It might not be what everyone wants to hear, with the disappointment of the 2025 season still leaving a substantial sting, but the Detroit Lions are closer to title contention than they are sticking around as a third-place team in the NFC North.
The Lions were one of the most shocking disappointments in the NFL in 2025, finishing with a 9-8 record and watching a year during this title contention window absolutely vanish. Coming out of the bye week, the Lions lost seven of their final 11 games, missing the playoffs completely, and undoubtedly heading into the offseason with a huge chip on their shoulders.