DETROIT LIONS
2025 Record - 9-8-0
Head Coach - Dan Campbell
2025 Offensive Rank - 373 YPG (5th); Rushing - 120 YPG (14th), Passing - 253 YPG (3rd) SCORING - 28.3 PPG (4th)
2025 Defensive Rank - 332 YPG (18th); Rushing - 115 YPG (14th), Passing - 217 YPG (20th) SCORING - 24.3 PPG (22nd)
Key Player Additions - Devin White (LB), Blake Miller (OL), Isiah Pacheco (RB), Larry Borom (OL), Tyler Conklin (TE), Chuck Clark (DB), Cade Mays (OL), Jay Tufele (DL), D.J. Wonnum (LB)
Key Player Losses - David Montgomery (RB), Taylor Decker (OL), Alex Anzalone (LB), Graham Glasgow (OL), Al-Quadin Muhammad (DL), D.J. Reader (DL), Amik Robertson (DB), Kalif Raymond (KR/WR)
OFFENSE - Quarterback Jared Goff had another big season in 2025, throwing for 34 touchdowns and only eight interceptions along with 4,564 passing yards while the Lions ranked fifth in total offense. The running game will feature Jahmyr Gibbs, who rushed for 1,223 yards (5.0 YPC) and scored 13 touchdowns and he also had 77 receptions for 616 yards and five touchdowns. Fellow backfield mate David Montgomery left for the Houston Texans in the off-season, so Isiah Pacheco is in Detroit this season after rushing for 469 yards (3.9 YPC) and one score with Kansas City. Sione Vaki could be another option in the rushing attack as well. The Lions boast two 1,000-yard wide receivers with Amon-Ra St. Brown (117 receptions for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns) and Jameson Williams, who had 65 receptions for 1,117 yards and seven touchdowns. Tight End Sam LaPorta had 40 catches for 489 yards and three scores.
DEFENSE - Defensive End Aidan Hutchinson (14 1/2 QB sacks) leads the defensive front along with D.J. Wonnum, Tyleik Williams and Alim McNeill. Jay Tufele and rookie Derrick Moore (Michigan) add depth on the line. The linebackers are Jack Campbell (team high 166 tackles, including five sacks), free agent signee Devin White (174 tackles, 2 1/2 sacks, one interception with Las Vegas), Derrick Barnes and Malcolm Rodriguez. In the secondary is safety Kirby Joseph, who had thee interceptions and Brian Branch (75 tackles) along with cornerbacks D.J. Reed, Jr. (two picks) and Terrion Arnold. Ten-year veteran safety Chuck Clark comes over from Pittsburgh in 2026 to provide depth. Also in the mix is corner man Ennis Rackestraw, Jr, who is coming off injuries that forced him to miss the entire 2025 season. The Lions finished 18th in total defense a year ago and had 49 sacks (4th in NFL) while getting 13 interceptions and allowed 24.3 points per game.
2026 SEASON OUTLOOK - After two big seasons that saw them win the NFC North division and advance to the NFC Championship game following the 2023 season, the Lions dropped to last place in the division, even though they finished with a winning record. Head Coach Dan Campbell is eager to see the team rebound in 2026 and get back to the playoffs.
Four losses in the final six games derailed the Lions express as injuries and breakdowns on both offense and defense cost them games against the L.A. Rams, Pittsburgh and the Minnesota Vikings in three straight games in December that knocked them out of playoff contention. With the key players on the field, the offense should be able to roll up points on the scoreboard again and Goff has shown he isn't slowing down as he enters his 11th season in the NFL and sixth with the Lions. The offense is balanced and the tandem of Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams at wide receiver, along with dynamic running back Jahmyr Gibbs, makes this offense explosive and able to score at any time.
As long as the defense is capable of getting back to the form they showed a few years ago, the Lions should be in business in the NFC North race. Having Aidan Hutchinson healthy makes a big difference and with linebacker Devin White now included, the defense should be stronger this season. Winning within the division is crucial as always (Detroit was 2-4 vs. division foes last season) and three road games against all three NFC North opponents in the final four games this year will likely go a long way in determining whether or not the Lions return to the top of the NFC North mountain. The playoffs are legitimate for this team and then they have to show they can get it done or else critics will say the Lions have missed their opportunity for a first ever Super Bowl appearance. After all, the window stays open for only so long.
TEAM SCHEDULE
Week One - vs. New Orleans
Week Two - at Buffalo
Week Three - vs. N.Y. Jets
Week Four - at Carolina
Week Five - at Arizona
Week Six - BYE
Week Seven - vs. Green Bay
Week Eight - vs. Minnesota
Week Nine - at Miami
Week Ten - vs. New England (Munich, Germany)
Week Eleven - vs. Tampa Bay
Week Twelve - vs. Chicago
Week Thirteen - at Atlanta
Week Fourteen - vs. Tennessee
Week Fifteen - at Minnesota
Week Sixteen - vs. N.Y. Giants
Week Seventeen - at Chicago
Week Eighteen - at Green Bay
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