The NFL Season is nearly upon us. The season kicks off on Wednesday, September 9. Between now and then, we’ll be previewing all 32 NFL Teams along with playoff picks. One team will be previewed each day, beginning with the Super Bowl-winning Seahawks and ending with the New York Jets. Check back each day for the next installment!

The Lions were the No. 1 seed in the NFC, winning 15 games in 2024. Last season, the first without Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson and Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn, things were more of a struggle. The team won nine games and finished above .500, but landed in last place in the NFC North, out of the playoffs. Now, the Lions are poised to roar back. Let’s dive in.

Off-Season Changes

The team didn’t have as many major changes this off-season but did lose a key contributor. Running back David Montgomery, part of a great backfield duo, was sent to the Houston Texans. The team also saw veteran receiver Kalif Raymond depart for the rival Chicago Bears. On defense, some long-time contributors moved on. Alex Anzalone left for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, while lineman D.J. Reader left for the Giants, and cornerback Amik Robertson left for the Commanders. Former First-Round pick Terrion Arnold was released following some off-field issues.

The team did work to re-load, and to re-build on the offensive line. That included spending a First-Round pick on offensive tackle Blake Miller. The team brought in veteran quarterback Josh Dobbs, from the Patriots, receiver Greg Dortch, from the Cardinals, and running back Isiah Pacheco, from the Chiefs, to add depth. The Lions also added veteran tight end Tyler Conklin.

Fantasy Impact

The Lions still have some very good pieces in place on offense. Jared Goff is the quarterback. He’s a high-end QB2 with QB1 upside. In the backfield, while Pacheco adds depth and will likely have a role, it’s all about Jahmyr Gibbs. He was RB3 last year and is a high-end RB1 for fantasy.

In the passing game, the receivers are led by Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams. Both finished as WR1s in 2025, with St. Brown at WR3 and Williams at WR12. Will they both be Top 12 again? It’s possible, but I like St. Brown as a WR1 and Williams as a WR2. Sam LaPorta is the tight end, and he’s great when healthy and available. I like him as a low-end TE1.

Prediction

It’s trendy to have teams go from worst to first in a division each year. The Lions are an easy pick for that, having finished above .500 and arguably being better than their record and finish. I think they will push the Bears atop the division and return to 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.