2013 Record: 7-9

2014 Las Vegas Season Win Total: 8.0

2014 Season Win Total Prediction: 'Under'

The offseason firing of Jim Schwartz and hiring of Jim Caldwell is either going to go really, really well or really, really poorly for the Detroit Lions. But when you are a franchise with just one playoff appearance since the turn of the century I suppose it is OK to take some chances.

My impression of Caldwell is that he is a bumbling idiot. He always struck me as a coach that was in way over his head and now he takes over one of the most undisciplined rosters in the NFL. The Lions players have expressed optimism over Caldwell's laidback demeanor compared to the fiery approach of the departed Schwartz. But Caldwell's style could make him a doormat for this overrated group of players.

The Lions have been way overvalued the past several seasons. Perhaps no better indicator of that is the fact that they are 2-4-1 against their Las Vegas season win total and a woeful 2-9-1 against their season win total dating back to 2002. It is a testament to just how terrible this franchise is that no matter how low their expectations have been they still can't surpass them.

I think that the Caldwell hiring is going to be a disaster in the long term. However, he steps into a situation where, statistically speaking, the Lions have some indicators pointing to an improved performance.

The Lions had six losses in games decided by a touchdown or less in 2013 and four losses in the last six weeks by a field goal or less. Their -12 turnover margin is something that could improve as well. But those two stats are clear symptoms of this team's lack of focus, maturity and discipline. And I'm not sure if Caldwell is the man to turn that around.

Detroit's meeting with Atlanta in London on Oct. 26 is a huge swing game. And they have what may be a season-defining three-game homestand from Week 13 to Week 15. I think there are enough soft spots in this schedule for the Lions to get to .500. But I wouldn't trust this team any further than I could throw it. I will say to play 'over', based purely on the numbers, but don't know how much I'd recommend buying into this band of underachievers.

Lions Regular Season Schedule (All times Eastern)

Week 1: Monday, Sept. 8, N.Y. Giants, 7:10 p.m.

Week 2: Sunday, Sept. 14, at Carolina, 1 p.m.

Week 3: Sunday, Sept. 21, Green Bay, 1 p.m.

Week 4: Sunday, Sept. 28, at NY Jets, 1 p.m.

Week 5: Sunday, Oct. 5, Buffalo, 1 p.m.

Week 6: Sunday, Oct. 12, at Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Week 7: Sunday, Oct. 19, New Orleans, 1 p.m.

Week 8: Sunday, Oct. 26, at Atlanta, 9:30 a.m. (in London)

Week 9: BYE

Week 10: Sunday, Nov. 9, Miami, 1 p.m.

Week 11: Sunday, Nov. 16, at Arizona, 4:25 p.m.

Week 12: Sunday, Nov. 23, at New England, 1 p.m.

Week 13: Thursday, Nov. 27, Chicago, 12:30 p.m.

Week 14: Sunday, Dec. 7, Tampa Bay, 1 p.m.

Week 15: Sunday, Dec. 14, Minnesota, 1 p.m.

Week 16: Sunday, Dec. 21, at Chicago, 1 p.m.

Week 17: Sunday, Dec. 28, at Green Bay, 1 p.m.

Robert will be releasing his 2014 NFL Futures Predictions on Thursday, Aug. 14. Last year's top two picks (8-Unit Play on Arizona 'over' 5.5 wins and 6-Unit Play on Kansas City over 7.0 wins) both won easily and he has hit his top NFL Futures Play (rated 7.0 or higher) in four straight seasons. For more information visit his Insider's Page HERE.

Robert Ferringo is one of the best NFL handicappers in the world and is coming off one of the best football betting seasons in the 43-year history of Doc's Sports. Robert banked nearly $8,000 in profit for his football clients and won a stunning 62.1 percent of his NFL plays (95-58). Robert has won over 70 percent of his last 58 NFL side plays (41-17) and has posted six of seven winning NFL seasons. He has banked $17,400 in football profit, college and pro, over the last 20 months and he is excited about building on his staggering resume. Take advantage of our free, no-strings-attached $60 credit to use toward a purchase of Robert's football selections. You cannot afford to miss out on this great offer - click here.

Read more articles by Robert Ferringo