Predicting the Lions’ 2025 Season: A Step Back or Super Bowl Contenders?

ESPN Analysts Weigh in on the Lions’ Future
With the 2024 NFL season in the books, analysts are already making bold predictions for 2025. ESPN gathered a panel of experts to discuss which teams will make the Super Bowl next year and which will take a step back.

Among their predictions, four analysts had the Detroit Lions reaching the Super Bowl, with Matt Bowen even picking them to win it all against the Baltimore Ravens. However, three analysts believe the Lions will regress in 2025. While this might seem concerning, the reality of their situation is far more complex.

Why the Lions Might Take a Step Back
One of the biggest arguments for a potential step back is simple: the Lions won an incredible 15 games in 2024. Maintaining that level of success for two consecutive seasons is extremely difficult. A small regression, such as winning 12 or 13 games instead, would still be considered a strong season.

The primary reason some analysts expect a decline is the loss of both their offensive and defensive coordinators. Pamela Maldonado explained her reasoning, stating that history shows teams often struggle after losing key members of their coaching staff. She believes these coaching changes could narrow the gap between the Lions and the rest of the NFC North.

Why This Concern Might Be Overblown
Coaching turnover is a natural part of the NFL, and while losing top coordinators presents challenges, the Lions have been preparing for this moment. Their coaches have been interviewed for head coaching positions for the past three years, giving the team plenty of time to form a contingency plan.

Detroit’s front office, led by general manager Brad Holmes and head coach Dan Campbell, has already moved quickly to fill coaching vacancies. Unlike teams that scramble to replace key staff, the Lions executed their plan seamlessly, avoiding any prolonged search for new hires.

Additionally, history shows that teams can still thrive despite major coaching changes. Just last season, the Philadelphia Eagles won the Super Bowl with two new coordinators—Kellen Moore on offense and Vic Fangio on defense. Their success proves that talented rosters and strong leadership can overcome offseason coaching turnover.

The Lions’ Core Remains Intact
Despite coaching changes, the most critical aspect of Detroit’s success remains unchanged: their roster. The Lions are still loaded with talent on both sides of the ball, featuring stars like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Aidan Hutchinson, and an elite offensive line.

More importantly, Dan Campbell’s leadership continues to be the heart of the team. His culture of resilience and accountability has transformed the franchise, and there’s no reason to believe that will change in 2025.

A Realistic Outlook for 2025
Will the Lions repeat their 15-win season? Probably not. Winning that many games is rare, and a slight step back is a reasonable expectation. However, that doesn’t mean they should be ruled out as Super Bowl contenders.

Detroit is still one of the most complete teams in the NFL. With smart roster management, a solid plan in place for coaching changes, and strong leadership, the Lions are poised to remain a dominant force in the NFC.

While some analysts may predict a regression, the reality is that the Lions should still be seen as a legitimate threat to make a deep playoff run—and possibly even reach their first-ever Super Bowl.