The 2025 NFL Season is here. To get you ready for the action, we’ll be previewing each of the 32 NFL Teams as well as offering predictions for year-end award winners and playoff participants. Check back here each day through September 3 for another installment of the 2025 NFL Preview series.

The 2024 Detroit Lions were won of the best teams in football. They had a dominant offense and a defense that held teams in check. They cruised to a 15-2 record and the top seed in the NFC. But along the way they suffered a barrage of injuries. While the Lions were able to remain on top in the regular season, injuries caught up with them in the Divisional Round in a loss to the Commanders. Now, the Lions are back, among the NFC favorites again. But can they live up to the hype and go further? Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The Lions saw some players depart. Veteran Teddy Bridgewater, who returned as backup quarterback down the stretch and in the playoffs, is now with the Buccaneers. Meanwhile, the team saw a trio of cornerbacks—Carlton Davis, Kindle Vidor, and Ifeatu Melifonwu—all left in free agency. Guard Kevin Zeitler left in free agency while center Frank Ragnow retired. But the biggest loss was their two coordinators, as Ben Johnson left to become Head Coach of the Chicago Bears and Aaron Glenn left to become Head Coach of the New York Jets.

It was a quiet off-season for additions, too, especially at key fantasy positions. The team added veteran Kyle Allen as a backup quarterback. The Lions also added several free agent cornerbacks, including D.J. Reed, Rock Ya-Sin, and Avonte Maddox. The Lions used a First-Round draft pick on defensive tackle Tyleik Williams and a Second-Round pick on guard Tate Ratledge.

Fantasy Impact

The Lions were one of the best teams for fantasy in 2024, and all the pieces are back in 2025. As long as the new Offensive Coordinator and the line comes together, the Lions should be great, again. Jared Goff finished as QB6 last season. He’s not a rushing threat, but he should be a low-end QB1 based on volume again.

In the backfield, the Lions have two great running backs. Jahmyr Gibbs, a threat on the ground and in the passing game, finished as RB1. David Montgomery, despite missing some games with injury, finished as RB18. I like both again in 2025. Gibbs is an RB1 for me, a Top 3 option at the position. Montgomery is a solid RB2 option.

In the passing game, the Lions had a pair of 1,000-yard receivers with Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. They also have veteran Tim Patrick back at WR3 and Sam LaPorta at tight end. There’s not great experience in the depth, but that’s a killer top group. St. Brown is a WR1 for me, while Williams is a low-end WR2. I like LaPorta as a TE1. Patrick is an interesting deep league flex option and a good end-of-bench player.

The Bottom Line

The Lions were the best team in the NFC in 2024. The roster remains largely intact, but the adjustment will be to new coordinators. I think the Lions can handle it and I expect them to be very good again in 2025. I don’t know that the team wins 15 games, but I think they can win the division and make a run in the playoffs.

Matthew Fox is a graduate of the Radio, Television and Film program at Biola University, and a giant nerd. He spends his free time watching movies, TV, and obsessing about football. He is a member of the FSWA. You can find him @knighthawk7734 on Twitter and as co-host of the Fantasy Football Roundtable Podcast.