The Detroit Lions are heading into the 2025 season with high expectations — but not everyone is sold on them staying at the top of the NFC North.
Former NFL linebacker Manti Te’o stirred the pot during an appearance on NFL Network, where he questioned whether the Lions are still the team to beat. His main concern? The loss of both offensive coordinator Ben Johnson (now with the Bears) and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn (now with the Jets).
Te’o pointed to the Eagles’ struggles after losing their top assistants post-Super Bowl as a cautionary tale. He made it clear: on paper, Detroit might be the favorite, but on the field, it’s a different story.
Dan Campbell’s aggressive style has become the team’s identity, but with a reshuffled coaching staff, there’s no guarantee that energy translates the same way without the guys who helped shape it.
Meanwhile, the rest of the NFC North is quietly stacking up. The Bears upgraded their O-line and finally hired a competent coach. The Vikings just came off a 14-win season and are rolling the dice with rookie QB J.J. McCarthy. And let’s not forget the Packers — never out of the picture.
The Lions still have a loaded roster and plenty of talent to repeat as division champs. But as Manti Te’o reminded fans, being the favorite doesn’t mean anything unless you back it up when the season kicks off.
