The Lions Schedule: First forecast

The schedule is set and we are all anxiously awaiting 2011 football and September 8th. It is usually totally pointless to be making predictions now, the draft is a week away. If we have a season we will have some semblence of free agency too. You cannot account for injuries, the surprises and who will flop or rise out of nowhere. We do not know how the new coaches will fair, especially given how little time they will get with their players. All that being said, the general consensus is that the Lions are a sleeper playoff team and may get their first winning season this tear, so here is my take on how that may play out:
Week 1 @Tampa Bay - WIN
The Lions allowed Tampa a lot of rushing yards but with the offseason focus on stuffing the run this will not happen twice. Stanton was also able to pile up big yards so imagine what a healthy Matt Stafford could do? The Lions won't need overtime this time around.

Week 2 v Kansas City - WIN
The Lions open at home with a big win against KC who overacheived last year.

Week 3 @Minnesota - WIN
Whether it is McNabb or  rookie under centre I see Detroit winning this one as the Vikings have more holes to fill this offseason than can be filled in one go.

Week 4 @Dallas - LOSS
As much as I hate to say it, and as much as Detroit let this one get away in the 4th quarter last year, a healthy, stable Cowboys may be too much to handle on the road.

Week 5 v Chicago - WIN
The Lions will take care of business on MNF. BIG win here.

Week 6 v San Francisco - WIN
I do think the 49ers will be much improved this year, but I still see the Lions being the most improved in the NFL in 2011 with Stafford there. CJ rules and the Lions scrape a win at home.

Week 7 v Atlanta - LOSS
The Lions suffer a disappointing home loss to Matt Ryan and the Falcons

Week 8 @Denver - WIN
Denver has a long road back and I don't think they have enough to beat Detroit this year.
The Lions go into their bye 6-2.

Week 10 @Chicago - LOSS
This would suck but I think Detroit splits with Chicago in the wind and cold.

Week 11 v Carolina - WIN
The Lions run free against Carolina

Week 12 v Green Bay - LOSS
I think the Lions can handle Green Bay but it will be a sad thanksgiving I think. Tough, close defeat.

Week 13 @New Orleans - LOSS
Back to back defeats as Drew Brees and the noisy superdome play strong.

Week 14 v Minnesota - WIN
Back to winning ways against the Vikings

Week 15 @Oakland - WIN
Stuff the run and win big against Oakland. That is exactly what will happen.

Week 16 v San Diego - LOSS
No Christmas gift against the immense Chargers offense

Week 17 @Green Bay - LOSS
With playoffs on the line for both teams I think the freezing tundra of Winsconsin sends the Lions to 9-7 and a possible wildcard berth.

I think the Lions have potential here for a 10-11 win season. I don't think there's any way they win less than 7 games except for if they lose Calvin or Stafford to long injury. What do you think?