POLL: Will the Lions make the playoffs this season?

To get ready for the 2014 season, Pride Of Detroit's writers weighed in with predictions on a variety of topics. You can make your own predictions by voting in the poll at the end of this post, and you can see what our writers had to say below.

Next up: Will the Detroit Lions make the playoffs this season?

Christopher Tomke: Yes

Of course.

Jeremy Reisman: No

It is certainly within the realm of possibilities, but I just don't see the Lions coming out of the gate as a solid, consistent team in Jim Caldwell's first season. With at least three teams capable of making the playoffs in the NFC North alone, a slow start may doom the Lions early.

Eric Shinabarger: No

This question likely turns on the outcome of the last two weeks of the season when the Lions play at Chicago and at Green Bay. I have minimal trust in the Lions' ability to earn one, let alone two, road divisional wins to close a season, especially when forced to brave December weather outside of the friendly confines of Ford Field.

Justin Simon: No

Based on my nine-win prediction, they should be in the hunt. I think they’ll be fighting against teams like the 49ers, Buccaneers and Bears for a wild-card spot. A 9-7 record can make the playoffs, but it really depends on how the rest of the NFC shakes out. If the Lions want to ensure a playoff spot, 10 wins are probably needed. In the end, I think the Lions just miss out in 2014.

Brian Packey: No

I think the Lions will control their own destiny in the final few weeks of the season, but finishing at Chicago and Green Bay will be too much to finish with a playoff berth.

Sean Yuille: No

Considering I have the Lions going 9-7 in 2014, I don't see the playoffs in their future this season. With the NFC looking so strong yet again this year, I just don't think 9-7 will be enough to get them into the postseason, and I certainly don't think that'll be enough to win the NFC North unless Aaron Rodgers and Jay Cutler miss a significant amount of time again.