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NFL Power Ranking Preseason Edition: NFC only gets better

By George Stockburger

DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws as he warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - AUGUST 11: Quarterback Kirk Cousins #8 of the Minnesota Vikings throws as he warms up before an NFL preseason game against the Denver Broncos at Broncos Stadium at Mile High on August 11, 2018 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions of the Detroit Lions directs his team against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Ford Field on December 31, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – DECEMBER 31: Quarterback Matthew Stafford #9 of the Detroit Lions of the Detroit Lions directs his team against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Ford Field on December 31, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /

50. . . . Detroit Lions. 16. team

Detroit Lions fans are starved for a playoff win, let alone a playoff run for a Lombardi Trophy. The franchise hasn’t won a playoff game or even played beyond the wild card round since 1991. They enter this season with their 10th different head coach since that last playoff win, hiring Matt Patricia to launch them back into contention.

Matthew Stafford has been no better than average on paper, though he’s been steady and healthy, starting every game since 2011. He returns to a familiar group of weapons on offense headlined by Golden Tate, Marvin Jones, and Kenny Golladay.

Detroit took another swing at a running back during the draft, taking Kerryon Johnson out of Auburn in the second round. LeGarrette Blount was added in free agency coming off his Super Bowl win, and Theo Riddick returns as well.

DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 17: Frank Ragnow #77 of the Detroit Lions prepares for a first half snap while playing the New York Giants during a pre season game at Ford Field on August 17, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI – AUGUST 17: Frank Ragnow #77 of the Detroit Lions prepares for a first half snap while playing the New York Giants during a pre season game at Ford Field on August 17, 2017 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) /

Stafford should be well protected up front with first round pick Frank Ragnow starting at left guard and a slew of veterans around him.

On defense, the Lions tagged Ziggy Ansah and added a couple pieces in free agency, most notably linebackers Devon Kennard and Christian Jones.

Fourth round pick Da’Shawn Hand out of Alabama could bring much-needed depth at pass rusher, and third round pick Tracy Walker does the same at cornerback.

Detroit’s schedule has its typical ups and downs, including three of their last four games on the road. They have back-to-back division road games, followed by three home games against Carolina, Chicago, and the Rams.

Their division is tough this year with Minnesota and Green Bay, making it hard to see a playoff berth for Detroit this year.

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