detroit @ Tampa Bay
It seems to me that the Lions always lose in warm weather sites. I'll admit to knowing little about the Bucs, but if the Lions are truly improved this is the type of game they need to win. It's a toss-up contest, but I'll take the Honolulu Blue and Silver. Lions, 2-1.

Week 5: Baltimore @ Detroit
Geez, just what Joey was hoping for: the best D in the league visits Ford Field. If Harrington makes it through the entire game without getting benched for Garcia, it may be a sign Joey is improving. Still, I'll take the Ravens in a close, low scoring game. Lions, 2-2.

Week 6: Carolina @ Detroit
If they both wore their black uniforms would we be able to tell the teams apart? The Lions are at home and I'm not crazy about the Panthers offense. Lions win, 3-2.

Week 7: Detroit @ Cleveland
The Jeff Garcia Revenge game. However, for the Lions sake, we have to hope Harrington is still playing well enough to keep Mooch's favorite QB on the bench. I'll take the Lions, but I'm not sure why. Lions, 4-2.

Week 8: Chicago @ Detroit
I took the Bears at home. I'll take the Lions at home. Lions, 5-2.

Week 9: Detroit @ Minnesota
Yeah, Randy Moss is in California. It won't matter, Vikes prevail in a big way. Lions, 5-3.

Week 10: Arizona @ Detroit
You just know Cardinals fans are looking at this game thinking the same thing Lions fans are "The closest thing we have to an easy win". Of course, only one group of fans is going to be right. It better be us. Lions, 6-3.

Week 11: Detroit @ Dallas
I have no idea. I cannot figure out which Cowboys team to expect: the '03 or '04 model? The Tuna may have the 'Boys playing darn well by this point in the year. It's a home game for them, too. I want to take Detroit, but I'm going to say Dallas. Lions, 6-4.

Week 12: Atlanta @ Detroit (Thanksgiving Day)
The Leos walked into the South and beat the Falcons last year. I fear the reverse will happen this year. I, however, am not a big fan of this Atlanta team. That may change, but right now I'm sticking with Mariucci's squad. Lions, 7-4.

Week 13: Minnesota @ Detroit
The Lions absolutely, positively must win this game. As their history would indicate, they probably won't. I hate to think of the Vikings sweeping the Lions, but...... Lions, 7-5.

Week 14: Detroit @ Green Bay
Hard to figure where the Pack will be by this point in the season. It doesn't matter, though. I cannot expect the Lions to win in Green Bay. Lions, 7-6.

Week 15: Cincinnati @ Detroit
These are not your daddy's Bengals. Cincy could be a strong playoff team by this time. I hate to say it, but the Bengals win this toss-up game. Lions, 7-7.

Week 16: Detroit @ New Orleans
I'm not enamored with the Saints, either. I suspect the Lions can pull out this road toss-up game. Lions, 8-7.

Week 17: Detroit @ Pittsburgh
I can't imagine the Steelers playing much better than a year ago. They may also have playoff spot secured, so that helps the Lions. However, playing yet another cold weather opponent on the road this late doesn't help. Steelers win. Lions, 8-8.

Hopefully, the Lions can pull out an extra game or two beyond what I project here. I think ten wins gets them into the playoffs, nine puts them right on the edge. I'm tired of waiting for Mariucci's team to show a big improvement. This had better be the year.