Over the last few weeks I have gone through the Lions' entire 2008 schedule and previewed it month by month.  The results, to put it nicely, weren't all that great for the Lions.  I highly doubt my predictions will come true as I don't think even Detroit could be quite this inconsistent, but man, if this season did happen, all Lions fans would have a constant headache.

Below is a table version of my predictions for the 2008 season, and as you will quickly notice, wins and losses come in clusters.  There is a nice 4-game winning streak to start the season, but things go south quickly as the Lions then lose 6 straight.  Detroit does get to taste victory 2 consecutive weeks to end November at 6-6, but then December happens.  In the final month of the season I have the Lions going winless, meaning they would finish the year on a 4-game losing streak.  As I have said in the past many time, a team this streaky would be rare, but then again, out of all the teams that could do it, Detroit is probably at the top of the list.

Should 2008 play out like this or at least hand Detroit a 6-10 record, I'm sure Rod Marinelli's name will be on the chopping block in the media and in the minds of fans.  However, there is no doubt in my mind that his job is safe.  It would take an 0-16 season for Marinelli to be fired simply because as long as he is here Millen will be here.  Plus, even though a 6-10 season is mediocre, keeping continuity for more than a few years is important.  If a new coaching staff comes in once every three or so years, then progress will take just as many steps back as it would with a 6-10 season.

For an in-depth look of my predictions for every game, check out my month by month previews: September, October, November, and December.

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 third part of a series previewing the Lions' entire 2008 schedule.  For the second part, which previewed October, click here.

November 2 - at Chicago Bears

Although I did have the Lions winning at home against Chicago back in October, I think the Bears will snap their losing streak to Detroit in this game.  At home, I believe the Bears will be able to pull it out despite another poor offensive performance.  Not only is their QB Rex Grossman, but they no longer have a running back now that Cedric Benson has been released.  Their starter now will likely be Adrian Peterson, and unfortunately for them, it's not the one that could rush for 2,000 yards next season.

Even with all of those negatives, I have a feeling the Bears defense and special teams will come up big.  By that, I mainly mean Devin Hester will return a kick or punt to help the Bears win in what is a sloppy game.

On paper: Advantage Lions

Prediction: Bears in another close one

November 9 - vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

Remember those random games last season where Detroit was blown out?  Well, this is probably going to be one of those games.  As much as I'd like to say the Lions will pull off the huge upset, Jacksonville just has too much talent.  With David Garrard at QB and a Maurice Jones-Drew/Fred Taylor combination at running back, the Jags will put up a ton of points.

On the defensive side of things, the Jaguars also hold the advantage with a killer pass rush that will feature rookie Derrick Harvey, a player I desperately hoped would drop to the Lions in the draft.  Instead, Jacksonville traded up into the top 10 to get him.

On paper: Advantage Jaguars

Prediction: A very lopsided score that favors Jacksonville

November 16 - at Carolina Panthers

The Panthers are a very interesting team.  They're similar to the Bears in the sense of where they've gone since making an appearance in the Super Bowl.  Mind you, they are in a much better situation than Chicago right now, but they haven't gotten back to the level of success that was expected after going to the Super Bowl.

Even with that being said, the Panthers still are a much better team than the Lions.  With Steve Smith on offense and Julius Peppers on defense, this game, to me at least, projects as one that will be a casual loss.  What I mean by that is that the game is never out of reach, but the Lions never make it close either.  It's one of those games that ends in a score of something like 17-7.  Although the Lions could make a game of it, they never do.

On paper: Advantage Panthers

Prediction: As stated above, Panthers win in a boring one

November 23 - vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

I think of this match-up as the Old Buccaneers vs. the New Buccaneers.  Rod Marinelli has the habit of bringing in many former Buccaneers as he used to coach there.  That familiarity factor allows Rod to know exactly what he's getting when new players are brought in as he has coached them once before.  Take a player like Dewayne White, for example.  White was brought in last offseason and became a starter at defensive end.  Marinelli knew he would be able to do that when he became a Lion and now White is by far the best DE on the team.

Anyways, this is always an interesting game due to the ex-Tampa Bay players on the team, and it'll be even more interesting this year now that more are in Detroit.  Last season the Lions beat the Bucs by a TD despite being very out gained yardage-wise.  Detroit did win, though, and I think they will again this year.

Although Tampa Bay is a playoff team, the Lions will have success against the Bucs due to the familiarity with them.  Combine the former players and coaches from Tampa and it sets up a winning combination for Detroit.

On paper: Advantage Buccaneers

Prediction: Lions beat Tampa Bay again thanks to those Buccaneer roots

November 27 - vs. Tennessee Titans

In this year's edition of the Thanksgiving Classic, the Lions welcome Vince Young and company to Detroit.  The Titans are a fairly young team that offers lots of potential, but they are fairly inconsistent. 

When it comes down to it, I see the Lions having success on Thanksgiving for a change this time around.  Vince Young still has many question marks around him, which will open the door for the Lions.  Will it be a close game?  Probably.  That's what most or all of Detroit's wins will be this year.  Regardless, all that matters at the end of the day is whether or not you did win, and for the Lions a "W" on Thanksgiving would make it two in a row to end November.

On paper: Advantage Lions

Prediction: Unless Kevin Jones signs with Tennessee to team up with Mike Williams for an ex-Lions coming out party, the Lions win this one in a close one.

Recap: I have the Lions going 2-3 in the month of November, bringing my overall prediction for 2008 to 6-6 so far.  The final two wins of the month come after a disappointing 6 straight losses.  That's right, after starting the year 4-0, I have Detroit dropping 6 consecutive games before finally winning again.  But hey, if anyone is that two-faced of a team, it'll probably be the Lions.  Just look at last year's second-half collapse for proof of that.

So, November for the Lions.  What do you guys think?

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.

Leave your thoughts in the comments and leave your vote in the poll below.

Over the next week or so I will preview the Lions' entire 2008 schedule.  Below is the first part of this series, which previews the month of September.

September 7 - at Atlanta Falcons

Out of all the times to play the Falcons, the first game of the season certainly is the best.  Atlanta's QB situation should be interesting to watch as rookie Matt Ryan likely will be the starter.  With no regular season snaps under his belt coming into this game, that lack of experience hopefully will give Detroit an advantage.

Outside of the QB position, the Falcons just aren't a very good team.  They had one of the worst records in the NFL last season, and although they should be better in 2008, early on they are expected to struggle, at least by me anyways.

On paper: Advantage Lions

Prediction: It would take an awful game for Detroit to come out on the losing end.  I'm not saying that's not possible as it is the Lions we're talking about, but Atlanta's lack of experience at quarterback should be enough for Detroit to start the season 1-0.

September 14 - vs. Green Bay Packers

Similar to the Falcons, the Packers' quarterback situation will be interesting to watch.  With Brett Favre now retired, Aaron Rodgers will finally get his chance to step in as the starting QB.  He did look good when he filled in for an injured Favre for part of the Cowboys game last season, but being the starting QB is a completely different thing then playing part of a game.

Even with a lack of experience at QB, the Packers are still a very good team.  After all, they did make it to the NFC Championship Game last season, and if it weren't for a careless interception in overtime by Favre, who knows what would have happened in that game. 

Green Bay's strength is without a doubt their defense.  Aaron Rodgers will have to play well for them to win, but it is the defense that should carry this team.  For that reason, I have to give the Packers a very slim advantage on paper.  That doesn't mean I think they will win the game, though.

On paper: Advantage Packers

Prediction: I have a feeling the Lions will come away with a close victory in this game.  Despite having a better defense, the Packers do have an inexperienced Aaron Rodgers at QB.  If he plays a great game then GB wins, but in only the second game of the season, I don't see that happening.  For that reason, I predict the Lions will start off the year 2-0.

September 21 - at San Francisco 49ers

The Lions wrap up the month of September (they have a bye on the 28th) by heading out west to play the 49ers.  The storyline surrounding this game likely will be Mike Martz facing his former team for the first time, and I'm sure Martz will contribute to it with some outrageous comment.  He has been bashing the Lions ever since taking the offensive coordinator job with the 49ers, so this is the Lions' chance for some revenge.

Although SF doesn't have an inexperienced quarterback, their offense will be in only its third regular season game under Martz's complicated new system.  They should have it down for the most part by then, but I imagine there still will be some kinks to work out.

Defensively, I already am envisioning 49ers linebacker Patrick Willis having a big game.  He is a beast and will thrive against a weak Lions offensive line.  Jon Kitna will need to keep his eyes peeled for Willis.  Then again, it won't be hard to do that when he is bringing you to the ground over and over.

On paper: Advantage Lions (Willis can only do so much)

Prediction: I don't know if this is the Kool-Aid talking or what, but believe it or not, I have the Lions starting off the season 3-0.  Out of the first three games this one worries me the most as being a possible letdown, but the 49ers aren't very good.  Look for a low-scoring affair hopefully resulting in a Lions victory.  This is one of those games where Jason Hanson will be a busy man, and in a battle of kickers he will lead Detroit to victory.

Recap: As I said, I have the Lions starting the year 3-0.  If they want any shot at making the playoffs, a 3-0 start will almost have to happen as the rest of the schedule is brutal.  The worst-case scenario for September is 1-2 in my opinion as there is no way the Lions should start out their first month without a victory.  At the same time, the best-case scenario is what I laid out to you as 3-0 is definitely a realistic possibility.

Any thoughts on what Detroit will do in September?  Leave a comment with your own prediction.

I'll have a full analysis of the schedule up tomorrow, but in the meantime, you can take a look at it below. Looking back on my predictions that I made earlier today, I was correct with three of them. The Lions will play the Bears twice in four weeks, will play Tennessee on Thanksgiving, and will play at Green Bay in December. The only one I got wrong was saying that Detroit would open the season at San Francisco, but hey, I was only two weeks off. Not bad if you ask me.

Anyways, here is Detroit's 2008 schedule:

The entire 2008 schedule won't be out for another five or so minutes, but the Lions have announced that they will open the season at home in Week 2 against the Packers.  That means the first game of the season will be on the road, and I'm hoping it's against San Francisco as that's what I predicted earlier today.

I like playing Green Bay earlier in the season as Aaron Rodgers won't have a ton of experience under his belt yet.  I would rather go on the road to Lambeau Field in September, but just as usual, it's looking like that game will be in the later part of the year.

Although most of us are all focused on the NFL Draft as it is less than two weeks away, later today we will have to take a short break to look ahead to next season.  Why?  Well, the NFL is going to release the 2008 schedule at 2:00 p.m. ET, meaning we will get to find out the exact dates, times, and TV arrangements for all 16 regular season games.

Despite the schedule not being out until later today, we do already know which teams the Lions will be playing in 2008 and where the games will be played at.

HOME: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Jacksonville, Tennessee, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, and Washington

AWAY: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Houston, Indianapolis, Atlanta, Carolina, and San Francisco

Just for fun, here are a few predictions for the Lions' 2008 schedule:

• Detroit will host Vince Young and the Titans on Thanksgiving
• The Lions will play Green Bay in December
• To open the season, Detroit will be on the road against San Francisco
• The two games against the Bears will be played within 4 weeks of each other

Check back in around 2 p.m. ET to find out what the Lions' schedule looks like for the 2008 season. 

VS

Date: Sunday, February 3, 2008
Time: Approximately 6:18 p.m. ET
Teams: New York Giants (13-6) vs New England Patriots (18-0)
SBN Coverage: Big Blue View :: Pats Pulpit
Location: Glendale Arizona, University of Phoenix Stadium
Television: FOX
Spread: New England favored by 12.0; Over/Under 54.5
POD Prediction: Patriots win 35-24

Conference Championship Sunday is almost here, meaning that four teams are just a single win away from the Super Bowl. This definitely wasn't the expected final four when you look at every team, especially if you were making predictions before the season started, but thanks to some upsets and complete surprises, the Packers, Giants, Chargers, and Patriots are still playing football.

I would say the Packers are the biggest surprise just considering where they were expected to be before the season. Most figured they'd have a solid season, but no one probably would have guessed they'd be on the verge of returning to the Super Bowl. Staying in the NFC, how 'bout those Giants. Dallas fell to New York last week, continuing Eli and company's road magic. I don't know how they've done it, but NY hasn't lost on the road since Week 1 of this past regular season. That match-up will be very interesting, especially since the temperature is expected to be in single digits come kickoff at Lambeau.

In the AFC, the Patriots are no shock at all. I will say that being 17-0 is surprising, though, simply because I didn't think any team could go this long without a loss. Their opponents, the Chargers, got to the AFC Championship Game thanks to an upset at Indy. They fought through injuries to somehow win against the Colts, and now face an even tougher task in beating the Pats.

Here is Sunday's schedule along with my predictions:

NFL ON CBS
3:00 PM   San Diego @ New England

NFL ON FOX
6:30 PM   NY Giants @ Green Bay

And here is a look at my original playoff predictions for this round and the Super Bowl (striked out teams eliminated):

Conference Championship Round
Dallas Cowboys beat Green Bay Packers
New England Patriots beat Indianapolis Colts

SUPER BOWL XLII
New England Patriots beat Dallas Cowboys