Detroit Lions or Washington Generals - Which Team is More Likely to Win a Game This Season?

I know what you're thinking. How could anybody root for the Detroit Lions and the Washington Generals? Are those teams even trying to win games?

Yes, neither team won a game in 2008, but on any given day these guys can pull out the W. Remember, the Lions won one game in 2007 and the Generals beat a talented Harlem Globetrotters squad in 1971.

So who's more likely to win a game this season, the Detroit Lions or the Washington Generals?

Strength of Schedule

The strength of schedule advantage goes to the Lions. Quality quarterbacks have flocked to the NFC North - Jay Cutler to Chicago and Brett Favre to Minnesota - but the divisions remains weak. The Generals, on the other hand, play every game against a talented Harlem Globetrotters team that went undefeated last season. The schedulers did nothing to help the Generals this year!

2008 Results

Both teams had goose eggs in the wins column, but the edge based on last year's results goes to the Generals. The Lions went a perfect 4-0 in the preseason, but couldn't ride the momentum into the regular season. Detroit saw the bad end of the many blowouts in 2008.The Generals, however, almost always gave themselves a shot at winning late in the game. To get a win this year, Washington only needs to improve its ability to close out a game, but the Lions struggle to keep games close.

Home Advantage

Last year, I went to a Lions game in Detroit and a Generals game in Washington. Sadly, most fans cheered for the road team at both games. Boo to the fair weather fans! Home advantage is a wash - neither team has one.

Intangibles

The key intangible lies with the Harlem Globetrotters. These guys have a world of ability but they tend to showboat, which lets inferior teams hang around for too long. There's a good chance that the Globetrotters will overlook the Generals, giving them the edge on intangibles.

The Verdict

There you have it. Based on strength of schedule, 2008 results, home advantage, and intangibles, the Washington Generals have a better chance than the Lions to win a game next season. But deep down, none of us will be too shocked if neither team pulls one out!