The sole NFC franchise yet to grace a Super Bowl stage, the Detroit Lions, harbors a sobering reality—no NFL championship since 1957 and a division title drought since 1993 when they dominated the NFC Central.
Despite a promising 2023 season with 10 victories, the Lions remain haunted by their postseason demons, having not won a playoff game since 1991 and enduring a record-setting nine consecutive postseason losses.
While clinching the NFC North with a potential win against Minnesota looms as a significant achievement, the burning question is whether Dan Campbell’s squad can emerge as genuine contenders for Super Bowl LVII.
Here are three compelling reasons supporting the Lions’ potential.
3. Dynamic Offensive Weapons
Last season’s resurgence, marked by eight wins in the final 10 games, showcased an offensive powerhouse that ranked fourth in total yards per game and excelled in passing. Currently, only two teams boast higher total yards per game.
Quarterback Jared Goff, orchestrating 26 touchdowns, finds reliable targets in Amon-Ra St. Brown, Sam LaPorta, Josh Reynolds, Kalif Raymond, and Jameson Williams, making the Lions a formidable aerial threat.
2. A Two-Headed Monster On The Ground
The Lions’ ground game has witnessed a transformation with the arrival of veteran David Montgomery and rookie Jahmyr Gibbs.
Montgomery’s 855 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns complement Gibbs’s impressive 792 yards and seven rushing touchdowns. Their combined efforts position the Lions as the second-best rushing team in the league, offering a multifaceted offensive approach with a balanced mix of ground and air attacks.
1. The Presence Of Veteran QB Jared Goff
Quarterback Jared Goff, despite some recent struggles, showcased his prowess in a crucial clash against the Broncos. With 24-of-34 completions, 278 yards, and five touchdowns, Goff led the Lions to a convincing 42-17 victory.
What sets Goff apart is his postseason experience, having started six playoff games, including Super Bowl LIII with the Rams. His seasoned approach to high-stakes games could be invaluable for a young Lions team aspiring to break their postseason jinx.
As the Lions eye Super Bowl contention, the convergence of a prolific passing game, a formidable running back duo, and a playoff-seasoned quarterback presents a compelling case for their postseason prospects.
The culmination of these factors could propel the Detroit Lions into contention for the ultimate NFL glory in Super Bowl LVII.