The NFL is back: A return to football normalcy

Although there has been college football for the past two weekends, today marks the return to real football, as the Lions open the season against the Rams at Ford Field. After their return to the playoffs last season, the Lions are looking make it back — and that long road starts today.
The Lions are favored, but there’s plenty of reason for the fans tailgating around Ford Field to be concerned. The secondary — with safety Louis Delmas (knee) and cornerback Chris Houston (ankle) inactive for today’s game — isn’t as strong, as shown with the struggles in the last few games of last season without Delmas. The backfield also is a question mark with Jahvid Best (concussions) on the physically unable to perform list and slated to miss at least the first six games. The backup, Mikel Leshoure is suspending for the first two games because of off-field incidents, leaving Kevin Smith to shoulder the load, along with Keiland Williams and Joique Bell.
On the bright side, the offensive line is back intact and QB Matthew Stafford and receiver Calvin Johnson form one of the most potent tandems in the league. Receivers Titus Young and Nate Burleson — along with tight ends Brandon Pettigrew and Tony Scheffler — provide plenty of targets for Stafford and should be a huge advantage for the Lions today.
The Rams, coming off a 2-14 mark last season, are primed to make a turnaround similar to the Lions’ a few years ago. QB Sam Bradford, who missed six games last season, is back healthy and RB Steven Jackson will carry most of the load while the receivers, including Danny Amendola and Brandon Gibson, get on track. The defense will be better, but the offense may struggle to keep up.
Although there are reasons for the tailgating fans around Ford Field to fear a letdown, the Lions should be able to prevail in the opener. As Ndamukong Suh is always quick to point out, the Lions should be strong at home and work on winning on the road.
Prediction: Lions 27, Rams, 17