Just took my temperature to make sure I’m not sick. What other reason could there be to explain this: I’m actually looking forward to Friday’s night preseason opener against Cincinnati at Ford Field.

Even with the absence of Mikel Leshoure, there’s more of a buzz at training camp in recent years. Martin Mayhew has quietly built a solid team and added depth along the way. The Lions aren’t there yet, but they are much closer.

I expect if Matthew Stafford stays healthy they will find themselves in the playoffs.

But first things first.

On Friday I’m looking forward to seeing RB Jahvid Best. It’s tough to judge running backs in camp, but what we’ve seen has been very good. Dominic Raiola called him “lightning in a bottle.”

Also the two new backs — Jerome Harrison and Mike Bell. Each seems to have a bit of a chip on his shoulder which, of course, is good news for the Lions.

If Stafford connects on a few long bombs to Calvin Johnson it will be good to see, but I’ve seen it every day in camp. Those two are definitely on the same page.

(Follow me on Twitter @PaulaPasche.)