The Detroit Lions were set to compete for the division. Yes, the NFC North was ripe for the taking. It was the second year in head coach Matt Patricia’s system. A big-name free agent joined the defensive line in defensive end Trey Flowers. Quarterback Matthew Stafford shot out of the gates on an MVP pace. Running back Kerryon Johnson was set to carry the load with a hot free agent bruiser in C.J. Anderson ready to help pound the rock.
The team started a little sketchy, much like in 2018, with a tie game against the Arizona Cardinals.