The Detroit Lions had a frustrating 2025 season due to the fact that they didn't make the playoffs in a year they were expected to contend for the Super Bowl. Worse, they finished in last place in the difficult NFC North.
Entering 2026, a last-place team in such a scenario might feel like they have no hope. Obviously, the Lions aren't a typical last-place squad. They have a solid roster that with a few tweaks could surge back to the top of the NFL.
When breaking down teams that struggled last season, it becomes obvious that the Lions aren't like their current peers in the standings. They didn't change much from their solid coaching staff, they have a good quarterback in his prime and most of their key players remain in place.
With that in mind, the Lions could be seen as an easier bet to go worst to first next season. Already, that is what many predict. Pro Football Focus ranked all last place teams by their likelihood to make a major turnaround, and not surprisingly, writer Zolton Buday had Detroit in the top spot.
As Buday explained, getting healthy on defense could be the biggest reason the Lions turn things around, given what was lost on that side of the ball in 2025.
"Defensive backs D.J. Reed, Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph and Terrion Arnold — all projected starters — were on the field for an average of just 44% of Detroit’s defensive snaps, with none of them playing more than 746 of the Lions’ 1,104 snaps on that side of the ball."
On the other side of things, the Lions still have talent, but were quietly missing one of their most important players in Sam LaPorta, who could help them tip the scales.
"Offensively, the Lions still boast elite playmakers. Amon-Ra St. Brown’s 90.7 PFF grade ranked third among wide receivers, while Jahmyr Gibbs placed sixth among running backs with an 85.6 mark. Jameson Williams finished among the top 40 wide receivers for the second straight season, and a healthy Sam LaPorta at tight end would provide an additional boost."
Not surprisingly, Detroit's theme is health. If they get pieces back in the defensive backfield while also seeing their top tight end heal, that would be significant for a turnaround. In terms of building, there is one spot that could use a bit of heavy lifting to ensure a turnaround.
Offensive line restructure could help Lions restore their first-place look
In order for the Lions to make the jump that is expected in the standings, they might only have to fix one portion of their team. Offensively, any struggles Detroit saw in 2025 had to do with the offensive line. Jared Goff wasn't given nearly enough time, and struggled as a result.
Buday was quick to point out that the offensive line still has a building block in Penei Sewell as well as a pair of young guards who have the arrow pointing firmly in the upward direction.
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"The biggest concern for the offense in 2025 was the offensive line, but Penei Sewell remains arguably the best lineman in football, and Detroit has every reason to believe its young guard duo of Christian Mahogany and Tate Ratledge will take a step forward in 2026."
More than that, there's the opportunity for the Lions to make some key tweaks. They could sign an elite center in free agency to lock the problematic middle down, and if Taylor Decker decides to retire, the Lions could nab his replacement early in the upcoming draft or pursue someone in free agency.
With relatively few tweaks, the Lions could once again see themselves atop the NFC North in 2026. Given these variables, it's clear they aren't like most other last-place teams.