What the Lions will do next season is a difficult question right now, and a batch of ESPN analysts has reflected that.
The Detroit Lions fell short in the playoffs for a second straight season, then they lost seven assistant coaches. So while they are easily toward the top of the list of favorites to win Super Bowl LX, there are questions about their outlook for next season right now due to the coaching staff changes and whatever roster changes are coming.
It’s fair to assume the Lions won’t go 15-2 again next season, with a more difficult schedule and more outdoor games. But ideally the playoff result will be better, and there are some who think they could dominate on the scoreboard similarly to how they did so in 2024.
ESPN brought together a group of their NFL analysts to make some early predictions for the 2025 season, including Super Bowl matchups, breakout players and MVP picks.
ESPN analysts offer a mixed bag when it comes to the 2025 Detroit Lions
Of the 13 analysts, four have the Lions in Super Bowl LX: Matt Bowen, Eric Moody, Aaron Schatz and Mike Tannenbaum. Bowen has them winning it.
“Even with the departure of defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, this is still Dan Campbell’s football program. And with pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson anchoring a healthy defense, the Lions will edge out Lamar Jackson in Super Bowl LX.
-Matt Bowen, ESPN.com
Two analysts, Tannenbaum and Kalyn Kahler, have the Lions trading for Myles Garrett as the “one move you want to see this offseason.”
As to the question of “which team will take a step back next season?”, three ESPN analysts (Pamela Maldonado, Field Yates and Lindsey Thiry) tabbed the Lions.
“Losing both their offensive and defensive coordinators presents a major challenge, as history shows teams often struggle in similar situations. While the Lions are loaded with talent, these coaching changes could shrink the gap between them and the rest of the NFC North.”
-Pamela Maldonado
“When you are as good as the Lions were in 2024 (right up until that early playoff exit), your coaching staff gets raided. So expect to see some growing pains early, and maybe some fatigue after failing in two straight emotional playoff runs, before they come to and surge down the stretch again.”
-Lindsey Thiry
“The Lions are going to be excellent next season, but when you tie for the most wins in the NFL, you have the most room to fall. They’re my early pick to win the NFC North, but it could be through a 12-5 season as opposed to a 15-2 season.”
-Field Yates
Four ESPN analysts have the Lions in Super Bowl LX, while three have them regressing to some degree. The other six in the early predictions piece had them somewhere between those extremes, to the point of not seeing fit to note them for those things. So what do we know? Dan Campbell’s Lions are still equipped to be very good next season, and for the foreseeable future.
