FanHouse EllisWyms

Because the NFL season never ends, we present our 2009 Offseason Roadmaps for front offices to navigate through the summer.

In an NFC that is heading into the offseason without a clear favorite, the Minnesota Vikings have almost all the pieces to be the presumptive favorite. They have an outstanding defensive line, an improved secondary and the best running back in the business. They also have a very good offensive line and thanks to Bernard Berrian, the receiver corps no longer is a joke.

The 0-11 Lions have many believing that a winless season is not only possible, but probable. This is 0for08, FanHouse's eye on the Detroit Lions and their quest for a winless season.

After one quarter, the Lions actually have a lead in their attempt to avoid cementing their status as the NFL's worst team of all time. The Lions have shut down the Vikings offense and have actually put together a drive.

Now it's the Lions, so first-and-goal at the seven turned into fourth-and-goal at the seven and a 3-0 Lions lead, but hey, a 13-play drive is still something for Detroit to build on.

For a team that got its star defensive tackles back thanks to a court injunction, the Vikings sure look like they're starting Ellis Wyms. Kevin Smith rushed for 24 yards including a 14-yarder, Daunte Culpepper has looked adequate, and the Lions defense has shut down Adrian Peterson and picked off Gus Frerotte, which gave the Lions a chance to add to the lead as the second quarter began.

Detroit's actually looked like an actual professional team in the first quarter. We'll see how long that lasts, but for now, they have a chance.