Written by: Ella Brassinga 

Detroit Lions

Coming off a record 15-2 regular season in 2024, the Detroit Lions captured a second straight NFC North crown. 

Despite dominant performances led by league best scoring and a +222 point differential, the team fell in the Divisional Round in a 45-31 upset to Washington. 

Now under head coach Dan Campbell, expectations are high. The roster aims not just to contend but finally break through in the postseason. 

Offseason Moves & Coaching 

  • Coordinators: Both OC Ben Johnson and DC Aaron Glenn departed for head coaching roles. New hires include Kelvin Sheppard (DC) and John Morton (OC). Experts view the defense transition as smoother with Sheppard following Glenn’s blueprint while Morton’s calls leave more questions. 

  • Key retirements and departures: Center Frank Ragnow’s retirement creates a gap up front, yet analysts remain optimistic, citing a deep roster led by lots of talent. 

Roster Breakdown

Offense:

  • QB Jared Goff: Coming off his best season (4,600+ yards, 38 TDs), though some caution he’s a pure pocket passer with limited rushing upside. 

  • Skill Players: Amon-Ra St. Brown remains elite (115 rec, 1,263 yds, 12 TDs in ‘24). Rushing tandem Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery is a balanced force with Gibbs expected to thrive. 

  • OL: interior line is in flux. Depth brings optimism - Netane Muti is battling veteran Keyode Awosika after Ragnow’s exit. 

Defense:

  • Front Seven: Aidan Hutchinson anchored the line and is poised to break out further. Rookie Ahmed Hassanein brings high engine run support and pass rush upside. 

  • Linebackers: Malcolm Rodriguez returns from injury and must carve out a key role. Derrick Barnes also lands a contract extension. 

  • Secondary: Kerby Joseph is among the top priced safeties (4-yr/$86M), after leading the NFL with nine INTs in 2024. Brian Branch emphasized the unity and resilience built from past playoff failures. 

Depth/Dark Horses:

Schedule & Key Matchups 

Detroit faces one of the NFL’s toughest slates, including five prime time games and a brutal road trip spanning KC, Baltimore, CIN, GB and Philly. 

Early season road heavy stretches with 4 of the first 6 away will test new coaching staff. Road predictions suggest a 6-3 record away from home. 

Notable rivalry/home games:

  • Thanksgiving vs. Packers 

  • Monday Night vs. Buccaneers

  • Christmas Day vs. Vikings 

Coming into the 2025 season: Strengths & Risks 

Strengths:

  • Loaded roster with star talent at key positions. 

  • Confidence and chemistry built from consistent regular season success. 

  • Offense still elite, defense expected to hold steady with savvy improvements. 

Risks:

  • Loss of coordinators and key OL piece could destabilize phases. 

  • New OC Morton must adapt the scheme under game time pressure.

  • Early tough schedule may impact playoff seeding.  

Predictions:

  • Wins: Over 10.5 at +100, Under 10.5 at -120 

  • To make playoffs: Yes at -235, No at +195

  • Win Division: -285

  • Conference Winner: +475

  • Super Bowl Winner: +850

The Sports Forum’s Expectations 

The Lions look ready to take the next step despite a disappointing playoff exit. They return a strong core and add key pieces to stay competitive for this season. 

Jared Goff is coming off a career year and has plenty of weapons as his teammates. The defense led by Aidan Hutchinson and ball hawk safety Kerby Joseph remains one of the most aggressive in the league. 

With little improvement from their NFC North rivals, the Detroit Lions is a clear favorite to repeat as division champs. 

Win Total: Over/Under 11.5 (click the video below for our best bets)


The Sports Forum
The Sports Forum