The Detroit Lions are expected to make some noise during the 2023 NFL season. After finishing just shy of the playoffs in 2022, the future appeared bright for the Detroit Lions. The team turned a 1-6 start into a 9-8 finish, including a 5-1 record in their division. Entering 2023, the Lions are anticipated favorites to win the NFC North, and the team has aspirations for a deep playoff run in a weakened NFC.
The Lions have good reason to have such high expectations. After boasting a top-five offense in 2022, the Lions upgraded their attack. Pro Bowl quarterback Jared Goff and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson return to lead Detroit’s offense. GM Brad Holmes upgraded the backfield with David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs replacing Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift. Marvin Jones returns for a second go-around to replace the departing D.J. Chark. Sam LaPorta provides an upside the team lacked in its tight end room since T.J. Hockenson was traded.
Holmes overhauled a Lions defense that ranked near the bottom of the league in 2022. Cam Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley project to step in as high-quality starters at cornerback. C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Brian Branch join an already solid safety group. Jack Campbell provides a sound blocker and an elite size profile at linebacker.
Holmes has built a roster that can win now without sacrificing the future. The NFL recently released the full 2023 schedule. The Lions garnered five prime time slots. Let us take a look and make some quick predictions for the 2023 Detroit Lions.
(Note: I am not predicting scores. They are hard enough to predict the day of a game. Making a prediction months out is impossible.)
Week 1: Lions at City Chiefs
Thursday, Sept. 7 at 8:20 p.m. EST
Prediction: Loss
Week 2: Lions vs Seahawks
Sunday, Sep. 17 at 1 p.m. EST
Prediction: Win
Week 3: Lions vs Falcons
Sunday, Sept. 24 at 1 p.m. EST
Prediction: Win
Week 4: Lions at Packers
Thursday, Sept. 28 at 8:15 p.m. EST
Prediction: Loss
Week 5: Lions vs Panthers
Sunday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m. EST
Prediction: Win
Week 6: Lions at Buccanneers
Sunday, Oct. 15 at 1 p.m. EST
Prediction: Win
Week 7: Lions at Ravens
Sunday, Oct. 22 at 1 p.m. EST
Prediction: Loss
Week 8: Lions vs Raiders
Monday, Oct. 30 at 8:15 p.m. EST
Prediction: Win
Week 9: Bye
Week 10: Lions at Chargers
Sunday, Nov. 12 at 4:05 p.m.
Prediction: Win
Week 11: Lions vs Bears
Sunday, Nov. 19 at 1 p.m. EST
Prediction: Win
Week 12: Lions vs Packers
Thursday, Nov. 23 at 12:30 p.m. EST
Prediction: Win
Week 13: Lions at Saints
Sunday, Dec. 3 at 1 p.m. EST
Prediction: Win
Week 14: Lions at Bears
Sunday, Dec. 10 at 1 p.m. EST
Prediction: Win
Week 15: Lions vs Broncos
TBD
Prediction: Win
Week 16: Lions at Vikings
Sunday, Dec. 24 at 1 p.m. EST
Prediction: Loss
Week 17: Lions at Cowboys
Sunday, Dec. 31 at 8:15 p.m. EST
Prediction: Loss
Week 18: Lions vs Vikings
TBD
Prediction: Win
Final Record Prediction: 11-6
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For more from the author, Thomas Chavez, check him out on Twitter here: @tlchavez43
Featured Image Credit: © Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK
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