By Blessing 
3 Bold Predictions for the Detroit Lions Ahead of the 2025 Season
As the Detroit Lions set their sights on another strong campaign in 2025, they’ll do so with some key changes on the coaching front. Quarterback Jared Goff is entering the season with a new offensive coordinator, while head coach Dan Campbell faces the challenge of leading a roster that remains talented, but now under fresh guidance.
The Lions have been one of the NFL’s rising forces under Campbell, winning the NFC North and securing the top seed in the NFC last season. But the offseason saw a big shake-up — both coordinators, Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, left for head coaching roles in Chicago and New York, respectively. In their place, Campbell promoted John Morton to offensive coordinator and Kelvin Sheppard to lead the defense. Along with a handful of other staff changes, Detroit’s coaching bench will look a lot different this year.
Despite these changes, the team is holding onto the core players that helped them surge to a 15-win season. There’s cautious optimism in the Motor City, but also some unanswered questions. Here are three bold predictions as the Lions gear up for what could be another dramatic NFL season.
1. Jared Goff Will Take a Step Back Without Ben Johnson
Jared Goff was a rock for the Lions in 2024. He threw for 4,629 yards, a career-high 37 touchdowns, and finished with a 72.4% completion rate — the second-best in the league. His consistency was a major reason Detroit took the NFC North for the second year in a row and claimed the conference’s top playoff seed.
He even finished fifth in MVP voting, showcasing just how much he meant to the Lions’ offensive success.
But 2025 may not be as smooth.
Ben Johnson, the architect behind Detroit’s high-powered offense, is gone. In his place is veteran coach John Morton, who most recently served as Denver’s passing game coordinator. Morton had success in 2024, particularly in helping unlock rookie quarterback Bo Nix. But Goff is a different kind of QB — not as mobile, and more reliant on timing and rhythm than improvisation.
To add more concern, Goff ended the 2024 postseason on a sour note, throwing three interceptions and completing under 60% of his passes in a crucial playoff loss. That performance sparked some doubts about his ability to lead the Lions deep into the playoffs moving forward.
Even if Goff and Morton find some chemistry, it’s realistic to expect a regression in 2025 — especially with a new play-caller and elevated expectations.
2. Aidan Hutchinson Will Win Comeback Player of the Year
The Lions’ defense took a major hit in 2024 when star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson suffered a brutal injury. After racking up 7.5 sacks in just five games, Hutchinson broke both his tibia and fibula during a Week 5 matchup against the Dallas Cowboys. His season ended right there.
The silver lining? Hutchinson is back — and cleared to return for 2025.
The 24-year-old is poised to be the emotional and physical leader of Detroit’s defense once again. There’s real belief within the organization that Hutchinson is ready to pick up where he left off — or perhaps perform even better now that he’s had time to recover and refocus.
If the Lions offer him a long-term extension before the season, that could light an even bigger fire under him. But even without a new deal, Hutchinson will be back on a team that expects to contend for a Super Bowl. If he can return to his explosive, disruptive self, there’s a good chance he becomes a leading candidate for NFL Comeback Player of the Year.
3. The Lions Will Win the NFC North for a Third Straight Year
Yes, the coaching turnover could slow things down. It takes time for new coordinators to get comfortable, implement schemes, and develop rapport with the roster. Players will also need to adjust to new terminologies and expectations. But Dan Campbell’s continued presence offers stability — and the team’s chemistry could soften the blow of the changes.
More importantly, the Lions aren’t starting from scratch. Most of the team’s core from 2024 is back, and several injured players — including Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, and Alim McNeill — are returning to action.
Even though other NFC North teams made notable upgrades this offseason, Detroit still looks like the division’s most complete squad. If they stay relatively healthy and adapt quickly to the new coaching voices, they should have no problem competing for their third straight NFC North title.
The Lions have come a long way from being one of the NFL’s forgotten franchises. They’re now in the spotlight, expected to contend, and carrying a real chance to make a Super Bowl run. But with change comes uncertainty — and these bold predictions reflect just how high the stakes are in 2025.