The Detroit Lions are resting up ahead of training camp's return in a few weeks, and with the return of football will come the return of expectations for the franchise ahead of a new season.
After having similarly high hopes last year, a frustrating 9-8 season took place in 2025 in which not much went right for the Lions. They had one of the most difficult schedules in the league, and endured another season full of injury concerns which limited their overall effectiveness and success. For the first time since 2022, they missed the playoffs.
Entering this season, though, there is a renewed hope for the team because of the health of the roster and the promise of a window that could still be open for a Super Bowl run. The Lions, by virtue of a last-place finish in the NFC North, will play an easier schedule this season, which could lead to more wins and a better chance at making a run.
Before the work begins to see which teams will be able to take the next steps, projected win totals for teams were revealed ahead of 2026 by Pro Football Focus. There's great news for Lions fans, because there were very few teams ahead of Detroit in the expected win projections.
Only four teams had a PFF average win projection over 10, and the Lions were one of them at 10.6. As a whole, their expected win total is 10.5, and they are a good bet to go over that number at -130. It's also important to point out that the Lions have the 32nd ranked schedule in the league, meaning they could soar even higher when all is said and done.
There's some question as to whether or not the Lions have improved enough this offseason, but even though their modest upgrades haven't wowed some in the court of public opinion, they should still be favored to win plenty of their games by virtue of their schedule.
Lions' projected win total looks like best in NFC North for 2026 season
In terms of the division, the Lions have the easiest schedule in the NFC North, which should pay them some immediate dividends in terms of the playoff race this year. PFF analyzed every team, and the Lions came out on top when it came to expected wins.
Detroit's expected total of 10.6 wins placed first amongst teams they compete against head-to-head in the division. The Green Bay Packers (9.92 wins) and Chicago Bears (9.13) were the next closest, while the Minnesota Vikings (8.41 wins) brought up the rear in the division. The interpretation? Detroit is expected to win the division fairly comfortably
READ MORE: Ranking every NFC North receiving room entering the 2026 season
Prior to last season, the Lions had controlled the NFC North head-to-head. They won the division in 2023 and 2024, and had racked up gaudy numbers against their closest competitors. That hit the skids in 2025, with a 2-4 record against their divisional opposition which cost them the playoffs.
This year, with answers not clear on how much any of the teams around Detroit have improved, it seems that the Lions could be poised for a big step forward once again. It should help them take a leap that many folks have been hoping for.
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