The 2019 Detroit Lions are ready to take the field with a squad that could be a playoff party-crasher in going worst-to-first in the NFC North. Or they could remain behind the divisional foes and picking in the top 10 once again come April.

Fans seem divided on the team’s prospects. It turns out, so are we here at Lions Wire. Editors Jeff Risdon and Erik Schlitt went through each game independently and predicted the outcomes for all 16 contests.

What they arrived at are very divergent paths…

Week 1: at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 PM, EST

Risdon: This is the easiest game on the Lions schedule. Arizona is led by rookie coach Kliff Kingsbury, who could not coax a winning record with future NFL MVP Patrick Mahomes at Texas Tech. It’s flyweight QB Kyler Murray’s debut, too. Both starting CBs are out, and the best player on the defense is likely 36-year-old newcomer Terrell Suggs. Their special teams don’t look much improved from last year’s dismal unit, too. The Cardinals have improved, but not enough to threaten the Lions unless the Lions help them out with dumb penalties and turnovers.

WIN 1-0

Schlitt: The Lions can’t afford to get out of the gate slowly this season. While Arizona’s combination of coach Kyle Kingsbury and quarterback Kyler Murray seems like the perfect marriage, it’s a lot to ask of them to have all the answers this early in their tenure. The Lions match up very well against the Cardinals and their defense should shine, but I’m expecting a Matthew Stafford to T.J. Hockenson connection to have people talking on Monday. WIN 1-0

Week 2: vs Los Angeles Chargers, 1:00 PM, EST

Risdon: The home opener brings a stiff challenge with Philip Rivers, a diverse set of receiving targets and maybe even RB Melvin Gordon (he’s currently holding out). Even without Derwin James on defense, the Chargers have a playmaking defense that can rush the passer and cover on the outside. Tough to see Matthew Stafford finding a lot of success in this one, even at home in front of the Ford Field faithful.

LOSS 1-1

Schlitt: Phillip Rivers is one of the most underrated quarterbacks in the league but with All-Pro safety Derwin James ruled out and likely no Melvin Gordon, the Chargers are vulnerable. I expect the Lions to be ready to go in the home opener, take advantage and upset a true contender — similar to what happened when the Patriots came to Ford Field last season. WIN 2-0