Why the Detroit Lions will make the NFL Playoffs

You can thank me later for this bit of information, but remember that I said this when it's January.

The Detroit Lions will be in the National Football League playoffs.  It's going to happen.

Yes, I realize that the Kansas City Chiefs are probably the worst team in the National Football League.  Injuries abound for that team and today they lost Jamaal Charles for the season with an ACL injury.

But just think about what the Lions are capable of.  There are explosive players all over the field.  It would be easy to say that my main man Ndamukong Suh is the reason - he's changed the culture there for sure.

Let's talk about some of the other key players though.  For example, let's talk about Matthew Stafford, arguably the key player to my prediction.  If he stays healthy, they are not only a playoff team but can play with anyone in a one game scenario.  This guy's got a rocket arm, throws a fastball and can fit the ball into tight windows.

It also doesn't hurt that he has weapons all over the field.  He's got Jahvid Best at running back, who is a very capable back.  He's got Calvin Johnson, a huge target on the outside.  He's got two very good tight ends, Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler, and a reliable wide receiver in Nate Burleson.

And then there's the defense, and it's not just about Suh.  Certainly, he has created a culture where the Lions are now a feared unit.  But they've also got Kyle Vanden Bosch, a solid pass rusher on the end.  And their secondary kept a talented quarterback, Josh Freeman, in check for the most part and made mincemeat out of poor Matt Cassel and the Chiefs offense.

Don't forget that coach of theirs, Jim Schwartz.  He's embraced a blue collar city with a blue collar mentality of his own and the Lions have become a tough, physical team.

And look at the "contenders" around them: they all have flaws aside from Philadelphia, New Orleans and Green Bay.  Jay Cutler is a soft quarterback and the Bears got exposed against New Orleans, the Lions already beat Tampa Bay on the road, the Redskins quarterback is Rex Grossman, the Cowboys have all sorts of issues, Atlanta is fighting just to stay away from 0-2 and who from the West is any good?

The Lions as a 5 seed in this year's NFC Playoffs?  Yeah I could see that.  And I think it's going to happen.

For Detroit, the future's so bright that....well, they have to wear shades.