As the season draws to a close, many teams are left searching for answers as they prepare to watch the playoffs from home. But what many teams really need, is a heavy dose of the truth as they look toward the 2013 season. In honor of the 20th anniversary of A Few Good Men, here are five teams that are entitled to know the truth about themselves, but just might not be able to handle it.

When you are looking for the unexpected, it’s hard to imagine anybody who could have seen the Cardinals upset of the Patriots. In fact, take a look at our experts’ picks right here and nary a Cardinals pick in the bunch. (Although, check out one of the three people who nailed the St. Louis upset.)

Jets coach Rex Ryan and Lions coach Jim Schwartz are the only surviving members of an 11-person group of head coaches hired in 2009. I was wondering what we can learn from this.

I began my conversation with Lions President Tom Lewand yesterday just hoping to get an understanding for how Detroit has turned around its once-woeful franchise. I left with a franchise-wide view on why this string of success may continue. Lewand and I spoke for a while, with him mixing in anecdotes about the two main things that have happened to spring the Lions. One is how decisions have been made without bowing to public pressure. The other is that those in power — including coach Jim Schwartz — are not satisfied. They won’t be satisfied with just making the Wild Card game. As Lewand told me, “We haven’t done anything yet. We got a Wild Card game. And I understand […]

I thought there would be a ton to talk about at Detroit Lions minicamp, considering the kind of year the team had, the Lions’ stars, and a bunch of off-the-field things. And yeah, my head was swimming by the end. This really is a franchise on the rise, and it’s fun to watch from close up. The optimism is palpable.

The Lions continue to push to re-sign LB Stephen Tulloch, according to league sources.

Jermichael Finley might have a history of frustrating fantasy owners, but with a new contract that will keep him with one of the NFL’s most productive offenses, he should remain a viable option at tight end.

Acknowledging his team will be active in free agency and building through the draft, coach Jim Schwartz said the Lions will prioritize re-signing their own free agents.

Jim Schwartz isn’t going to discuss his contract situation with the Lions. But he will defend Ndamukong Suh from recent comments made by NFL Network’s Warren Sapp.

The Lions should be scouting the Australian Open for new talent. The only question, can he cover any of the Saints receivers?

NFL veterans Champ Bailey and Derrick Mason wouldn’t have a problem with the NFL lightening the pocketbooks of 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and Lions coach Jim Schwartz following their instantly infamous post-handshake fight … hmmm … scuffle.

The near-fight between 49ers coach Jim Harbaugh and Lions coach Jim Schwartz was the talk of the NFL on Sunday, overshadowing San Francisco’s 25-19 victory over previously undefeated Detroit.

Lions QB Matt Stafford has reportedly worked hard this offseason to strengthen his upper body. If he stays healthy, you can expect a monster season.

In his weekly live chat Monday afternoon, NFL.com senior analyst Gil Brandt expressed disappointment that Ndamukong Suh hasn’t been more involved in players-only workouts being conducted by his Detroit Lions teammates.

Did you see the news Wednesday that the Buffalo Bills are unveiling new uniforms this season? Does it make you pine for the old days when the AFL’s Bills wore that unassuming bison logo on the helmet? Well, we have married the Pick Six feature with a photo essay to give you a visual rundown of some great old-school jerseys. This will get the full home-page treatment later Thursday, but you can catch a sneak peek right here.