Nov 20, 2022; East Rutherford, NJ, USA; Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell before a game against the New York Giants at MetLife Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Robert Deutsch-USA TODAY Sports
On a list of bold predictions for the 2023 NFL season, we have what would be a milestone for the Detroit Lions.
The Detroit Lions took a notable step last season, rallying to finishing above .500 (9-8) for the first time since 2017 by winning eight of their last 10 games. With a little help earlier on the final day of the regular season, they would have made the playoffs as a Wild Card.
Expectations are high for the Lions in 2023, as the popular favorites to win an NFC North that is there for the taking. Winning the division would of course mean a playoff berth, the team’s first since 2016.
Jeff Kerr of CBS Sports has a fresh list of 10 bold predictions for the 2023 NFL season.
The Detroit Lions win a playoff game
Detroit is well positioned to win the NFC North for the first time in its history (it hasn’t won a division title since it was called the NFC Central in 1993). With the uncertainly surrounding the Green Bay Packers in the post-Aaron Rodgers era, the Minnesota Vikings being helter-skelter year-to-year, and the Chicago Bears rebuilding — the Lions have an excellent opportunity to claim the division and reach the playoffs for the first time since 2016.The Lions will host a playoff game if they win the NFC North, and have a talented roster on both sides of the ball to make some noise in the postseason. Thanks to a weaker NFC, Detroit seems poised to take another step under Dan Campbell in 2023.
Will the Detroit Lions win a playoff game for the first time in a while?
Playoff berths have been rare for the Lions, obviously. As Kerr reminded they haven’t won their division since it was called the NFC North, and there were 28 teams in the NFL. Their last playoff win was in 1991, over the beginning of a dynasty Dallas Cowboys on their way to the NFC Championship Game.
If they make the playoffs as the winner of the NFC North, and assuming they don’t earn the No. 1 seed in the playoffs, the Lions may get a favorable matchup in the Wild Card Round. So ending their playoff win drought is certainly possible, even it feels “bold” here in May.