The Detroit Lions are underdogs headed into the 2026 season.
That's basically the case for everyone in the NFC that's not the Seattle Seahawks, actually. Barring major changes to their roster, especially on their defensive line, the Seahawks are seen as the early favorites to repeat for a Super Bowl championship in 2026.
That's not a controversial take, considering how well they've done building a team around Sam Darnold. But, it's tough to repeat in any professional sport, and especially in the NFL. That's what makes ESPN's placement of the Lions at 7th in their way-too-early 2026 power rankings pretty inspiring if you're a Lions fan looking for some hope this offseason.
Eric Woodyard, ESPN's Lions beat reporter, wrote of the Lions' priorities headed into the new season:
"After failing to reach the postseason, the Lions need to focus on improving their offensive line -- particularly in the interior. Dan Skipper announced his retirement in January, and it goes without saying that the unit wasn't up to par this season. The Lions were 31st in pass block win rate at 55.5% and could benefit from taking a guard in the early rounds of the 2026 draft. Even All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell admitted after the season that the unit wasn't completely in sync and will look to get its "swagger back" under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing."
ESPN's power rankings have Lions right back in the conversation for Super Bowl 61
In these rankings, Detroit is seen as behind other NFC powerhouses like the Seahawks, Los Angeles Rams, and San Francisco 49ers. But, as some slight pushback, San Francisco has to firstly prove it can stay healthy enough to compete in the NFC, while the Rams are banking on Matthew Stafford maintaining an MVP-effort at quarterback in 2026.
As Woodyard wrote, the Lions simply have to re-tool their offensive line to better aid their running game and to better protect Jared Goff in the pocket. Goff isn't extremely mobile, and that's no knock on his game - he still had an incredible season in 2025 despite how badly the line did at protecting him.
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But, he needs a lot more help up front, and it can't just fall on Tate Ratledge's shoulders nor Penei Sewell's. The team has to find starting caliber talent at center in free agency this season, and they have to draft a competent replacement to Taylor Decker, who may or may not retire.
Even if he doesn't, his drop-off in productivity thanks to injury should be remedied with a legitimate successor - and not Giovanni Manu.