The Roar Has Been Restored In The Lions 2012 Schedule
By: Ryan Wooley
Isn't it funny to think that before last season we as Lions fans would look at the new schedule and not only try and figure out who they may beat during the season, but hope they would get placed in a prime-time game, only to be disappointed they were left off both Monday Night Football and Sunday Night Football?
Well, it appears those days are finally over with the release of the 2012 schedule, as the Lions have landed the max amount of games for a team to play on national TV, scoring four prime-time games to go along with their annual Thanksgiving matchup, making it the first time since 1998 Detroit has had at least four nationally televised contests.
The first of the five comes just two weeks into the season when they head out west to battle with the San Francisco 49ers. The game will certainly have a playoff feel to it as it will be the rematch of the Schwartz/Harbaugh "hand shake gate" from last season, and a good early test for both teams after both made the post-season last year.
The next contest will come on October 7th when Detroit heads to Chicago to battle with the Bears for the first time. The game will also be on Monday Night Football, marking the second straight year both teams have squared off under the lights and the first time the Lions have played on MNF at Soldier Field.
The third game will feature the Lions playing host to the Houston Texans in their annual Thanksgiving game. It will certainly be another test for Detroit as they square off with another playoff squad from last season, and will also showcase two of the best receivers in the league in Calvin Johnson and Andre Johnson.
The fourth prime-time affair will have Detroit on the road at Lambeau Field on December 9th. The Lions of course haven't won in Green Bay since 1991, but the game could set the stage for a winner take all scenario in the NFC North as both teams jockey for position atop the division.
And the final game will be a Monday Night Football contest downtown at Ford Field--but with a twist.
Christmas Eve falls on that Monday the 24th and the NFL will not have any games played that day, so the game will be moved to Saturday the 22nd. Kind of sucks that a Monday Night Game will not be played on a Monday, especially with how much excitement there was for the Lions/Bears game this past season, but if Detroit is anywhere near locking up a playoff spot with a win like they were last year against the Chargers, Ford Field will be rocking and it truly won't matter.
Other interesting notes about the schedule are that the Lions will play six of their first 9 games on the road and that all their road games are in sets of twos. They also will close the season with 5 of their final 7 at home which could prove to be huge down the stretch as they look to not only make the playoffs for the second straight season, but try and win the division and host a playoff game.
Now I'm sure some of you have already scanned the schedule and picked wins and losses pre draft, as the draft will certainly change at least a few of them.
If I was to do the same I would say Detroit will win either 10 or 11 games, starting the season 3-1 by their bye week and 6-2 by mid-season. They then will finish the second half of the year going 5-3, possibly 6-2, if they can finally find a way to get that elusive victory in Green Bay.
I don't think that picking 10 or 11 victories is too farfetched after last season and the talent that is on the team. I also can't recall the last time I was this confident in picking double-digit wins for the Lions.
In any event, it's definitely a nice change of a pace with thinking they have a shot in games and creates even more excitement for the season to finally get here.
Follow Ryan Wooley on Twitter: @WooleyMammoth85