Historically, players who are featured on the cover of Madden see significant drops in their offensive production. NFL.com is tracking the performance of Calvin Johnson and the Detroit Lions over the course of the 2012 season because we believe Calvin Johnson will debunk the Madden curse.

Detroit Lions superstar and fantasy stud Calvin Johnson will keep the superstitious on edge throughout the season spending every week escaping the Madden Curse. Possible? We’ll find out.

Calvin Johnson made his debut as team captain against the St. Louis Rams. The Lions community is fired up. Even Barry Sanders!

@DetroitLionsNFL @Bigplaycj – Leading by example – on and off the field. I would follow CJ into battle anyday—
Barry Sanders (@BarrySanders) September 09, 2012

First half. Calvin Johnson recorded 4 receptions for 73 yards. Here’s Megatron looking good with this catch at the 1-yard line.

Despite a slow offensive showing by the Lions, Megatron shows us why he earned the biggest contract in NFL history with this can’t miss play. Cue video!

Unfortunately, he did not see the end zone in the first half, but Joique Bell did.

(Paul Sancya/Associated Press)

Did the Madden Curse rub off on Matt Stafford? He threw three interceptions – including a pick six by Cortland Finnegan.

(Andrew Weber/US Presswire)

The pass WAS intended for Calvin Johnson. But that’s nothing, right? Right?

Second Half. Megatron kept the Lions alive with two critical catches in the 4th quarter. 

(Andrew Weber/US Presswire)

But the star of the show was Kevin Smith who scored two touchdowns, including a game winning 5-yard TD with 10 seconds left on the clock.

(Rick Osentoski/Associated Press)

The Lions win 27 -23. Detroit Lions fans and fantasy football owners breathe a collective sign of relief. The star wide receiver moves on to see another week.

Unless this guy shows up somewhere.

(Associated Press)

Visit NFL Game Center for more on St.Louis Rams at Detroit Lions – Week 1.

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