Below is the fourth part of a series previewing the Lions' entire 2008 schedule.  For the third part, which previewed November, click here.

December 7 - vs. Minnesota Vikings

In their first meeting of the year at The Metrodome, I have the Vikings blowing out Detroit.  Although Tarvaris Jackson isn't exactly the greatest quarterback in the world, he doesn't need to be with a player like Adrian Peterson lining up behind him.  Also, regardless of what the offense does, teams facing the Vikings normally aren't going to score a lot of points anyways with such a stellar defense lining up against them.

Although I do see this game being closer than the one in Minnesota, I still expect a Vikings victory.  Adrian Peterson will wear down Detroit's defense with another big game, and then Jon Kitna will be on the ground an awful lot after getting to meet the Vikings defense line all day long.

On paper: Advantage Vikings

Prediction: Minnesota wins again to sweep the season series; this one is a little closer, but that doesn't really mean much when the first game is a blowout

December 14 - at Indianapolis Colts

I honestly don't think Detroit should even waste their time with this game.  I'm just going to say it right now, this will be a blowout in favor of the Colts.  Even in the preseason that's what happened and Peyton Manning didn't have to play a full game.  Unfortunately, I see a similar result with Manning departing some time in the fourth quarter to give the back ups some playing time.

There's not a whole lot that needs to be said about a game like this.  Indy has a better coach, better offense, and better defense.  That's a lot to overcome, and Detroit isn't one of those teams that will surprise people and pull off the upset.

On paper: Advantage Colts

Prediction: Colts win by a landslide

December 21 - vs. New Orleans Saints

The Lions' final home game of the season is also the most winnable in the month of December.  The Saints are an interesting team coming off an interesting season, but should be in contention for the playoffs.  Even so, they are certainly beatable, especially at home.

At this point in the season, the Lions will be out of playoff contention for the most part with only 6 wins, and will be playing to reach .500.  This will be similar to 2007 in that sense, but unfortunately the result will be the same as an 8-win season will have to wait.

I could see Detroit winning this game as I believe it'll be a close one that goes down to the wire, but in the end Drew Brees and company pull it out for the win.

On paper: Advantage Saints

Prediction: New Orleans hands the Lions their 9th loss of the year

December 28 - at Green Bay Packers

With 8 wins out of reach, Rod Marinelli's last hope for 2008 is a win at Lambeau Field to match 2007's record of 7-9.  Although I did have Detroit beating Green Bay earlier in the season at Ford Field, everything changes when you head to the Frozen Tundra of Lambeau.

One of the biggest reasons behind my original prediction of a Lions victory over the Packers at the start of the year was due to Aaron Rodgers' lack of starting experience.  Some people believed that it would actually be an advantage to play him a second time as more film on him would be available, but I see it differently. With nearly an entire regular season under his belt, I think Rodgers will play better as time goes on.  He will have more chemistry with his receivers and should be making less of those "rookie" mistakes by December.

Considering the above paragraph, I have the Packers winning to give the Lions something they are very familiar with: a season ending with double digit losses.  Regardless of who Green Bay's starting QB is, one constant that always seems like it will be there is Detroit losing at Lambeau Field.  It is just something that happens, and with this game coming at the end of December, should happen again.

On paper: Advantage Packers

Prediction: Detroit's up and down season continues as they finish out the year on a 4-game losing streak

Recap: A quick look back on December reveals an 0-4 record for the Lions.  This comes after a 4-0 start that was followed by 6 consecutive losses and 2 straight wins.  In hindsight, I sincerely doubt the Lions will be that streaky of a team, but then again, as I have said before, if anyone would have that much of a roller coaster ride, it would be Detroit.

Below is the second part of a series previewing the Lions' entire 2008 schedule.  For the first part, which previewed September, click here.

October 5 - vs. Chicago Bears

Last season, the Lions surprisingly were victorious in both of their two games against the Bears.  The pair of wins came in an exciting way, which is a surprise for a Lions-Bears match-up.  Either way, Detroit was 2-0 against Chicago and will hope to continue that success in 2008.

The first of two meetings with the Bears comes at home and really is another game that the Lions should win.  With Rex Grossman still penciled in as Chicago's starting QB, chances are that Chicago's offense shouldn't exactly be too scary, especially when you consider that Cedric Benson still isn't reaching his potential.

Just as usual, the Bears' defense will be its strength, but it can only take Chicago so far.  Because of that, I see the Lions as the better team on paper, and also I see a 4-0 start happening for Detroit.

On paper: Advantage Lions

Prediction: Detroit wins in another close game to start the season 4-0.

October 12 - at Minnesota Vikings

Should the Lions actually start 4-0, we all will be in for quite the letdown.  I can confidently predict that the local sports radio stations will be filled with fellow Kool-Aid drinkers talking about the playoffs and how this is finally our year and all of that.  Unfortunately, it's exactly what happened after the Lions started 6-2 in 2007, and a 4-0 start would just make us all sound insane.

Heading out to Minnesota, the Lions would be in for a wake-up call if they were starting to feel a little too good about themselves.  The Vikings destroyed the Lions at The Metrodome in 2007, and I have a feeling that would happen again.  If it wasn't a blowout, then we likely would watch the Lions crush all of our hopes as they usually lose close games out in Minnesota.

As far as the match-up goes for this game, it has to favor Minnesota.  Adrian Peterson is a beast on offense, and then the Vikings' defense is going to be one of the best in the league.  It was good before this offseason, but add Jared Allen to the mix for 2008 and it is ridiculously good.

On paper: Advantage Vikings

Prediction: The Kool-Aid starts to taste a little funny after this game as the Vikings win in a blowout.  Adrian Peterson rushes for 200+ yards and Jon Kitna says hello to the ground all day long in this loss.

October 19 - at Houston Texans

The Lions never usually play well on the road, and I think we see that when they head to Houston to square off against the Texans.  If Detroit does come into this game after being beat by the Vikings, then I really don't see this as being remotely close to a win.  If it's a win the week before, then I still don't like Detroit's chances.

Both Detroit and Houston match-up pretty good with each other, but this is one of those scenarios where I have a feeling we all will be scratching our heads when all is said and done.  I see it as being a close game where Detroit gets down early and fails at coming back, though they do make things interesting.  Think of it as being something like the Cardinals game from last year where they easily could have won despite their poor play, yet ended up with the loss.

On paper: Advantage Lions (barely)

Prediction: The Texans make it two straight losses for the Lions in a close win after leading big early on.

October 26 - vs. Washington Redskins

As much as I'd like to say this is Detroit's chance for vengeance after being beat 34-3 a year ago against the 'Skins, I can't say that at all.  Washington is clearly the better team in this game and the final score will reflect that.

The Redskins' offense had their way with Detroit's defense a year ago and it could be even worse this time around.  Jason Campbell has more experience under his belt and now has a few extra happens thanks to the draft.  On top of that, Clinton Portis, if healthy, is a great running back that can rack up a few TDs with ease.

On paper: Advantage Redskins

Prediction: Washington wins this one easily, leaving Lions fans confused as their team has now fallen to 4-3 after a perfect start.  If the collapse comes this early in the year leaving time to pick up the pieces, I'll be happy.  Although the schedule doesn't get much easier, Detroit plays at home three times in November, which should give the Lions a small kick in the rear to get things going again.

Recap: I have the Lions going 1-3 in October.  Best-case scenario in my opinion is really only 2-2 as none of these games will be easy.  Worst-case, well, let's not even go there as 0-4 probably could happen as well.

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