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5 most underrated NFL teams going into 2020

By Brad Berreman

SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Kliff Kingsbury of the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray #1 talk on the sidelines during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WASHINGTON - DECEMBER 22: Head coach Kliff Kingsbury of the Arizona Cardinals and quarterback Kyler Murray #1 talk on the sidelines during the game against the Seattle Seahawks at CenturyLink Field on December 22, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /
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Matthew Stafford, Detroit Lions
Credit: Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images /

4. Detroit Lions

The Lions went 3-12-1 last season, and they have traded away their best defensive player, cornerback Darius Slay. But eight of their 12 losses were by one score, and quarterback Matthew Stafford was having the best season of his career before a back injury ultimately sidelined him for the final eight games.

Running back Kerryon Johnson also missed eight games with a knee injury before returning late in the season. The Lions finished 21st in the league in rushing (103.1 yards per game), and they went 0-8 in the games David Blough and Jeff Driskel started under center.

Detroit has added notable pieces (linebacker Jamie Collins, safety Duron Harmon, defensive tackle Danny Shelton, cornerback Desmond Trufant) to a defense that needed plenty of help. Another instant impact player could come with the No. 3 pick in the draft (cornerback Jeff Okudah, linebacker Isaiah Simmons) , or a bit later if they trade down.

If Stafford and Johnson can stay healthy, the Lions’ offense should be fine and the defense will naturally be better. It seems to be playoffs or bust for head coach Matt Patricia and general manager Bob Quinn this year, but don’t dismiss a notable rise for the Lions.

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