We are now firmly in the middle of July, which means NFL training camps are about to start and the regular season is less than two months away.
Ahead of the season, the Detroit Lions are one of the most interesting teams. The team was one of the best in the league during the 2024 regular season, before suffering a surprising defeat in the divisional round of the playoffs.
This offseason, the Lions were able to retain most of their key players, and should be in a good position to contend again in 2025. Cornerback Carlton Davis II left in free agency, but D.J. Reed was brought in to counteract that loss.
However, while the roster should be good enough, it’s yet to be seen how the team will perform with two new coordinators. Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn both left to take head coaching jobs this offseason, and it will be tough to fill those shoes.
Now, with training camp about to start, let’s see where some analysts have the Lions in the power rankings.
Maurice Moton, Bleacher Report: 5th
Moton has the Lions at 5th, which is the top spot among NFC North teams. The only teams Moton has above the Lions are the Baltimore Ravens, Buffalo Bills, Kansas City Chiefs, and Philadelphia Eagles.
Moton offered the following analysis regarding this ranking:
We know the Lions have the player personnel to be a Super Bowl contender, but no one knows if this team will produce optimally with new offensive and defensive coordinators.
John Morton has one year of experience calling offensive plays, and Kelvin Sheppard, the former linebackers coach, is a first-time defensive play-caller.
The Lions must reinvent themselves, like most teams do. However, a play-calling reset on both sides of the ball will likely lead to growing pains, which is concerning in a tough division.
Mike Florio, Pro Football Talk: 5th
Like Moton, Mike Florio of Pro Football Talk has the Lions at 5th. Regarding this placement, Florio simply said “This year, the regular season will be harder. Which could make them better prepared for the playoffs.”
ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI): 5th
We’re three-for-three on the Lions being placed at the five spot. Here, we have ESPN’s Football Power Index (FPI). The FPI is calculated by considering offensive, defensive, and special teams strength, along with factors like schedule strength, returning production, and more.
FPI predicts the Lions to end the season with a 10-7 record, and gives the team a 65.0% chance to make the playoffs and a 39.4% chance to win the NFC North.
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