One of the fun things to do in this business is make predictions and then go back and look at those predictions to see how right or wrong you were. When you're right it feels like you're a golden god, but when you're wrong it's fun to laugh at yourself and wonder where your head was at. 

Back in September, I made five "bold and spicy" predictions about the Detroit Lions 2024 season. The idea was that I wanted these takes to be a little crazy and bold. Now it's time to go back and see how hard I can laugh at myself. 

Prediction 1: Marcus Davenport stays healthy and has a Pro Bowl season

Man, I was wrong about this one almost immediately. I was encouraged by the good camp that Davenport had and when he is healthy, he's a good player. The problem is he has a really hard time staying healthy. He got hurt immediately and was put on injured reserve. He only played two games for the Lions. 

Prediction 2: Jake Bates breaks Justin Tucker's distance record

I don't think this was a horrible thought. Bates has a monster leg on him, the Lions just never really were put in a position where he would have to try to kick a 67-yard field goal. It doesn't happen very often. Bates did try a 65-yard kick in Chicago a few weeks ago, but he missed it. That was his longest try of the season. His longest hit was from 58 yards against the Texans. 

Prediction 3: Sione Vaki crashes fantasy football servers when everyone tries to pick up after a huge game

I don't think I've hidden that I've purchased a ton of Sione Vaki stock very well. I really expected that after waiting for a little bit, the Lions would start using Vaki as a positionless weapon on offense. I thought he would going to be all over the place in 2024 and that just has not happened. He's been a really good special teams player and that's been great for him. Maybe next year. I'm not selling any stock. 

Prediction 4: Amik Robertson goes off and proves to be the Lions' biggest offseason signing

I'm taking the win here. I'm absolutely taking the win. Robertson has been so good for the Lions in 2024. Whether he was inside or outside, he was the Lions' most steady cornerback of the season. In Week 18 he had the tall task of taking on Justin Jefferson and he shut him down. In retrospect, I believe he was the Lions' best offseason signing. 

Prediction 5: Jared Goff makes first All-Pro team and wins league MVP

To be fair, we don't know yet if I'm fully wrong about this one. Goff didn't get the All-Pro nod. He did make it into the Pro Bowl though and he is in contention for the MVP award. He's not likely to win it, but he's in contention. I'm going to take a small win here because at least I was right about him having a killer season. Ultimately I think I'll be fully wrong on the actual prediction though. 

Analyzing the Lions’ defense against running quarterbacks vs other playoff teams’ stats and how Detroit can stop Jayden Daniels on the ground

Here is something that is going to be talked about a lot this week for the Detroit Lions. Can they stop the mobile quarterback? It's something that has been discussed for some time now. It feels like this has been an Achilles heel for the Lions since 2021.  When your team struggles with something, it's […]