The Detroit Lions enter the 2025 season with a strong claim to the best offense in the NFC North — a title they earned in 2024 and appear destined to defend despite key coaching changes.
🔹 Still the Offense to Beat
Detroit’s offense led the NFL in scoring in 2024 with a staggering 454 points and ranked second in total yards (6,962) and yards per play (6.3) . Pro Football Network even calculated the Lions’ 2024 unit as the third-best offense since 2019 .
🔹 Lineup Consistency, Despite Changes
While the Lions lost franchise center Frank Ragnow and guard Kevin Zeitler to retirement and free agency, most of the core offensive group remains intact: QB Jared Goff, the dynamic RB duo Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, wideouts Amon‑Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams, and TE Sam LaPorta. New OC John Morton, familiar with the system, returns to lead the offense .
🔹 Rivals Are Closing the Gap…Fast
The NFC North has rebuilt aggressively this offseason:
Chicago signed All‑Pro guard Joe Thuney, center Drew Dalman, and guard Jonah Jackson, pairing them with rookie QB Caleb Williams .
Minnesota added veteran linemen like Ryan Kelly, drafted Donovan Jackson, and returns elite WR Justin Jefferson for rookie QB J.J. McCarthy .
Green Bay strengthened the interior with Aaron Banks and drafted receiver Matthew Golden, aiming to equip Jordan Love with more firepower .
Still, Detroit retains the division’s most complete offense. Analysts from Athlon, PFF, and others place the Lions at No. 1 in the NFC North in offensive firepower entering the 2025 season .
🔹 Key Themes to Watch
1. System continuity: Can Morton keep red‑zone efficiency and third-down conversions humming without Ben Johnson?
2. Supporting cast chemistry: Will Gibbs, Montgomery, St. Brown, Williams, and LaPorta maintain elite production?
3. Schedule & competition: Detroit faces eight road games vs. last year’s playoff teams — a major test for this offense .
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🚦 Quick Comparison: NFC North Offenses for 2025
Team Offensive Rank Notes
Detroit Lions ✅ Best in NFC N. Retained core, top efficiency, high ceiling under Morton
Green Bay Packers 2nd Pushed forward with Love, added weapons and OL reinforcements
Minnesota Vikings 3rd Strong continuity with Jefferson and new rookie McCarthy; stable but not elite depth
Chicago Bears 4th Major upgrades, but contains unproven rookie QB and first-year head coach risk
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✅ Bottom Line
Even amid coaching turnover and rising rivals, the Detroit Lions still boast the NFC North’s top-rated offense entering 2025. It’s their depth, balanced attack, and playmaking weapons that keep them firmly atop the division’s offensive rankings — but they’ll need to prove it all again when the games start.
Despite Shakeups, Lions Claim Division’s Best Offense in 2025
