Bleacher Report's Brad Gagnon recently put together a list of eight of the NFL's most interesting teams headed into this season.
The Minnesota Vikings are there. The Los Angeles Rams, with all their star power, are there. The Lions, however, are notably absent.
Detroit might have kicked themselves off of some folks' radar thanks to a disappointing 2025. But, they should be considered one of the most interesting teams in the league, and especially in the NFC North. Their continuity, potential health, and sudden youth could make them one of the more fun watches for this season.
Lions should be considered one of NFL's most interesting teams
There are three specific changes that make the Lions one of the most interesting teams in the NFL: the hiring of Drew Petzing, the health of some key defensive tackles and ends, and the revamping of the teams' offensive line.
Petzing is set to introduce far more 13 personnel to the Lions offense, which could open the door wide open for Jahmyr Gibbs to have a career year - and, potentially an MVP year. His work with the Arizona Cardinals was easy to ignore thanks to their 3-14 record, but he squeezed some life out of their run game despite a mediocre offensive line.
Additionally, play action is set to be a big piece of Detroit's offense, which works well with Jared Goff and his ability to generate bigger plays in the air than he did in 2025. With Jameson Williams presumably far more involved in the offense than he was under John Morton, expect to see Petzing really lean into him as a weapon this season.
Health is another major factor for the Lions...basically always. They have Aidan Hutchinson coming into his second season removed from a major leg injury suffered in 2024, and fresh legs in Derrick Moore added to the fold. Alim McNeill will presumably leap back into the starting rotation at defensive tackle, and that could add even more power to their line and to their ability to pressure the pocket.
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Levi Onwuzurike and D.J. Wonnum will also be around to help the Lions get back to being a better run stopping defense. Their defensive front could be a major key for their defensive overall, with their secondary being such a big question mark right now.
As for their O-line, the move of Penei Sewell to Goff's blindside in addition to a much better center anchoring that front should go a long way for the Lions offense. Cade Mays should help to create some major lanes for Gibbs to operate in, while Sewell should be able to do a much better job of giving Goff a clean pocket to work in.
Detroit has a lot going for them this season, despite it really not feeling that way. Their roster construction, in addition to their schedule, should boost them back into the conversation for a Super Bowl berth.
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