"If people want to forget about us, that's fantastic."
Those were San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszczyk's words on the doubt surrounding the oft-injured, but still supremely talented NFC West squad. The team suffered through countless injuries in 2025, which hampered their ability to compete against powerhouses like the Los Angeles Rams or Seattle Seahawks throughout the season.
That logic - pundits forgetting about San Francisco, and it being perfectly fine as to limit distractions around the team - is exactly what the Detroit Lions need to be embodying ahead of the 2026 season. They've gone from NFC North darlings to complete underdogs yet again, all because of a one down year thanks to injuries.
If folks want to write the Lions off, then so be it. But, you can't deny that they have one of the best rosters in the NFC, period, and the potential for one of the best defensive lines in the NFC North.
Lions should take a page out of Kyle Juszczyk's book for 2026
Detroit's always had a bit of an "us vs. them" mentality, but this year, it might be the strongest it's ever been. It's rare to find anyone predict that this team could win the division. That honor is often going to the Chicago Bears or Green Bay Packers, who both are more or less running it back this season like the Lions, but also didn't underperform in 2026.
The Lions' roster didn't experience much turnover on offense beyond their offensive line, which has seen an upgrade at center and an ongoing experiment at left tackle. Penei Sewell is in there for now as a competition brews at right tackle between rookie Blake Miller and veteran Larry Borom. Their defense is what can really make or break their title hopes.
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The lack of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch to potentially start the year is a huge blow for Detroit, but they're a lot more prepared for that than they were last year.
Chuck Clark and Christian Izien seem poised to start at safety for the Lions, which is a better plan than their "Legion of Whom" in 2025. At cornerback, Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed are both looking ready to go by Week 1, barring any injury in camp or preseason.
Folks are going to forget about the Lions this year, and that's an incredible spot for Detroit to be in. With their "easier" schedule and a potential lack of media attention outside of their nationally televised contests, they seem primed for a quietly strong push for both the division and a Super Bowl appearance.
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