Over the last 12 years the Lions have had their shares of ups and downs, with a record of 43-149 since 2001, clearly mostly on downs. Most recently they had a very nice 10-6 season, in 2011, when Stafford was astonishing and Calvin Johnson solidified his white knuckled grasp as the best of the WRs in the NFL, with his breathtaking 1,681 YD season, and 16 TDs.

When the Lions are at their best, they can play with anyone, showing that with some great performances over the last couple years by means of a healthy Stafford leading the way. They have had a solid offense for the last 3 seasons, with an average of 25 PPG, in that span. Obviously going in a direction of the now NFL friendly passing oriented offensive scheme, the Barry Sanders seasons are sorrowfully long gone in Detroit.

Stafford came into the league in 2009 with a buzz behind him, coming out of Georgia, as the number 1 pick in the 2009 draft. He came in started 10 games, and then got hurt in 2010, missing 13 of the teams games. Personally, I never felt convinced about Stafford coming out of college, and his softness was challenged. Then, of course, he played with the separated shoulder and without delay shut me up. But with the Lions, their biggest concern was their defense, which has always allowed teams to hang loads of points on them.

During the 2013 offseason, they made some excellent moves, picking up veteran Reggie Bush, who will be a great fit immediately to a backfield that was weak to say the least. I anticipate the greater part of Stafford’s backfield passes to head Bush's way this season, and it wouldn’t shock me if he kissed 60 receptions out there. Question has always been can he be a 20+ carry back? I in fact think he can be, at 28 years old, and only 967 career carries, he’s really playing on younger legs, than his age. Also it appears often troubled, but talented, Ndamukong Suh is now ready to become the next big thing, and their D-line is going to be a very, very difficult front 4 to contain. With expected rookie sensation, Ezekiel Ansah, Suh, Nick Fairley, and support end, and run stopper, Jason Jones charging, that’s a lot to deal with.

Obviously ones division always plays a lot into how a team does on the season, in my belief, you have to win at least 4 games in your division alone during the year, or it can be a problem. This is where you make your tiebreakers, where you play almost 40% of your games, and become the king of the hill. This is how you make the playoffs, first and foremost. Step one. The NFC Conference is stronger than it has ever been, even though the Baltimore Ravens won the bowl last year, in cunningly startling fashion. The NFC has more capable teams.

As I take it all in, I can look at what the Lions did this offseason, and say well done, generally, their division is a strong one, and I think to be stronger than many may believe. The Packers are still the Kings of the North, the Bears and Vikings have been the spoiled princes, who are constantly fighting with each other to take the mighty throne, and the Lions have been the littlest brother, who is more of a nuisance to the others. The Lions have made moves to progress their ranks up in the division; the Lions can become the surprise heir to the throne, sooner than later.