By Sunday 
Two Detroit Teams. One Shared Dream. Different Paths.
Detroit fans have a lot to be excited about in 2025. The Lions and Tigers — the Motor City’s NFL and MLB franchises — are both legitimate contenders in their respective leagues. And yet, despite the Tigers’ impressive first-half showing, it’s Dan Campbell’s Lions who are actually closer to delivering that long-awaited championship parade down Woodward Avenue.
Why? It all comes down to how these two teams are built — and the limits they face.
Draft Day Gold: How the Lions Built a Contender from the Ground Up
Over the past few years, general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell have taken a methodical, draft-centric approach to assembling a powerhouse. It began in 2021 with picks like offensive tackle Penei Sewell and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown — both now two-time All-Pros and Pro Bowl regulars.
And the hits kept coming:
- Aidan Hutchinson, EDGE rusher and local hero, 2022
- Jameson Williams, blazing fast wideout, 2022
- Jahmyr Gibbs and Jack Campbell, backfield and linebacker cornerstones, 2023
- Plus, late-round gems like Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, who are now arguably the NFL’s top safety tandem.
The result? A team with youth, balance, depth, and a coach-quarterback combo (Campbell and Jared Goff) that has proven it can win under pressure.
Tigers’ Turnaround Is Real — But Their Window Is Tighter
Meanwhile, the Tigers are enjoying their best season in years. Sitting at 47-27, led by homegrown stars like Tarik Skubal, Riley Greene, Spencer Torkelson, and Dillon Dingler, Detroit’s baseball team has turned a corner. But the business of baseball isn’t quite as forgiving.
Unlike the NFL, where a salary cap levels the playing field, MLB teams are subject to a luxury tax system — and the big market teams (Dodgers, Yankees, Mets) still rule. That means when Skubal hits free agency in 2026 (repped by super-agent Scott Boras, no less), keeping him in Detroit could be an uphill battle.
For the Tigers, the question isn’t just can they win now? It’s can they afford to keep winning?
Why the Lions Have the Edge
The Lions, while not a “big spender,” are better positioned structurally to sustain their success.
The NFL salary cap keeps the biggest teams from gobbling up all the talent, and the Lions’ front office has shown the smarts to consistently draft and develop talent. With rising stars locked into rookie contracts and a coaching staff that’s built trust and chemistry, Detroit’s football team is not only built for today — it’s built for every January to come.
Final Whistle
Both teams deserve their flowers. The Tigers have roared back to relevance, and the Lions have risen from league punchline to perennial NFC North favorites. But if you’re placing your bet on which team is bringing a championship to the D first — smart money’s on the boys in Honolulu Blue.