After two straight seasons of being one of the NFC’s best teams, the Lions head into 2025 with high expectations—and zero patience for another early playoff exit. Head coach Dan Campbell has turned this franchise from a long-running joke into a legit contender, but now the goal isn’t just winning games. It’s getting to the big one in Santa Clara for Super Bowl LX.
Let’s be real—Detroit should’ve been there already.
In 2023, they stormed their way to the NFC Championship game and even held a 24–7 halftime lead over the 49ers…before it all crumbled. Then in 2024, despite a mountain of injuries, they still earned the NFC’s top seed at 15–2. But again, it ended in heartbreak—a shootout loss to the Commanders in the Divisional Round.
Now, with most of the roster returning and Jared Goff still leading the offense, Detroit’s got the talent. But with both top coordinators gone—Ben Johnson (now Bears HC) and Aaron Glenn (Jets HC)—this team is entering uncharted territory. Kelvin Sheppard and John Morton will need to hit the ground running as the new DC and OC, respectively.
One of the biggest concerns? The offensive line. Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow retired out of nowhere, and veteran guard Kevin Zeitler left in free agency. That leaves two newbies—Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge—to step in fast. Both are talented, but they’ve got almost no NFL experience. With so much riding on this season, that’s a risky situation.
The X-Factor: Jahmyr Gibbs
After scoring 20 total touchdowns last year, Gibbs is being counted on to repeat the magic. But history says TD regression is coming. Still, with his breakaway speed and dual-threat ability, Gibbs remains a fantasy stud and a nightmare for opposing defenses.
Bottom Line:
The NFC North will be a fight, but the Lions are still the top dogs. Barring a total collapse, they should win the division again. But anything short of a Super Bowl appearance this time?
It’ll feel like failure.
The Detroit Lions have tasted the playoffs. Now it’s Super Bowl or bust.
