Can the Lions Return to Form in 2026?
The Detroit Lions were unable to find the same success in the 2025-26 season as they had in the past two years. The Lions won their division back-to-back years, with two playoff appearances that saw them reach as far as the Conference Championship game. Their combined record in those two years was 27-7, bringing the city of Detroit some of the best football it’s had in its history. Despite riding such a large wave of success and having full belief in head coach Dan Campbell’s ability to run the team, they’d go 9-8 this season and miss the playoffs. While the NFL is always tough to have continued success every year, Lions fans could feel something was off about this year’s disappointing season.
Detroit’s regular-season loss total surpassed its combined total from its past two playoff seasons, leaving the organization feeling confused, as the team has only improved since. Quarterback Jared Goff had one of his most impressive seasons that was unnoticed because of the team's results, with 4,564 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. Detroit was top-five in total offensive yards, still proving their ability to move the ball down the field. The story wasn’t the same for the offensive line, however, with a significant regression due to the losses of center Frank Ragnow and guard Kevin Zeitler. Unfortunately for the defensive side, they had their struggles, allowing 331 yards per game and 413 total points on the year. The injury bug also continued again for the Lions, with safety Brian Branch suffering an Achilles’ tear. It was clear that it just wasn’t the Lions’ year, and the fans in Detroit shouldn’t be panicking about next season just yet.
The Lions are still in position to be contenders for the 2026-27 season. The team is expected to make changes on both the offensive and defensive lines. Injured players like Branch will be making their return, along with their obvious key players locked up in Detroit for the future, like wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson. Certain contracts are expected to be restructured to help with their cap space situation and free up room to add more players. While it still won’t be easy, as their division rivals are all just as competitive now, the Lions are more than able to return to glory and chase their first Super Bowl in franchise history.
