2014 Week 1 NFC Power Rankings

Detroit Lions wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

8. Detroit Lions (2013 record: 7-9) Last season finish: No postseason

Week 1 Matchup: vs New York Giants 9/8 7:10 PM EST

What can be said about the Detroit Lions?

With Cutler and Rodgers sidelined for weeks, the powerful trio of Matthew Stafford, Calvin Johnson, and Reggie Bush failed to deliver down the stretch. It seemed like the more pressure packed the game down the stretch the more Johnson disappeared and Stafford struggled.

Signing recent Super Bowl champion Golden Tate to ease some pressure off of Johnson should also help Stafford with another big time option at receiver. A coaching change was made letting Jim Schwartz out the door and welcoming in Jim Caldwell.

The Lions are hoping his championship experience and calming demeanor will help a Lions defense that has been riddled with disciplinary issues on the field. As great as a duo as Ndamukong Suh and Nick Fairley are for their defense, their presence has been sorely lacking in stopping opposing passing offenses.

If the Lions can find some consistency, they could make some real noise this season.