By Blessing 
The 2024 NFL regular season has wrapped up, and the playoffs are finally here! For Detroit Lions fans, Wild Card Weekend has often been bittersweet—either cheering their team on or wistfully watching others with the hope that one day, it would be their turn. But this year is unlike any other. For the first time in franchise history, the Lions are the top seed in the NFC, securing a coveted first-round bye. This means fans can relax this weekend and scout potential opponents as Detroit gears up for the Divisional Round.
While the season isn’t officially over, now is a great time to revisit early predictions made by the team at Pride of Detroit. Let’s see who nailed their calls and who might be second-guessing their preseason picks. Here’s a breakdown of the major predictions and how they stack up against what actually happened this season.
Offensive MVP Predictions
The staff had a variety of opinions on who would be Detroit’s offensive MVP:
- Jahmyr Gibbs: Brandon, Jeremy, Jerry
- Jared Goff: John, Meko, Hamza, Max, Alex, Al
- Frank Ragnow: Ryan
- Penei Sewell: Morgan
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: Erik
Most staff members leaned toward quarterback Jared Goff, while others felt rookie sensation Jahmyr Gibbs might rise to the top. Ultimately, Goff earned this honor after an MVP-caliber season that led Detroit to a 15-2 record and the NFC’s top spot.
Goff’s stats were remarkable: 4,629 passing yards (the third-highest of his career), a career-best 37 touchdowns, and a passer rating that ranked among the league’s elite. He finished second in passing yards and completion percentage, trailing only Joe Burrow and Tua Tagovailoa, respectively. His 8.6 yards per attempt were second-best in the NFL, just behind Lamar Jackson. It’s clear that Goff’s steady leadership and production made him the standout player on offense.
As for Gibbs, he proved to be a phenomenal runner-up. After stepping up during David Montgomery’s injury absence, Gibbs showed he could handle the workload of a lead back. He finished with 1,412 rushing yards (fifth in the league), 16 touchdowns (tied for first), and added 52 receptions for 517 yards and four more scores. If not for Goff’s exceptional year, Gibbs would have been a strong choice for Offensive MVP.
Defensive MVP Predictions
Here’s how the staff’s predictions shaped up for the Lions’ Defensive MVP:
- Aidan Hutchinson: Brandon, John, Jeremy, Morgan, Erik, Max, Alex, Jerry
- Brian Branch: Ryan, Meko
- Alex Anzalone: Hamza
- Alim McNeill: Al
Aidan Hutchinson was a popular pick, and for good reason—he had a dominant start to the season, racking up 7.5 sacks in just five games. Tragically, a freak injury against the Dallas Cowboys cut his campaign short, robbing him of what could have been a record-breaking year.
In Hutchinson’s absence, safety Kerby Joseph emerged as the defensive standout. Joseph led the NFL with nine interceptions and earned First-Team All-Pro honors. His knack for game-changing plays came at pivotal moments, solidifying his claim to the award. While Brian Branch also had a strong sophomore season, Joseph’s consistency and impact made him the clear defensive MVP.
Linebacker Alex Anzalone deserves an honorable mention, as his return bolstered the defense late in the season. If he had played a full year, the competition for this award might have been closer.
Breakout Player Predictions
Here’s where the staff placed their bets for the Lions’ breakout player:
- Jameson Williams: Morgan, Brandon, Jerry, Alex
- Jack Campbell: Jeremy, Al
- Levi Onwuzurike: Meko, Erik, Hamza
- Terrion Arnold: Ryan
- Derrick Barnes: John
- Sione Vaki: Max
Wide receiver Jameson Williams lived up to the hype, overcoming a tumultuous start to the season. After missing time due to a suspension and personal issues, Williams bounced back and delivered his best season yet. He recorded 1,001 receiving yards and seven touchdowns on just 58 catches, averaging an impressive 17.3 yards per reception. Williams also contributed on the ground with 61 rushing yards and a touchdown.
Linebacker Jack Campbell deserves a nod for his improvement in year two. Stepping in for an injured Anzalone, Campbell proved he could handle the responsibilities of the green dot, finishing the season with 131 tackles, five pass breakups, and 1.5 sacks. His performance showed he’s ready for an even bigger role in 2025.
NFC North Winner
This one was unanimous: Detroit Lions – Everyone.
No one on the Pride of Detroit staff doubted the Lions’ ability to win the NFC North this year. Concerns about the Green Bay Packers were voiced, but most agreed the Minnesota Vikings weren’t a serious threat. The Lions dominated the division, meeting everyone’s expectations.
Season Records and Playoff Predictions
Here’s how the staff predicted the Lions’ season would unfold:
- 13-4 and Super Bowl: Erik, Al, Meko, Brandon, Jerry
- 12-5 and Super Bowl: Morgan, Alex
- 11-6 and Super Bowl: Jeremy, Ryan
- 12-5 and NFC Championship: Max
- 11-6 and Divisional Round: John, Hamza
No one foresaw Detroit’s incredible 15-2 season, though some came close with 13-4 predictions. Most of the staff believed the Lions would make it to the Super Bowl, but a few expected an earlier playoff exit. Now, with the Lions just two wins away from the big game, time will tell whose predictions hold up.
Super Bowl 59 Predictions
Here’s a look at who the staff thought would win it all:
- Lions over Chiefs: Al, Morgan, Meko, Erik
- Lions over Ravens: Jerry
- Lions over Texans: Alex
- Lions over Bengals: Brandon
- Ravens over Lions: Ryan
- Chiefs over Lions: Jeremy
- 49ers over Texans: John, Max
- Ravens over 49ers: Hamza
While some predictions have already missed the mark—teams like the Texans and 49ers didn’t even make the playoffs—most staff members still believe the Lions are destined for the Super Bowl. A popular matchup is Detroit taking on Kansas City, with the Lions emerging victorious in four of those scenarios. Whether this comes true remains to be seen.
The Road Ahead
Nine of the 12 staff members predicted the Lions would make it to the Super Bowl, and they only need two more wins to prove them right. Home-field advantage through the playoffs certainly helps, but the road to the Lombardi Trophy won’t be easy. Will the Pride of Detroit staff’s predictions come true? We’ll find out soon enough.