Detroit Lions third best team in NFC North, not a playoff team, three NFL.com writers say

The Detroit Lions will spend their season looking up at the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears, according to three-fourths of the writers previewing the team for NFL.com.

Bucky Brooks, Daniel Jeremiah, Adam Schein and Steve Wyche all gave their Lions predictions Monday. None of them have Detroit winning 10 games, and only one has them returning to the playoffs.

Brooks (8-8, third in NFC North): "After making the postseason for the first time in more than a decade, the Lions must deal with pressure and expectations that come along with being a favorite. Matthew Stafford and Calvin Johnson are ready for the challenge, but a suspect secondary could keep the defense from rising to the occasion."

Jeremiah (9-7, tied for second): "Can they take that next step? The Lions broke through the playoff barrier last season but they were out-classed by the Saints once they got there. Their division is brutally tough, but I still like their chances to return to the postseason."

Schein (8-8, third): "I love the passing attack, but I am very concerned about the run game, the offensive line, and the back end of the defense."

Wyche (9-7, third): "Suspect running game and holes in the secondary will put a dent in the spectacular passing attack, featuring Matt Stafford and Megatron."

All four writers have the Packers winning the division, three of them at 12-4.

And only Jeremiah has the Bears winning fewer than 10 games, tying the Lions for second in the division at 9-7. Brooks even has Chicago at 11-5.

NFL.com also highlighted three key games the Lions' season as well: Week 11 vs. Green Bay, Week 16 vs. Atlanta and Week 17 vs. Chicago.

I agree with them completely, which is why I thought we needed to get two STARTERS out of our first and second round picks, rather than two DEPTH players. I'm pissed at our off-season. We could have had a solid team and made a real run. Bush, Porter and a good first round pick would have really solidified this team.

Like DeCastro?

Absolutely... Be a Monday morning Qb if you think it's wise or fair,

Absolutely... Be a Monday morning Qb if you think it's wise or fair, show me someone that was afraid of him for injury reason prior to the draft.

And, he struggled in Pitt against good competition on their OL and DL, and their 3-4 D confused him, but I think he would have out played Peterman from day 1.

reiff>decastro, lions made the right pick at a position that would have otherwise been a big need soon

Guard and center aren't going to be big needs soon? DeCastro can play either.

The difference is, who would have started sooner. DeCastro would have won the job over Peterman, no doubt in my mind.

However, it's useless to argue about it at this point. Reiff likely won't see the field this season unless there's an injury, and DeCastro won't play because of his injury. It's a moot point.

I have a feeling he'll be starting by the bye, then again it could just be indigestion...

That's week six. And starting where? RT or LT?

Why does it have to be tackle? He could possibly start at LG or RG as well

Guard and center aren't going to be big needs soon? DeCastro can play either.

The difference is, who would have started sooner. DeCastro would have won the job over Peterman, no doubt in my mind.

However, it's useless to argue about it at this point. Reiff likely won't see the field this season unless there's an injury, and DeCastro won't play because of his injury. It's a moot point.