The Detroit Lions are ranked No. 28 in ESPN's Football Power Index ahead of the 2020 NFL season. With no preseason games this year amid the coronavirus pandemic, Week 1 is the first time we'll see new acquisitions and rookies for every team. Week 1 will also give us the first NFL games since Super Bowl LIV in February.
Here's everything you need to know about the Lions heading into the season, from the big question to answer and the toughest stretch on their schedule to a bold prediction and potential breakout fantasy football stars.
Full schedule | Roster | Depth chart
The big question: Will Matt Patricia's defense finally come together?
The Lions could have as many as seven new defensive starters, and whether they can figure out how to become an effective unit leads to the overarching question of the 2020 season: Will Patricia and GM Bob Quinn turn a combined nine wins in two seasons into a winner or will this be their final year in Detroit? -- Michael Rothstein
How the pandemic has most affected the Lions
The Lions had three players opt out -- receiver Geronimo Allison, defensive tackle John Atkins and center Russell Bodine -- with Allison and Atkins having real chances to make the roster. It also altered a little bit of Detroit's free-agent strategy as they brought in defensive players (Danny Shelton, Duron Harmon and Jamie Collins Sr.) who already had familiarity with Patricia's scheme and less of a learning curve. While that wasn't the sole reason for signing those players, all three will be starters and need to be key contributors for Detroit to have defensive success. It was part of a strategy in March, not knowing what things would look like in the spring or training camp. -- Rothstein
Football Power Index projections for the Lions
Overall ranking: 28
Offensive ranking: 24
Defensive ranking: 29
Special teams ranking: 16
Total wins: 6.6
NFC North title chances: 9%
Chances to make playoffs: 17.4%
Super Bowl chances: 0.2%
2021 draft pick: No. 7
Inside the Lions' schedule
FPI's strength of schedule rank: 28
Toughest stretch: While the opening stretch of games is difficult (Chicago, at Green Bay, at Arizona, New Orleans), it's going to be a mystery for every team in a COVID-related world. Their last four games, however, could decide the division and will be tricky. Starting at home against Green Bay and then traveling to Tennessee before home games against Tampa Bay and Minnesota will test the Lions in multiple ways defensively and could be the difference between making the playoffs and not.
Over or under 6.6 wins? Over. There still are questions on defense but the offense has a multitude of options and if most stay healthy -- including Stafford -- they could have one of the better offenses in the league and that should carry them. There's a legitimate closeness within this team this season, something I haven't noticed before in the Patricia era, which could help push a team through in close games. Somewhere between 8-8 and 9-7 feels like the right spot for this team. -- Rothstein
Bold prediction for 2020: Behind Jeff Okudah winning Defensive Rookie of the Year, the Detroit Lions win their first division title since 1993.
Looking around the NFC North, there are four teams each with significant questions (Green Bay's receivers, Chicago's offense, Minnesota's retooled defense, Detroit's pass rush) and it feels like any team could really win it. Considering the Lions have four of their final six games at home -- especially since it's unclear what travel protocols will look like -- it could give Detroit an edge. Plus, the offense has the talent and there's potential on the defense if rookies Okudah and Julian Okwara progress well early. And in a year unlike any other, something that hasn't happened for over 25 years would seem about right. -- Rothstein
Breakout fantasy star: T.J. Hockenson, TE
Hockenson's rookie season went about as expected for a first-year NFL tight end. He hit some bumps in the road (just two games with double-digit fantasy points, four missed games due to injury), but also flashed the upside the Lions were looking for when they selected the Iowa product in the first round of the 2019 draft (6-131-1 receiving line in his NFL debut). Detroit's offense will be better this season with a healthy Matthew Stafford under center, positioning Hockenson as a strong breakout candidate. -- Mike Clay
ADP for the top players:
Kenny Golladay, WR: 29.7
D'Andre Swift, RB: 71.5
Marvin Jones Jr., WR: 94.2
Kerryon Johnson, RB: 101.7
Matthew Stafford, QB: 122.6
The view from Vegas
Super Bowl odds: 60-1 (opened 60-1)
Over/under: 7
Playoff odds: Yes +280, No -340
The Lions had a modest over/under of 6.5 last season but finished just 3-12-1. They lost nine straight games to end the season and went 6-10 ATS overall. Ten of their games hit the over. The return of a healthy Stafford should help in a division where there are plenty of question marks. -- ESPN Chalk staff
Odds courtesy of Caesars Sportsbook by William Hill as of Sept. 1.
Where the Lions landed in NFL Rank
No. 52: Matthew Stafford, QB
No. 76: Kenny Golladay, WR
Speed reads before Week 1
Mike Rothstein: Matthew Stafford could have a big year
Betting Insiders: Odds are looking good for Lions to have a winning season
Todd McShay: Jeff Okudah has good early star potential; Top 100 in 2021