Head coach Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions are entering the 2026 NFL season with renewed optimism after a disappointing 2025–26 campaign that ended with a 9–8 record and no playoff appearance.
Following the season, Campbell made a major change by firing offensive coordinator John Morton and hiring Drew Petzing from the Arizona Cardinals. The move drew mixed reactions, as Arizona finished just 3–14 last season. However, Campbell believes Petzing can help stabilize Detroit’s offense moving forward.
Despite the struggles, Las Vegas oddsmakers remain confident in the Lions’ potential.
Lions Projected as NFC Contender in 2026
According to DraftKings Sportsbook, the Lions are projected to win 10.5 games in the 2026 season. They are currently ranked No. 2 in the NFC, trailing only the Los Angeles Rams. The Cardinals sit at the bottom of the conference.
The optimistic projection surprised some fans but encouraged others.
One fan commented, “I don’t understand the Packers hype when Micah Parsons is expected to miss several months. Even if he comes back early, he won’t be 100 percent. He’s the backbone of that defense. I see the Lions winning the division with the Bears second. Both should make the playoffs.”
Another added, “The Panthers made the playoffs and nearly won their game. Why are they ranked so low?”
Detroit Lions’ Top Priorities for the 2026 Season
According to ESPN, the Lions’ most urgent need is improving the offensive line.
Detroit ranked:
20th in run block win rate (70.7%)
31st in pass block win rate (55.5%)
The unit struggled after the retirement of four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow and the departure of veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, who signed with the Tennessee Titans.
Lions Draft Strategy: Defense Is the Priority
NFL analyst Matt Miller believes the Lions should target defense with their first-round pick.
“The Lions should focus on edge rusher, cornerback, or linebacker,” Miller said. “They could take the first cornerback off the board with Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) or Mansoor Delane (LSU). Linebackers Sonny Styles (Ohio State) and CJ Allen (Georgia) are also strong options.”
Fox Sports analyst Joel Klatt echoed the need for an edge rusher and selected Akheem Mesidor (Miami) as a potential target.
“Aidan Hutchinson draws constant double teams, so Detroit needs another edge rusher on the opposite side,” Klatt said. “Al-Quadin Muhammad could leave in free agency after an 11-sack season. Mesidor is a powerful defender at 280 pounds, though he’ll be 25 years old when drafted.”
Outlook for the Detroit Lions
While the 2025–26 season fell short of expectations, betting markets and analysts believe the Lions remain a legitimate NFC contender. With improvements to the offensive line and defensive front, Detroit could rebound quickly and return to playoff form in 2026.
