The Detroit Lions are looking ahead to the 2026–27 NFL season after finishing 9–8 in 2025 and narrowly missing the playoffs. It was a disappointing step back for a team that had dominated the NFC and NFC North just one year earlier.
Detroit made a major offseason change by hiring Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator in January 2026, replacing John Morton. Petzing will work closely with Goff as the Lions attempt to revive their offense.
Despite the team’s struggles, Goff delivered an impressive 2025 season:
Games started: 17
Passing yards: 4,564 (2nd in NFL)
Touchdowns: 34
Interceptions: 8
Completion rate: 68.0%
Passer rating: 105.5
NFL.com analyst Nick Shook ranked Goff as the No. 9 quarterback in the league for 2025, placing him in the second tier of passers.
“Jared Goff produced at a rate that was very similar to his last two seasons and tried his best to rescue a Lions offense that declined in 2025,” Shook wrote. “Their running game’s disappearance undercut their chances.”
Former Lions QB Matthew Stafford Earns Top Spot
Shook ranked Stafford as the No. 1 quarterback in the NFL for 2025 after a dominant postseason run with the Rams.
He credited Stafford’s arm strength, accuracy and decision-making for leading Los Angeles deep into the playoffs and noted that Stafford will return for the 2026 season.
Lions Ranked Top-10 Team Entering 2026
ESPN’s Eric Woodyard ranked Detroit as the No. 7 team in the NFL heading into the new season but highlighted offensive line concerns.
Lions ranked 31st in pass block win rate (55.5%)
Interior offensive line seen as major draft need
Penei Sewell admitted the unit lacked cohesion in 2025
With a new offensive coordinator and renewed focus up front, Detroit hopes Goff’s strong play will translate into a playoff return.
