Detroit Lions 2020 schedule predictions: Picking every game

Final record: 6-10

With general manager Bob Quinn at the controls, the Lions were a very busy team this offseason. And that included trading for Patriots’ safety Duron Harmon and dealing away three-time Pro Bowl cornerback Darius Slay. But can they escape the NFC North basement, a place the team has resided the past two seasons? This is a crucial year for Matt Patricia, whose team brings a nine-game losing streak into the 2020 campaign.

Typically, a 6-10 season isn’t anything to be happy about but after 2019, this represents a sign of progress under Patricia. It is likely enough to keep him on the job and avoid the firing line at the end of the season. The health of Stafford will be key after injuries kept him out of the lineup for large stretches last season and was a big result in why they had the No. 3 pick.

Provided rookies Jeffrey Okudah and D’Andre Swift make the impact expected of them, a 6-10 record could offer a lot of encouraging takeaways despite the losing record that likely results in another last-place finish in the tough NFC North.