With all of the momentum Steve Mariucci’s Lions carried into 2004, to improve by just one win in the standings was disappointing to say the least. They managed to get out to a 3-1 start, but their season turned in the game thereafter as they were walloped at home by a 1-4 Packers’ team. The rest of the season turned forgettable and now, as fast as the optimism grew with the arrival of Mariucci, Detroit just as quickly again faces an uncertain future. The biggest question mark is QB Joey Harrington. Once considered the future of this franchise, his star as faded with back-to-back underachieving seasons. Last year his numbers were decent (19Td’s, 12 Int’s), but simply the Lions aren’t winning games. On a positive note, the 24 game road-losing streak is history, thanks to wins at Chicago, Atlanta, and New York in the season’s first three road contests.

The bulk of the Detroit’s attention in the offseason continues to be dedicated to the offense. In fact, the selection of WR Mike Williams in the first round was considered one of the more questionable picks of the draft. No slight to Williams, but having used their first picks on wide receivers in each of the last two years, there were certainly bigger needs for the Lions to address. They did make up for it somewhat with the pick of DE Shawn Cody of USC in the second round. On the free agent market, the organization was able to sign a pair of potential starting offensive linemen in guards Rick DeMulling and Kyle Kosier. Mariucci also nabbed former 49ers QB Jeff Garcia, but most Detroit fans probably hope they don’t see him take the field in 2005.

The optimism and expectations that accompanied the opening of the 2004 season, probably unrealistic, will be tamed for the coming year. Though not as fast as fans would like, this team continues to improve, having increased the win total in three straight seasons. With the talent here on offense, that trend could continue this season, which would likely put Detroit in a contending position for the playoffs.

2005 Key Information

StatFox Power Rating:15 (27 of 32)

2005 Schedule Rating: (24th toughest of 32)

2004:(SU 6-10)(ATS 8-7-1)

L3 years:(14-34)(ATS 23-23-2)

Coach Steve Mariucci:(SU 11-21)(ATS 17-14-1)

Trends by month

September

Detroit is 7-1 ATS against Green Bay (9/11)

Lions are 3-7-1 against number in opening month off win (? 9/18)

Mariucci is 2-12 as road dog off SU & ATS win (? 9/18)

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October

Detroit is 4-1 ATS vs. Baltimore (10/9)

Lions are 3-12 ATS as road 'chalk' (? 10/23)

Owner Ford's team is 12-23 ATS at 3.5-9.5 point favorite (? 10/30)

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November

Detroit is 7-2 ATS vs. Minnesota (11/6)

Lions are 2-5 ATS opposing Arizona (11/13)

Detroit is 7-49-1 ATS when they lose at home (? 11/24)

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December

Lions are 15-7-1 OVER after Turkey Day game (12/4)

Detroit is 1-6 ATS at Lambeau Field (12/11)

Lions are 2-9 ATS at home after Packers game (12/18)

Top Teaser Angle:

Detroit is 26-4 vs. 6-pt. teaser after allowing 4.5 PYPA or less in last game

Top Money Line Angle:

Detroit is 0-12 (-12.05 units) vs. ML against teams avg. 6> YPP in 2nd half of year.

Top Totals Angle:

Detroit is 23-7 OVER at home vs. teams that comp. 61% or more of their attempts

Pre-Season O/U wins:

OVER 8.5 -115 @www.BetCris.com

Fantasy Player Must: Kevin Jones

Fantasy Player Bust: Joey Harrington