Detroit Lions fans have been on a bit of a high since 2022, when their beloved team finally showed up with a winning season of 9-8 in Dan Campbell’s second year as head coach. They had a taste of the good life with back-to-back playoff runs in 2023 and 2024. This raised expectations, but their 9-8 record in 2025 no longer felt like winning. That’s what expectations will do to a team. Injuries plagued the Lions for much of 2025, but with a few key roster additions and a healthier team entering the season, they are primed to get back to the playoffs with a shot at their ultimate goal, the Super Bowl.
Jared Goff Must Play Like An MVP For The Detroit Lions
Jared Goff has been a model of consistency throughout his time with the Lions. The first overall pick inthe 2016 draft was traded from the Los Angeles Rams in 2021 for Matthew Stafford, and has put up gaudy numbers since. This will be his sixth season in Detroit, and he’s under a fair amount of pressure, having missed the playoffs last season. He’ll have his usual array of weapons surrounding him, including the recently inked Jahmyr Gibbs, who became the highest-paid running back in NFL history.
With his contract set now and the departure of backup RB David Montgomery, Gibbs is firmly the number one option in the backfield. He is primed for an Offensive Player of the Year-type campaign after rushing for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns last season. The Lions also traded for Isiah Pacheco to back up Gibbs and add much-needed depth to the running back contingent.
Gibbs isn’t the only offensive star in town for the Lions. Number one wideout Amon-Ra St. Brown is Goff’s favorite target through the air, with over 1,400 yards and 11 touchdowns last season. Isaac TeSlaa, the surprise rookie from last year, will look to increase his production and help take some of the pressure off of St. Brown.
The Lions also have a big-time playmaker in Jameson Williams. The fifth-year man out of Alabama is a real-life video game, with the ability to make spectacular grabs and the speed to outrun any defender. Williams’ upward trajectory hasn’t always been the steadiest due to some personal issues, but the young receiver is in a contract year and will look to boost his production.
Tight end is yet another dangerous skill position for the Lions. Sam LaPorta is a big target on offense, at 6’ 3”, 245 pounds, and has the ability to make catches in traffic, especially around the goal line. He missed a significant portion of the 2025 season with an injury, but he should be back healthy and ready to show what had him trending as a star TE in the making.
The Offensive Line Could Be The Key To The Lions’ Season
The Lions’ real questions on offense surround their O-line. Several seasons ago, it was a strength for the team; however, recent injuries and a surprise retirement (center Graham Glasgow) have made this group a question mark.
Detroit drafted OT Blake Miller out of Clemson with the 17th overall pick. They will slide All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell to LT and move Miller to RT. Their adjustments to these moves will be key to the offensive line’s production and Detroit’s overall offensive output. The Lions will also have a new center in Cade Mays.
Detroit’s Defense Is The Key To A Strong Playoff Push
The Lions’ defense has been ravaged in recent seasons. First, All-Pro DE Aidan Hutchinson went down with a broken leg, and then both starting safeties got injured, leaving the team with a lot of holes to fill.
Thankfully, for Lions’ fans, Hutchinson is back at 100% and eager to get his hands on the opposing team’s QB. He’ll start on the left side of the line, but he has the freedom to roam anywhere on the field he wants, making life a nightmare for both QBs and RBs. Holding down the inside of the line for Detroit are veterans Alim McNeill and Levi Onwuzurike. Detroit also added several additions on defense through the draft, notably edge rusher Derrick Moore, who’s a tenacious pass-rusher and could fit in nicely with fellow Michigan alum Hutchinson.
Losing linebacker Alex Anzalone will hurt, especially in the locker room, but this is a strong unit for Detroit. They are led by veteran middle linebacker Jack Campbell, who will now play the role of defensive leader, along with Hutchinson.
Detroit could face problems with its secondary. Both starting safeties, Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, are coming off severe injuries that kept them out last season. Both are expected to be back for the start of the season, but can they return to their pre-injury form from two years ago?
The Lions lost their two starting cornerbacks in the offseason. Terrion Arnold was cut after a serious run-in with the law, while Amik Robertson signed a two-year deal with the Commanders. That leaves Detroit with D.J. Reed on one side and rookie Keith Abney II, to man the other side. If the Lions can keep their safeties healthy and the two cornerbacks start to gel, the secondary could be a strong suit for Detroit.
Last season, the Lions finished 9-8 (bottom of the NFC North), and failed to make the playoffs. Head Coach Dan Campbell knows he has his work cut out for him. The division features so much parity, it will be a brutal gauntlet to win in 2026. If Detroit can stay relatively healthy, though, and its stars live up to their potential, they have every bit as good a chance to claim the NFC North and make a strong push deep into the playoffs.
