How Can the Lions Still Win the NFC North?
Despite recent losses for the Lions, no NFC North team has separated itself as a clear favorite so far this season. Statistically, the Packers lead the division at 5–2–1 with a .688 win percentage. Detroit and Chicago sit at 5–3 with a .625 mark, and last week’s win in Detroit kept Minnesota alive in the race at 4–4. The Lions opened the season as slight favorites to win the division, but after nine weeks, they are now tied for second with the Bears.
Since November 4th, 2022, the Lions are 16-4 against NFC North opponents. This gives them a strong confidence boost as they get further into the season and face more division opponents. The division has never been the toughest part of their schedule the past couple of seasons, but now that more star players are molding into their true forms, it will be something to watch out for if you’re Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions. They will play the Packers later this month, and being 1-2 in the division right now, all of these games will count to keep them in playoff contention.
Jared Goff must limit turnovers through short passes with rhythm in order to get back into the play-action game. This offense is at its best when the run game gets going early, a strong setting a physical tone for the rest of the game. Their red-zone efficiency has decreased recently; being able to finish drives can be the difference between winning games and fighting from behind late in games. When Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery find the end zone, this offense is close to impossible to stop.
The Lions started the year dominant against the run, but have slipped in pressure and coverage recently. With Aidan Hutchinson signing his new deal, the Lions will now expect much more out of him, being a leader in the locker room and on the field. Even though Hutchinson is extended for four more years, they still need consistent penetration up front. Lining up a reliable edge rusher opposite Hutchinson will help clear him up and give him more space to show his true potential. When he gets double-teamed every play, it makes it hard for him to show up on the stat sheet and therefore contribute to this already struggling defense.
