In his annual rankings of the best wide receiver, running back, and tight end rooms in the NFL, Barnwell placed the Detroit Lions at No. 2, trailing only the defending Super Bowl champion Philadelphia Eagles.
That’s massive recognition for a team that has quietly built one of the league’s most explosive—and well-rounded—offenses.
Barnwell’s rankings take into account expected 2025 performance while adjusting for injuries and suspensions. Wide receivers are weighted most heavily, but running backs and tight ends still matter in the equation.
⭐ Lions Offense: Second Only to Philly
Barnwell singled out Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams as a top-tier receiving duo, while praising the backfield tandem of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery as a deadly one-two punch.
But he made a point to show love to tight end Sam LaPorta, calling his 2024 season “disappointing” by some standards—yet still good enough for sixth among fantasy tight ends.
> “LaPorta’s target share dipped due to Williams’ breakout,” Barnwell wrote, “but that’s more a credit to Detroit’s offensive depth than any fault of LaPorta’s. He’s still a dangerous weapon.”
Barnwell acknowledged the Lions lost former OC Ben Johnson to the division rival Bears, but added that new play-caller John Morton isn’t expected to shake things up too much. Continuity remains a strength in Detroit, especially with Jared Goff still in command.
💪 Super Bowl Hype Heating Up
As long as the Lions stay healthy—and can find a solid replacement for center Frank Ragnow—Barnwell believes Detroit has a real shot to finish as the No. 1 offense in the NFL.
At this point, it’s not even a bold prediction. It’s just more proof that the Lions are a legit Super Bowl contender heading into 2025.
ESPN’s Bill Barnwell says, the Lions’ offensive skill group is officially Super Bowl-caliber.
