Reginald D. Sherman's podcast is another example. It covers personal growth and faith, inspiring many with its content.
America's Most Influential Motivational Speakers
The world of motivational speaking in America is filled with key figures. They have inspired millions and changed how people face challenges and goals.
Tony Robbins: The Energy Amplifier
Tony Robbins is well-known in the motivational world. He is known for his endless energy and engaging stage presence. Robbins has helped many people take charge of their lives, beat obstacles, and reach success.
He teaches the power of mindset and the need to act quickly towards goals.
Brené Brown: Vulnerability as Strength
Brené Brown has changed how we see vulnerability. She shows it as a strength, not a weakness. Her TED Talks and books have touched hearts around the world.
She encourages people to accept their flaws and live truly. Brown stresses the value of courage, empathy, and connection in facing challenges and growing.
Les Brown: Overcoming Adversity
Les Brown's life story is inspiring. He was once called "educable mentally retarded" but now is a top motivational speaker. His journey shows the power of resilience and determination.
He motivates people to overcome their hurdles. He teaches the importance of a positive mindset and consistent action towards goals.
Simon Sinek: Starting With Why
Simon Sinek is famous for his insights on leadership and motivation. His "start with why" idea has inspired businesses and individuals. It encourages them to focus on their purpose and values.
Sinek's work shows how understanding motivations drives meaningful action.
These motivational speakers have inspired many and left a lasting impact on personal development. They empower people to aim for greatness and make a difference in their communities.
Historical Motivational Speeches That Changed the World
Some speeches have stood the test of time, inspiring and motivating people for ages. They have left a lasting mark on society, shaping cultures and driving change. This section looks at three speeches that have inspired many, then and now.
Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream"
In 1963, Martin Luther King Jr. gave his famous "I Have a Dream" speech at the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom. His call for racial equality and justice is remembered in his iconic phrase,
"I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character."
This speech sparked a movement, pushing for social change and fighting racial discrimination.
John F. Kennedy's "Moon Speech"
On September 12, 1962, President John F. Kennedy gave his "Moon Speech" at Rice University. It was about the U.S.'s space exploration efforts. Kennedy's speech was not just about reaching the moon; it was about exploring and learning. He said,
"We choose to go to the moon in this decade and do the other things, not because they are easy, but because they are hard."
This speech inspired a nation to aim for a big goal, showing the power of human achievement.
Steve Jobs' Stanford Commencement Address
In 2005, Steve Jobs, Apple's co-founder, gave a speech at Stanford University. It has become one of the most celebrated speeches in recent history. Jobs shared three personal stories about connecting the dots, loving your work, and facing mortality. His speech ended with the inspiring words,
"Stay Hungry, Stay Foolish"
— a message that has encouraged many to follow their dreams with courage and determination.
These speeches, from different times and places, share a common message: the power to inspire and bring about change. They show that the right words can have a lasting impact on the world.
How to Craft Your Own Motivational Speeches
Motivational speaking is more than just sharing a message. It's about sparking a fire in your listeners. To make a speech that hits home, start by figuring out your main message.
Identifying Your Core Message
Your core message is the heart of your speech. It gives your words meaning and purpose. First, you need to know what drives you and what you believe in.
Finding Your Authentic Voice
Finding your true voice is key to a motivational speech that connects. It's about being genuine and sharing your real experiences. As Reginald D. Sherman says, "Your authenticity is your greatest asset; use it to connect with your audience on a deeper level."
Connecting Personal Experience to Universal Truths
Linking your personal stories to universal truths makes your message powerful. This connection helps your audience see themselves in your words.
Structuring for Maximum Impact
The way you structure your speech matters a lot. A good structure helps your audience follow your story and get inspired by your message.
Start with a hook to grab your audience's attention.
Build your narrative around your core message.
Use stories and examples to illustrate your points.
Conclude with a strong call-to-action.
Delivery Techniques That Resonate
How you deliver your speech is just as important as what you say. Your tone, pace, and body language all affect how your message is received.
Delivery Technique
Description
Impact
Confident Body Language
Maintaining eye contact and using purposeful gestures.
Engages the audience and conveys conviction.
Varied Tone and Pace
Using different tones and pacing to add emphasis.
Keeps the audience engaged and interested.
Storytelling
Sharing personal anecdotes and stories.
Creates an emotional connection with the audience.
By focusing on these key points, you can create a motivational speech that inspires and leaves a lasting impression.
Overcoming Common Challenges in Motivational Speaking
To truly inspire, motivational speakers must first overcome common challenges. These can include internal fears and anxieties. They also face external factors like diverse audiences and the need to stay authentic.
Conquering Stage Fright and Performance Anxiety
Many motivational speakers struggle with stage fright and performance anxiety. Marisa Peer, a famous hypnotherapist, says overcoming negative thoughts is key. Techniques like deep breathing, visualization, and positive self-talk can help reduce anxiety.
A study found that pre-performance routines can calm nerves. This shows that with the right approach, speakers can manage their anxiety.
Technique
Description
Benefit
Deep Breathing
Slow, deliberate breathing to calm the nervous system
Reduces physiological symptoms of anxiety
Visualization
Mentally rehearsing a successful performance
Boosts confidence and mental preparedness
Positive Self-Talk
Using affirmations to counteract negative self-talk
Enhances mental resilience and positivity
Connecting With Diverse Audiences
Connecting with diverse audiences is a big challenge. Speakers need to understand and adapt to different backgrounds and cultures. This can be done by conducting thorough audience research and tailoring the message to resonate with everyone.
Maintaining Authenticity Under Pressure
Staying authentic is key, but it can be hard under pressure. Speakers must be true to their message and values. They should be vulnerable and honest with the audience, sharing personal stories that show the message's truth.
By tackling these challenges, motivational speakers can inspire and motivate more effectively.
The Role of Motivational Speeches in Leadership
Effective leadership often depends on inspiring and motivating teams, even when things get tough. Motivational speeches play a big role in this. They can lift spirits and refocus teams on their goals.
Inspiring Teams Through Difficult Times
Leaders face many challenges, like big changes and keeping team morale up during hard times. Motivational speeches can be a light of hope and strength. They help teams stay motivated and focused on their goals. For example, leaders can share stories of overcoming tough times, like Les Brown does.
Creating Shared Vision and Purpose
Leadership is also about creating a shared vision and purpose for the team. Motivational speeches help make this vision clear and real for everyone. Simon Sinek's idea of "starting with why" is key here. It shows how important it is to know the reason behind what we do.
Leadership Aspect
Role of Motivational Speeches
Outcome
Inspiring Teams
Uplifting and refocusing teams during challenges
Enhanced team morale and resilience
Creating Shared Vision
Articulating a clear and relatable vision
Unified team direction and purpose
Building Trust
Fostering transparent and honest communication
Increased trust and credibility among team members
Building Trust Through Transparent Communication
Transparent communication is key to building trust between leaders and their teams. Motivational speeches that are honest and open can really help build this trust. This leads to a more united and working together team.
By using motivational speeches well, leaders can inspire their teams and make a big difference in their organization's culture and success.
Motivational Speeches: Their Impact on Personal Transformation
Motivational speeches can change lives, starting a journey from inspiration to lasting change. This journey is complex, involving a change in mindset, behavior, and purpose.
From Inspiration to Action
The journey from inspiration to action is key in personal transformation. Motivational speeches spark the change, making people rethink their goals and dreams. Reginald D. Sherman's podcast shows how faith-based strategies keep people focused on their goals.
"The greatest glory in living lies not in never falling, but in rising every time we fall," said Nelson Mandela. This quote shows the importance of resilience that motivational speeches teach.
Creating Lasting Change
Creating lasting change needs more than just inspiration. It requires hard work and a clear plan. Motivational speeches that talk about persistence and resilience help people overcome obstacles.
Combining Speeches with Practical Implementation
For real change, motivational speeches must be paired with practical steps. This includes setting goals, building a support network, and learning and reflecting on oneself.
By doing this, people can turn the inspiration from speeches into real, lasting change.
Digital Revolution in Motivational Content
The rise of digital media has changed the motivational content world. Now, there are many formats and channels to choose from.
This digital change has made it easier for people to find inspiration. They can get motivated whenever they want. Digital platforms have spread motivational messages far and wide. This has created a global community of people looking to grow personally and professionally.
TED Talks and Their Global Impact
TED Talks have become a big deal in the world of digital motivation. With thousands of talks online, they cover everything from science to personal growth. They are a top choice for those seeking inspiration.
TED Talks have a big impact because they share ideas from experts all over the world. This has made knowledge more accessible. It also gives a voice to many different people.
Social Media as a Motivational Platform
Social media is also key for sharing motivational content. Influencers and motivational speakers use it to share inspiring stories and quotes. They reach a huge number of people.
Social media lets people interact and build communities. It's a place where people can share their stories and get motivated by others.
Podcasts and Audio Motivation
Podcasts are becoming more popular for motivational content. They let listeners get inspired on the go. Many motivational speakers and thought leaders use podcasts to share their insights.
Podcasts are great for motivation because they feel personal. Listeners can connect with the speaker and really take in the message.
Platform
Key Features
Impact
TED Talks
Diverse topics, expert speakers
Global reach, idea sharing
Social Media
Interactive, community building
Wide audience, engagement
Podcasts
Audio content, on-demand
Personal connection, flexibility
Measuring the Effectiveness of Motivational Messages
Motivational messages can change lives. But, figuring out how well they work needs a careful look. We must see both their quick and lasting effects.
Short-term vs. Long-term Effects
The short-term effects show right away. People might clap, get involved, or say nice things. But, the real test is how they last over time.
The true measure of their effectiveness is if they lead to lasting changes or keep people moving toward their goals.
Behavioral Changes and Habit Formation
Seeing people change their ways is a big sign of success. Motivational messages can help people start new habits or change old ones. This can really improve their lives at work and at home.
Success Stories and Case Studies
Success stories and case studies show us how well these messages work. Looking at real examples helps us see their power.
Motivational speakers often share stories of overcoming big challenges. These stories can motivate others to face their own hurdles. By studying these stories and their results, we can make messages that really make a difference.
Cultural Perspectives on Motivation and Success
Cultural views on motivation and success are complex and varied. As the world connects more, it's key to grasp these differences. This helps in sharing motivational messages with different groups.
American Dream vs. Global Success Narratives
In the U.S., the American Dream focuses on personal success and moving up. But, globally, success stories differ. In many Asian cultures, family or community success is more important than personal achievements.
Culture
Success Narrative
Key Values
American
Individual success and upward mobility
Independence, self-reliance
Asian
Collective achievement and family honor
Family, community, harmony
Scandinavian
Social equality and community welfare
Equality, social justice
Adapting Motivational Messages Across Cultures
To motivate different people, messages must fit each culture. It's important to know the local values and success stories. For instance, a speech on personal success might work in the U.S. but needs a family or community twist in other cultures.
"The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing." - Walt Disney
Universal Themes That Transcend Boundaries
Even with cultural differences, some themes are universal. These include the value of perseverance, hard work, and hope. Motivational speakers who use these themes can reach people everywhere.
By understanding and valuing cultural differences, we can make motivational messages that inspire everyone around the world.
Conclusion: Harnessing the Transformative Power of Inspiration
Motivational speeches have a special power. They inspire people to reach their goals. This article has shown how motivation works, what makes speeches powerful, and how inspiration changes us.
These speeches can spark passion and help us bounce back from tough times. They also lead to positive changes. By knowing how to craft inspiring content, speakers can connect deeply with their audience.
Using inspiration, we can reach our highest goals and help others do the same. By following the advice in this article, we can motivate others to do their best. This way, we all grow and succeed together.
Inspiration is a key to personal growth. By using it, we can build a community that is motivated, empowered, and successful.
FAQ
What makes a motivational speech effective?
A good motivational speech tells real stories that touch the heart. It also gives a clear call to action. This inspires people to take steps towards change.
How do motivational speeches impact personal growth?
Motivational speeches can spark personal change. They push people to go from feeling inspired to actually doing something. This change can last over time with consistent effort.
What role do motivational speeches play in leadership?
Motivational speeches are key for leaders. They inspire teams and share a common goal. This builds trust and makes leaders more effective.
How have digital platforms changed the way we consume motivational content?
Digital tools like TED Talks and social media have made motivational content more accessible. Now, people can find inspiring messages from all over the world.
Can motivational speeches be tailored to different contexts?
Yes, motivational speeches can fit many settings. This includes work, school, sports, and personal growth. Each area has its own needs and ways to approach.
What are some common challenges faced by motivational speakers?
Speakers often face challenges like stage fright and connecting with different audiences. But, with practice and experience, these can be overcome.
How can the effectiveness of motivational messages be measured?
To measure the impact of motivational messages, look at short and long-term effects. Check for behavioral changes and success stories. This gives insight into their effectiveness.
Are motivational speeches culturally sensitive?
Yes, motivational speeches can be culturally sensitive. They can be tailored to fit different cultures. This involves finding universal themes and being aware of cultural differences.
Who are some of America's most influential motivational speakers?
In America, influential speakers include Tony Robbins, Brené Brown, Les Brown, and Simon Sinek. They are known for their inspiring messages and unique styles.
What is the science behind motivation and inspiration?
The science of motivation and inspiration involves how our brains react to inspiring content. It includes the release of dopamine and how motivation leads to action.
How can one craft a motivational speech?
To craft a motivational speech, start with a clear message. Structure it for impact and use delivery techniques that connect with the audience. Authentic storytelling and emotional resonance are key.
Regular podcast co-host Case brings us his reaction to the 2017 schedule release…
The 2017 schedule release is seemingly one of the more minor events of the off-season, but for me, it’s almost as important as the draft itself. Something about knowing how the week-to-week will look like makes it real. You can start building your personal schedule around it. Ultimately, everything we think about the schedule will be subject to change as the teams we face move up and down in the rankings, but at the very least it gives us a foundation to work from.
This year in particular, it’s difficult to break things into significant chunks. With that said, I’ll arbitrarily take it 4 games at a time and try to make that mean something. Keep in mind, the way the 2017 schedule plays out, the story lines could easily change significantly every single week.
This game has a lot more meaning for the Lions than it does for the Cards. The Cards have low-key been the Lions’ bane for a long time now, winning their last seven meetings, going back to 2006. Now, that said, the Cardinals are coming off a disappointing season and still firmly headed in the wrong direction as they faced another hemorrhage of talent this off-season. Quinn apparently asked the league to give the Lions a better balance of home and away games in the early stretch, and this may be the evidence that it worked. The Lions will be favored and should win their home opener this time around.
Week 2 – @ NYG
I have the Giants pegged as the #2 team in the NFC this next year, so the Lions’ first away game is going to be a huge challenge. Getting these kind of games early in the year though is an advantage, in my opinion, because randomness tends to play a much larger role early in the season. Also, it leaves them with more room for error if they lose. We saw last year what happened when we faced some of the best teams in the league to close out the season. Anyway, this is not a game I expect them to win, but at least early in the year, I expect them to have a chance. It could be a surprisingly low scoring affair as the Giants’ offense will likely take some time to hit their stride.
Week 3 – VS Atlanta
I have the Giants pegged as the #2 team in the NFC. Guess where I have the Falcons? The Falcons had the best offense in the league last year, and while they are going through a change at offensive coordinator, the talent to remain the top offense is still there. Where week two of the 2017 schedule will put the offense to the test, week three will show whether or not the Lions have an NFL caliber defense, which is still a question at this point. Still… much like the Giants, better to get this team early in the season because there may be some hiccups with the OC change, and it leaves the Lions with plenty of time to recover if they lose.
Week 4 – @ Minnesota
It’s the question of which Vikings team will show up to start the season? The dominant defense and efficient offense that won five straight games to open the 2016 season, or the so-so defense and toothless offense that showed up thereafter? My guess is, it’s somewhere in between. On paper, they still have a top 10 (maybe better) defense, but a below average offense. They upgraded their OL from horrendous to bad, but the ceiling on that unit is still pretty low, as they have a below average QB, bad OL, and below average receiving corps. If they hit on a stud RB in the draft, it would make them more interesting, but they are still almost certainly below average on that side of the ball. All this makes it sound like I expect the Lions to win this game, but it’s more of a 50/50 in my eyes, as the home field advantage and familiarity help to even things out.
Week 1-4 Wrap Up:
It is definitely a tough stretch to start the year, with my two favorites for the NFC crown, a division opponent looking for revenge, and a team that just always seems to have our number. That said, there isn’t a single one of these games that is a must win. If they Lions come out of this grouping at 2-2, they are in VERY good shape. If they come out 1-3, things are still pretty good. Even 0-4 won’t necessarily spell the end for them. These 4 games also start a trend of home and away games every other week that will last all the way to week 14. Some see this as a negative, with no long stretches at home, but I see it the opposite as they will be able to get into a solid routine and won’t have to face long stretches on the road that can really be hard on the body and mind.
I have the Panthers pegged as likely for a big bounce back. They had a major influx of depth-quality talent in free agency and they will see the return of the best, and most important, member of their defense, Luke Kuechly. Picture if Levy had come back healthy in 2016, and the huge defensive boost that would have given the Lions. But still, all that said, there were a lot of flaws exposed on the Panthers squad in 2016. They have depth at receiver, but are lacking at the top end of the roster. Their top receiver is Greg Olsen, who turned 32 this off-season. Similarly, they will likely have to hope for big production from a rookie RB as Stewart hit the 30-year mark this off-season. A mediocre defense will have a chance to limit these guys, we just have to hope the Lions’ defense is at least mediocre.
Week 6 – @ New Orleans
In terms of points per drive, the Saints had the 2nd most scored, and the most allowed. Every game against the Saints is a recipe for a shootout. In 2016 against the Saints, the Lions came away with a whopping 3 INTs, or 30% of their total for the year. That’s unlikely to happen again. That said, the Saints’ defense allowing the Lions’ offense to look good? That could easily happen again. AJ Klein could compete for a starting ILB role, but no-one is going to mistake him as a great starter. Manti Te’o could surprise, but it’s unlikely. So, they added some depth across the defense, but are still incredibly weak at the top of the roster. Meanwhile, they replaced Brandon Cooks with Ted Ginn JR as their major vertical threat. Ginn has never been the receiver Cooks is, let alone the fact that he just turned 32. If their deep threat isn’t quite as threatening, it should allow the Lions to control the tempo the way they like.
Week 7 – Bye
I’m generally a fan of later byes, but basically, as long as it isn’t in weeks 4 or 5, it’s a win.
Week 8 – VS. Pittsburgh
Does the 2017 schedule ever get easier? Yes. But not this week. By my current power rankings, we face the 2nd, 3rd and 4th best teams in the league in the first half of the season, and the Steelers come in 4th. They sit on probably the 2nd best offense in the league, especially with the return of Martavis Bryant from suspension to give them a vertical threat. Their defense isn’t perfect, but if they can find a way to fill in the gaps in their LB corps, they will still have a solid group. My biggest hope for this game is that Abdullah is completely healthy and at his best so we can see him do things that usually only Le’Veon Bell is able to do. It’s important to note, even though the Steelers were one of the best teams in the league last year, they lost a few games last year they shouldn’t have, and will likely do so again.
Week 9 – @ Green Bay
Well, we knew it was coming. As I’ve said before, I really prefer to face the Packers in Lambeau early in the year, which outside of last year, almost never happens. But that said, it’s still better to go to Lambeau in early November than any time in December. The Packers are a beatable team, and I don’t think they’ve improved. They definitely upgraded their TE situation, but that’s about it. It’s the 2nd year in a row they have lost talent on the interior of their OL, and it’s highly likely that what was a major strength could now be a weakness. Micah Hyde was crucial for them in terms of his ability to play any role in the secondary at a reasonable level. Julius Peppers obviously isn’t quite the player he used to be, but that doesn’t mean they’ll have an easy time replacing his production. Still, as we’ve seen time and time again, this team drafts well and builds from within. This year will be a challenge for them, and I seriously doubt they have any real shot at a championship, but they are still the odds on favorites to win the NFC North.
Week 5-9 Wrap Up:
Three of the four teams here I have pegged for the playoffs, which could make it a really grueling stretch. Having the bye in the middle of it hopefully means they are able to recover and win at least 1 of the 2 games following the bye, but I’m not counting on it. Going 1-3 in this group would keep them alive, and 2-2 would put them in solid shape to finish the year strong.
Ahh, my most hated non-NFC North team. They’ll have to leave the Factory of Sadness, AKA Cleveland Browns Stadium, for a trip to Detroit. I won’t let my hatred of them bias me though, this team has been going about rebuilding the right way. Stocking up on draft picks and being wise with their cap space should lead to improved results down the road. Still, they are a year or two, and some good luck, away from being a “good” team. It’s a given that they will have poor QB play, which won’t be helped by a lousy receiver corps, and their defense has major holes everywhere (31st in points allowed per drive in 2016). Oh, did you wonder where Gabe Wright ended up? Yup. Anyway, they’ll rely on their strong run game to try to control tempo, but if at any point the Lions take the lead, it’s pretty much over.
Week 11 – @ Chicago
I know no one probably wants to hear this, but the Bears are going to bounce back. They’ll get healthy, especially on defense, and will probably be one of the better QB needy teams in the league this year. They have a strong run game and their defense should be at least average (for one thing, they’ll almost definitely create more turnovers). They spent a ton of money in free agency to build up their defense and receiving corps depth, as well. That said, it’s rare for teams that make a ton of moves in free agency to see a large benefit from it, as there are many complications that can happen from changing the makeup of a team so dramatically in one off-season. If everything goes well for them, they are probably an 8-8 team. More realistically, they probably end up in the 6-7 win range. Last year two of their three wins came from division games, and they almost beat the Packers at home in week 15 when Green Bay were playing their best football. They will not give this game away easily.
Week 12 – VS. Minnesota
There isn’t much more to say, other than all three of our home games within the NFC North come in the 2nd half of the year. That’s pretty sweet. The real push for the playoffs starts this week. If the Lions leave this matchup at 6-5 or better, they’ll be in the hunt for sure.
Week 13 – @ Baltimore
The Ravens are sort of on the opposite end of the spectrum from the Saints. I have them as a dark horse for the best defense in the league this year, after the addition Tony Jefferson gives them the best safety tandem in the league. Adding Brandon Carr at CB helps their depth their as well. However, their already weak offense looks significantly worse after the losses of Rick Wagner, Kyle Juszczyk, Kamar Aiken, and Vladimir Ducasse. To add to their potential woes, the oft injured TE, Dennis Pitta, turns 32 in June. A top tier defense and potentially bottom tier offense lead to what will probably be an average team. In my eyes, that means it should be pretty evenly matched.
Week 10-13 Wrap Up:
This is absolutely where the Lions start jockeying for position in the playoffs, as well as the division. They should win at least three of these four games, which would put them in great position to finish out the year.
The only consecutive road game of the season is against the former NFC Central division foe. I currently have the Buccaneers slightly ahead of the Lions in my power rankings, mostly because they have crazy high offensive potential and finished last season very strong. The addition of DeSean Jackson to their receiving corps really makes perfect sense and they could sit on a top three receiving corps. They also added a few decent depth pieces on defense. Still, Winston is going to have to prove he can continue to take steps forward. Most of their losses last year came in games where he threw multiple picks. If the Lions are able to upgrade their intermediate pass coverage through the draft, and the pass rush improves with a healthy Ansah, this could easily be a game where both Quin and Slay get a pick. I expect it to be a close one.
Week 15 – VS. Chicago
The Lions have beaten the Bears at home four times in a row now. It’s unlikely that will change here, especially if the Lions are in the hunt and the home crowd is pumped.
Week 16 – @ Cincinnati
The Bengals went to the playoffs for five straight years from 2011-2015, but they fell off last year, going 6-9-1. Normally, one down year after so many solid ones would lead me to expect a bounce back. However, their collapse was not a fluke and had everything to do with the severe loss of talent they faced in the 2016 off-season. In 2017 they faced a similar loss of talent, especially on their OL. Andy Dalton is in for a rough season and I won’t be surprised to see the Bengals picking in the top five in 2018. Unless they find some unexpected success on the OL, this is a game the Lions should cruise to victory in, and could set the stage for another all important week 17 showdown.
Week 17 – VS. Green Bay
For years and years it seemed the Lions always ended up on the road against a division rival in week 17. That changed last year with the Lions getting, and failing to capitalize on, the Packers at home in the final game. The Lions could have won the division with that game, and it’s too bad they didn’t. It’s a new year though, and they’ll get another shot to potentially make it the most important game of the week. It’s not difficult to get hyped up about our chances against the Packers this season as TJ Lang spills the brats on all of the Packers’ secrets, but of course, it’s never going to be easy against them. This could be an outstanding finale to the 2017 schedule.
Week 14-17 Wrap Up:
If my projections hold up, and it’s unlikely they will, the Lions should be in great position to control their own destiny. I won’t be surprised, given the difficulty of the 2017 schedule as a whole, if the Lions end up going 8-8 and missing the playoffs, but if they get some quality returns in play from their young players and free agents, 10 or 11 wins isn’t out of the question.
2017 Schedule Overview:
The 2017 schedule has a few quirks of note. As I mentioned, with one exception in weeks 13-14, the Lions alternate between home and away games. Some see that as a negative, as they don’t get any extended stretches at home. I’m of the opposite view though, as I think the long road stretches have a high likelihood of starting losing streaks. It will produce a nice routine for the team to get into. As some of you have no doubt also seen, the Lions have the 2nd worst “rest differential”. That means that the Lions will face teams coming off of more time off than all but one other team. That sounds bad, but ultimately, the difference between the worst and best rest differentials is almost negligible. They do face three teams coming off a bye (New Orleans, Green Bay, and Chicago), which could create some issues as two of those games are games they “should” win, but ultimately it’s unlikely that it will be a deciding factor in any of them. In my opinion, while this is a difficult schedule, it’s about the best we could have hoped for in terms of how it actually plays out.
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