In a recent live discussion about the Detroit Lions’ upcoming season, ESPN analysts have provided their takes on what’s in store for the team. The Lions, who were knocked out of the playoffs for a second consecutive year, are facing a tough road ahead with the loss of seven assistant coaches. While they remain one of the favorites for Super Bowl LX, the changes to both their coaching staff and roster raise some key questions for the season ahead.
Looking ahead, it’s unlikely the Lions will replicate their stellar 15-2 record from 2024, especially with a more challenging schedule and additional outdoor games. However, there are still high expectations for the team, with some analysts predicting they could continue their dominant offensive run.
In an early prediction roundtable, ESPN’s NFL analysts weighed in on various aspects of the 2025 season, including potential Super Bowl matchups, breakout players, and MVP contenders.
Mixed Predictions for the Detroit Lions
Out of 13 analysts, four picked the Lions to reach Super Bowl LX: Matt Bowen, Eric Moody, Aaron Schatz, and Mike Tannenbaum. Bowen, in particular, has the Lions winning it all.
“Even with the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, this is still Dan Campbell’s football program. With pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson anchoring a healthy defense, the Lions will edge out Lamar Jackson in Super Bowl LX,” said Bowen.
Two other analysts, Tannenbaum and Kalyn Kahler, have suggested the Lions should make a bold move to acquire Myles Garrett, calling it the “one move you want to see this offseason.”
On the flip side, when it comes to teams that might regress in 2025, Pamela Maldonado, Field Yates, and Lindsey Thiry all named the Lions as a potential step-back candidate.
“Losing both their offensive and defensive coordinators presents a major challenge, as history shows teams often struggle in similar situations. While the Lions are loaded with talent, these coaching changes could shrink the gap between them and the rest of the NFC North,” explained Maldonado.
Thiry added, “When you are as good as the Lions were in 2024 (right up until that early playoff exit), your coaching staff gets raided. So expect to see some growing pains early, and maybe some fatigue after failing in two straight emotional playoff runs, before they come to and surge down the stretch again.”
Yates pointed out, “The Lions are going to be excellent next season, but when you tie for the most wins in the NFL, you have the most room to fall. They’re my early pick to win the NFC North, but it could be through a 12-5 season as opposed to a 15-2 season.”
So, where do we stand? Four analysts have the Lions making a Super Bowl appearance, while three predict a degree of regression. The remaining analysts fall somewhere in between, leaving us with a sense that, despite the uncertainty, Dan Campbell’s squad remains poised for success—perhaps not at the same dominant level as last season, but certainly in the mix for a strong run.
