NFL
Season Outlook:
The arrow that pointed up for three years was derailed by an injury-riddled 2025 that saw the Lions regress to last place at 9-8. A healthier roster, especially on defense, plus a bigger role for their top offensive weapon and a favorable schedule set up a real path back to Super Bowl contention.
What's Changed:
Drew Petzing takes over as the new offensive coordinator, tasked with keeping the run game rolling after David Montgomery was dealt to Houston. Jahmyr Gibbs remains the centerpiece, now paired with Isiah Pacheco. First-round pick Blake Miller adds tackle depth to protect quarterback Jared Goff and open running lanes. The bigger question is on defense. Detroit lost run-stuffers Al-Quadin Muhammad and DJ Reader in free agency, and DJ Wonnum alone may not be enough to replace that production.
Bigger Role & Sophomore Breakout:
Gibbs is now the true workhorse. A rich one too – becoming the NFl’s highest-paid running back. With Montgomery gone, there’s no question who will receive the bulk of the touches. The 24-year-old accounted for 1,839 scrimmage yards and 18 touchdowns in 2025. There’s every reason to believe he’s capable of improving those numbers for his fourth pro season. Defensive tackle Tyleik Williams started 10 games in his rookie season with inconsistent playing time. The departures along the defensive line clear a path for Williams to become a mainstay on the interior and prove his 2025 first-round draft status.
Key Question:
Can Aidan Hutchinson stay among the pass rushing elite? It comes down to health. He broke his leg in 2024, then bounced back with a career-high 14.5 sacks. Another year removed from his devastating injury should make him stronger. The doubts regarding the experience and skill among the front seven get a lot quieter if Hutchinson repeats (or exceeds) what he did in 2025.
Prediction:
Dan Campbell’s team goes 11-6 and reclaims the NFC North. Jahmyr Gibbs finishes in the top-3 in yards from scrimmage and is in serious consideration for Offensive Player of the Year. Both tight end Sam LaPorta and Hutchinson stay healthy and avoid serious injury. Detroit’s tight end will give Goff a welcome passing target that should open up the offense. LaPorta nears his 2023 total of 86 receptions. Hutchinson tallies more than 15 sacks as the Lions become more balanced.
X-Factor:
The tight ends have been snakebit lately. LaPorta’s 2025 ended after nine games with a herniated disc. Backup Brock Wright made it 11 games before a trachea injury. Detroit needs contributions from playmakers beyond Gibbs and leading receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown. The durability of LaPorta – a rookie Pro Bowler – is the single biggest swing factor on the roster.
Final Scorecard
(for socials, 1 to 10 scale)
| Dimension | Rating |
|---|---|
| Offense | 9 |
| Defense | 7 |
| Coaching | 8 |
| X-Factor Upside | 9 |
| Schedule Strength | 8 |