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NFL playoffs: How your team can make it

By Matt Verderame

Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 28, 2014; Houston, TX, USA; Jacksonville Jaguars quarterback Blake Bortles (5) throws during the game against the Houston Texans at NRG Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 14, 2014; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Golden Tate (15) celebrates his touchdown with quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) during the second quarter against the Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports /

North. Detroit Lions. 2. player. 50. . NFC

Last year, the Detroit Lions looked poised to win their first playoff game since 1991. However, the Lions lost in controversial fashion, giving their fans something to stew over for the entire offseason. Unfortunately for Detroit fans, their disappointment over the postseason was replaced by offseason angst, when defensive tackle Ndamukong Suh took his All-Pro talents to South Beach.

Still, the Lions have the potential to make a second straight postseason appearance, something the franchise has not accomplished since the Wayne Fontes era. Detroit has a middling defense but the offense could be terrific with a dynamite passing game. With Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate on the outside and quarterback Matthew Stafford throwing the ball, Detroit will have an explosive attack from anywhere on the field.

Last year, Stafford threw for 4,257 yards and 22 touchdowns, while Tate made a great first impression on the Motown faithful with 1,331 receiving yards. Despite battling injuries throughout the campaign, Johnson caught 71 passes for 1,077 yards and a team-best eight touchdowns. Additionally, running back Joique Bell rushed for 860 yards while catching another 34 passes.

If the Lions can keep the defense afloat after the losses of Suh and Nick Fairley, the offense should do enough to win 10 games and make the playoffs. Head coach Jim Caldwell did a great job with the team last year, getting through a tough schedule to earn a postseason berth. It would be tough to bet against a team that appears to be on the rise.

Next: Minnesota Vikings

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