NFL Notebook: 2025 Detroit Lions Preview

The Detroit Lions have posted three straight winning seasons for the first time since the early 1990s. We can trace their ascendancy under Dan Campbell to the stretch drive of 2022. Since that point, the Lions have gone 32-8 in the regular season. That’s dominance. But there’s a lot of adversity ahead.

Detroit lost both coordinators to head coaching jobs, with offensive mastermind Ben Johnson going to Chicago and defensive leader Aaron Glenn heading to the Jets. The Lions have to find a way to rebound psychologically after a horrible postseason meltdown at home against Washington. Can feisty head coach Dan Campbell keep the good times rolling in the Motor City?

GROUND GAME: GIBBS, MONTGOMERY & A LINE IN TRANSITION

The running game has been the foundation of the Lions’ success, allowing them to execute Campbell’s uber-aggressive approach on fourth down and control tempo. Jahmyr Gibbs ran for over 1,400 yards last season and averaged an exceptional 5.6 yards-per-carry. David Montgomery added almost 800 more yards.

Gibbs and Montgomery run behind a line that is solid but will be undergoing some changes. The tackles are in good hands, with Taylor Decker a steadying force on the left side and Penei Swell one of the NFL’s best at right tackle. Christian Mahogany is an outstanding left guard. But the center spot is vulnerable, and the key transition is at right guard. Veteran Kevin Zeitler is gone, and second-round draft choice Tate Rutledge is slotted to start. Rutledge’s ability to ramp up will shape Detroit’s ability to keep controlling the interior.

GOFF’S ACHILLES HEEL

Jared Goff had an outstanding season by any measurement, completing 72 percent of his passes and also making big plays, at 8.6 yards-per-attempt. His interception rate was a manageable 2.2 percent. But when he did throw picks, they came in bunches. And one of those times came in the playoffs, when he threw four against Washington. Nor was this pattern anything new. At age 30, Goff is what he is. For the most part, that’s good. But Detroit fans have to keep their fingers crossed in big games.

When Goff is playing efficiently, as he is most of the time, he has a diverse group of targets. Amon-Ra St. Brown is the primary focal point out of the slot, and Sam LaPorta is a good tight end. Jameson Williams can stretch the field. It’s not a spectacular group of receivers, but it’s good enough to win.

Detroit scored the most points of anyone in the NFL last year. The talent is still there. The only question is how much of that success was about Ben Johnson. Whether they lead the league again is up in the air, but I’ll give the talent—and Campbell’s ability to hire new staff—the benefit of the doubt.

THE RETURN OF HUTCHINSON

One of the most amazing parts of Detroit’s regular season run is that they did most of it without defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. One of the league’s great pass rushers and a Defensive Player of the Year candidate, Hutchinson broke his leg in mid-October. He’s back and healthy.

Moreover, the Lions took steps to strengthen their pass coverage. Corner was a weak spot in 2024, and free agent pickup D.J. Reed should be an immediate upgrade. There’s still serious problems on the other corner, but Detroit has the best safety combo in the league, with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch. They can cover up for one weak corner. Doing it for two was a little tougher.

Jack Campbell anchors the middle of what is a steady linebacking corps. This group was solid last year, and the presence of a healthy Hutchinson should free them up to be better this year.

OUTLOOK

Last year, I was skeptical about Detroit’s ability to bounce back emotionally after a crushing NFC Championship Game loss in San Francisco. They proved me wrong. This year, I feel the same skepticism after another more-crushing-than-normal playoff defeat. But I’m giving Campbell the benefit of the doubt. Asking them to repeat their 15-win regular season is too big of an ask, and they’ve got their hands full in a competitive division. But the 10.5 number in the Over/Under betting markets? I’m confident the Lions will win at least 11.