5 bold predictions for Detroit Lions in 2020

Matthew Stafford’s injury torpedoed the Lions hopes of making the playoffs in 2019. Can his return get them back into the postseason?

Lions head coach Matt Patricia is facing a make or break season. He desperately needs the return of Matthew Stafford to get this team back into the playoffs. Even with the talented signal caller back into the fold this team has precious little margin for error.

In fairness, the Lions did go 3-4-1 in Stafford’s eight games last season. That ratio isn’t good enough to earn them a playoff berth in 2020, but it’s much better than the team’s final win/loss mark of 3-12-1 last year.

The offense will be required to carry the team to any sort of meaningful success this year. Stafford triggers a potentially potent passing attack with an underrated receiving group. Kenny Golladay, Marvin Jones and Danny Amendola combine to form one of the best trios in the NFL.

Defensively things could get really messy for Patricia’s team. The loss of Darius Slay costs the unit their best player from 2019. Signing Desmond Trufant will fill his spot on the field but not his defensive impact. This secondary might really struggle in 2020.

Patricia will rely on a trio of former Patriots to elevate his front seven. Trey Flowers got a big contract last offseason but didn’t live up to his price tag. Danny Shelton and Jamie Collins will be required to help him this year. The front seven might be good, but it might not matter if the secondary doesn’t hold up their end of the bargain.

To get a real idea of where the Lions are headed in 2020, check out the following five bold predictions.

5. T.J. Hockenson will double his catch total

The Lions invested a first round pick on Hockenson for a reason. He’s got a chance to become one of the best overall tight ends in football. The former Iowa star is in line for a breakout sophomore campaign.

Good health and the experience he gained as a rookie should be enough to propel him forward. He only played 12 games last season but still managed to catch 32 passes. Look for him to get closer to 70 receptions this year if he’s able to stay on the field for a full 16-game slate.