Fansided

Power rankings and record predictions

By Matt Verderame

Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 26, 2015; Glendale, AZ, USA; Arizona Cardinals wide receiver Larry Fitzgerald (11) against the Baltimore Ravens at University of Phoenix Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 27: Ezekiel Ansah
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 27: Ezekiel Ansah /

27. Detroit Lions

The Lions always seem to be stuck in neutral, with the motor burnt out and the driver kicking at one of the tires. In this case, the driver is head coach Jim Caldwell, who, in his third season as head coach, has to be nervous looking at this roster.

Without the recently retired Calvin Johnson, Detroit will need to rely on a more balanced offense. However, the team finished dead last in rushing yardage last year and has the same cache of limited backs. Ameer Abdullah has the most potential, flashing at times throughout an inconsistent rookie campaign.

Some will point to the free-agent signing of Marvin Jones and maturation of Golden Tate, claiming the best way to win is have quarterback Matthew Stafford chucking and ducking. In reality, Detroit has been doing that since Barry Sanders left town in the late 1990s and have two playoff appearances and no wins to show for it.

The Lions have some stars in Stafford, Tate, Ezekiel Ansah, Darius Slay and DeAndre Levy, but the holes on both sides of the ball are glaring.

Record prediction: 5-11

Next: No. 26 Miami Dolphins