Category — Detroit Lions

Every season we expect some things. The Colts will be good. So will the Patriots. The AFC West will be a tight race and LaDainian Tomlinson is going to have a great season.

Those predictions are easy to make. But there are other teams who emerge each season, seemingly from nowhere, and force fans — and opponents — to take notice. They might not dominate like the Patriots and they might not get that kind of media attention, but they get victories. And it isn’t until about halfway through the season that we care.

The third week of NFL action kicks off tomorrow, and now might be a good time to quickly preview some of the most intriguing games to watch Sunday and Monday night. And don’t forget that you can check how 5 football minds expect the games to play out at NFL Experts Pick ‘em.

Arizona @ Baltimore — Both teams enter tomorrow’s matchup with a 1-1 record and an eye on their respective division crowns. Neither is a sure-thing to win Sunday, though the Vegas spread (Baltimore by 8 ) might make you believe Baltimore will coast to a victory.

In some important fantasy football news, Kevin Jones will reportedly remain on the Detroit Lions’ PUP (physically unable to perform) list and miss the first 5 games of the season. He would miss more, but the team’s week 6 bye is a bit of a saving grace for him.

Unfortunately for Jones, the starting role will be passed on to a very capable back who started for the Denver Broncos last season — Tatum Bell. Blessed with great speed, Bell has already made an impression on the Detroit coaching staff in camp. No doubt Mike Martz will enjoy using Bell’s many talents in his pass-happy, electrifying offense.

Sleepers. Underrated. Whatever you want to call them, these 10 players are poised for a breakout few are predicting.

10. T.J. Duckett (RB, Detroit Lions) — He might be third in the rotation, but Duckett is the Lions’ goal line back. And with an improving offense, he should see plenty of red zone and short yardage situations. Consider him a reincarnation of Jerome Bettis, circa 2005, someone who will score touchdowns while not putting up a little yardage. The best part is that he’ll be drafted late — think rounds 13-14 — where he’s undervalued.

9. Donovan McNabb (QB, Philadelphia Eagles) — Everyone is nervous McNabb will get hurt. And maybe he will, but until he does he’s easily a number one fantasy quarterback, someone who will average 250 yards and 2 touchdowns each game he starts.

The NFC North has, for the past few years, been one of the league’s least competent divisions. Whether it was because Brett Favre threw 29 interceptions or because Matt Millen didn’t get fired (still can’t figure out how he actually got a contract extension), the NFC North simply couldn’t put everything together.

In a league where only the most dominant can survive, the North was mediocrity. Last year, however, the Chicago Bears managed to put everything together (well, almost; I’m looking at you, Rex Grossman) and found themselves in the Super Bowl. Sure, they lost, but it was at least reassuring to see one North team exceed expectations. Green Bay, after all, finished 2nd in the division with an 8-8 record, followed by the Vikings and Lions who combined for 9 wins.

The question now is, who will run away with the NFC North in 2007? At least, who will win it? It might not be who you think.

It seems the precedent set by the signing of Indianapolis Colts defensive end Dwight Freeney is sending some immediate ripples around the league.

Today, the Detroit Lions decided to set the bar high, once again. This time by signing Cory Redding to a 7 year, $50 million contract that effectively makes him the highest paid defensive tackle in the NFL.

The sides were at a bit of an impass with time running out today. If no contract was signed by 4:00 PM, the team would unable to sign Redding, the team’s franchise player, to a long-term contract. Instead, he would be forced to play out a one year contract before (possibly) being signed after the 2007 season.

Was it worth it?

No NFL rookie entered the draft in 2007 with more hype than Calvin Johnson. His uncanny combination of size and speed makes him a constant threat and someone who can stretch the field. He’s another Randy Moss or Terrell Owens — without the baggage.

And he was drafted by the Detroit Lions, a team with an improving offense that should make use of Johnson’s skills. Playing opposite Roy Williams should allow Johnson some room to work because both players are dangerous if left open.

He also has the added advantage of playing with a veteran quarterback, Jon Kitna. Kitna isn’t new to playing with talented, young receivers. Remember, in Cincinnati he threw passes to both Chad Johnson and T.J. Houshmandzadeh, not to mention players who went “bust” like Peter Warrick.

But how much can Johnson really produce from a fantasy perspective?

After speculation, the Oakland Raiders have finally dealt wide receiver Randy Moss but not to Green Bay. Instead, the Raiders agreed to a deal

The longest first round in NFL history is finally over — incidentally, this is the site’s longest blog — after a little more than 6 hours of draft and analysis. And now it’s your time to read about who teams drafted, who was passed on. This is your quick guide with links to the original reported story (top 10 picks only).

With the second overall selection of the 2007 NFL Draft, the Detroit Lions have added Georgia Tech wide receiver Calvin Johnson.