By Sunday 
The Detroit Lions have been the toast of the NFC North lately, riding high after a 15-2 season and looking every bit like a team ready to dominate for years. But now, a new prediction from Bleacher Report is raising a red flag — and the door might be creaking open for their division rivals to sneak in.
Let’s talk about the ripple effect of losing Frank Ragnow.
Ragnow Was More Than Just a Center
It’s easy to overlook the center position unless you’re watching the trenches closely. But for the Lions, Frank Ragnow wasn’t just the guy snapping the ball. He was, as Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine put it, a “key communicator between Goff, the line, and the rest of the offense.”
And when you think about it — yeah, that tracks. Quarterback Jared Goff had a career resurgence in Detroit. Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery both flourished in the backfield. And Amon-Ra St. Brown? He’s become a Sunday highlight reel. A lot of that smooth offensive rhythm started with Ragnow at the pivot.
Now that he’s retired? That rhythm is in question.
Best Case or Worst Case?
Ballentine paints two futures for the Lions. In the best-case scenario, the offense doesn’t miss a beat. Goff keeps slinging, the running game stays lethal, and whoever steps into Ragnow’s shoes gets up to speed fast.
The worst-case scenario? That’s where things get dicey. The chemistry could falter. Protection might break down. And suddenly, the well-oiled machine starts sputtering — just enough to make things interesting in the NFC North.
Opportunity in the North
If the Lions do stumble, two teams are already licking their chops: the Chicago Bears and Green Bay Packers.
Both franchises have been trending upward, especially with young QBs and improving defenses. Ballentine even hints that if the Lions drop from “elite to just above average,” one of those two could seize the top spot in the division.
And let’s be honest — Packers and Bears fans would love nothing more than to watch Detroit come back down to earth.
Is There a Replacement Ready?
Right now, Detroit is hoping that veterans like Graham Glasgow or rookie Tate Ratledge can hold the fort at center. But replacing a guy like Ragnow? That’s not plug-and-play. It’s going to take time, reps, and a lot of faith that the offensive line can keep the unit glued together.
Final Thoughts
Ragnow’s retirement may not have made huge national headlines, but it’s a storyline worth watching. If the Lions don’t find stability fast, their NFC North crown could slip right off — and that might be all the Bears or Packers need to pounce.
Let the race begin.
Keywords:
Frank Ragnow retirement, NFC North contenders