​Having looked at the individual match-ups of the season, it’s hard not to think the schedule looks easier this year than previous years. That’s par for the course in the NFL, however, and it’s about time we are matched with another division that isn’t stacked, (maybe even two). The key to this season will unquestionably be the games against the NFC North, along with winning the games that should be won. I remember growing up the Lions would win the games they should have lost and would lose the games they should win. They can’t afford for that to happen this season. Here’s a look at my season prediction in terms of simple win/loss:

​1 – St. Louis – Win
​2 – @ San Francisco – Win
​3 – @ Tennessee – Win
​4 – Minnesota – Win
​6 – @ Philadelphia – Loss
​7 – @ Chicago – Loss
​8 – Seattle – Win
​9 – @ Jacksonville – Win
​10 – @ Minnesota – Win
​11 – Green Bay – Loss
​12 – Houston – Win
​13 – Indianapolis – Win
​14 – @ Green Bay – Win
​15 – @ Arizona – Win
​16 – Atlanta – Loss
​17 – Chicago – Win

​Looking over the schedule it’s hard not to get excited. Maybe it’s because for the first time in a long time, the Lions can realistically beat anybody. I’m sure my opinion will change once the preseason gets rolling and the real action starts, but looking from the outset of training camp, and I think 12-4 is very realistic.

—Jake Gysel Twitter: @jgysel