The Detroit Lions may have missed the playoffs last season, but don't expect that drought to last long. After back-to-back postseason appearances in 2023 and 2024, the Lions stumbled to a 9-8 finish in 2025, their hopes dashed by a Christmas Day loss to the Minnesota Vikings. Yet, according to NFL.com's latest rankings, the Lions are sitting pretty as one of the league's "most complete" rosters heading into the 2026 season.
Coming in at No. 6 on the list, Detroit is the only NFC North team to earn a spot—a promising sign for a squad that still managed a plus-68 point differential despite playing in the NFL's toughest division. As NFL.com's Eric Edlholm notes, "This team might not boast quite as much firepower as it did a few years ago, but it remains a top-tier roster."
That firepower starts on offense, where quarterback Jared Goff leads a unit packed with playmakers. Running back Jahmyr Gibbs rushed for over 1,200 yards last season, while wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams each topped 1,100 yards receiving. With the departure of bruising back David Montgomery (traded to the Houston Texans), Gibbs is poised to take on an even bigger role. "He's one of the league's most electric playmakers," Edlholm adds.
The offensive line is undergoing a shakeup, too. Veteran tackle Taylor Decker was released, paving the way for Penei Sewell to potentially shift from right to left tackle. Free-agent additions Cade Mays and Larry Borom, along with first-round draft pick Blake Miller (No. 17 overall), will compete for starting spots, keeping the line deep and versatile.
Defense, however, remains the team's biggest question mark. The unit is anchored by edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson and linebacker Jack Campbell, but the secondary faces serious concerns. All-Pro safety duo Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph are both dealing with injuries—Branch recovering from Achilles surgery and Joseph nursing a lingering knee issue that dates back to before the 2025 season. How these two recover could define Detroit's defensive ceiling.
With a balanced roster and a chip on their shoulder, the Lions look ready to roar back into contention. Whether they can turn that potential into a playoff return will be one of the NFC's most compelling storylines in 2026.