The Detroit Lions have kicked off the 2025 season on a strong note, even though they’ve already matched their total number of losses from the previous year.
While Detroit may not finish with as many wins as in 2024, their trajectory points toward greatness, potentially making them the best team in the NFC. Following a commanding 24-9 triumph over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Lions have positioned themselves as a team that could soon be recognized as the conference’s finest.
After the win, discussions quickly began about where the Lions stand compared to other top teams, especially within the NFC. ESPN analyst Jeff Saturday made it clear that he doesn’t see much of a debate—he firmly believes Detroit sits at the top of the conference hierarchy.
Appearing on “Get Up” after the game, Saturday shared that he views the Lions as the No. 1 team in the NFC, praising their ability to dismantle a talented Buccaneers squad with power and precision.
“ (I’d rank them) No. 1. This is a really good football team. Even though the Bucs were banged up, I still think they’re great. I would’ve had them in the top three. These were two heavyweights going toe-to-toe. What I love is that it wasn’t a perfect performance by Detroit. They weren’t flawless, yet they still controlled the game. Typically, the Bucs thrive on explosive plays—but they got shut down. The Lions had eight explosive plays to Tampa’s three. That’s how you win in this league.”
If the Lions ever put together a truly flawless outing, it’s intimidating to imagine how dominant they could be. Offensively, there’s still plenty of potential to unlock, and defensively, the team’s upcoming return to full health could push them to even greater heights in the weeks ahead.
With upcoming matchups against Philadelphia, Green Bay, Minnesota, Washington, and the Los Angeles Rams, Detroit will have ample opportunities to confirm that they belong atop the NFC’s power rankings.
Saturday praises the Lions’ versatility and balance
One of the biggest reasons the Lions are considered such a dangerous NFC contender lies in their overall completeness. They’re capable of winning with offensive firepower, defensive discipline, and even special teams efficiency—all of which were evident in the statement win over Tampa Bay.
Saturday noted that he was most impressed with Detroit’s ability to grind out a physical victory even when their offense wasn’t firing on all cylinders, proving they can win in multiple ways.
“Dan Campbell has this team locked in. To me, that was their best performance of the season. Not just statistically, but because of the caliber of opponent and the style they played with. Physicality. They do everything well. They can grind out wins, beat you with explosive passing plays, gash you in the run game, and pressure the quarterback.”
The Lions have been excellent in all three phases, and if they continue to adapt their game plan each week, there’s little doubt they’ll remain among the league’s most complete and dominant teams moving forward.
