The Detroit Lions have never played in a Super Bowl, and their last NFL championship came in 1957. This season they have a real case for ending that wait, but also real obstacles. Here is where things stand after Week 7.
A Core That Has Already Won Big
Detroit went 15-2 in 2024 and won the NFC North with a 31-9 win over Minnesota. The roster behind that run is still largely intact. Quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs, receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta remain central, and the team locked in Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell with contract extensions. Drew Petzing is the new offensive coordinator.
Last Season’s Setback
The Lions entered 2025 as Super Bowl favorites in many expert views and started 7-4, then won just two of their final six games and finished fourth in the NFC North. Coach Dan Campbell said that the team’s championship window remains open, and several top coaches around the league told ESPN they believe the Lions’ chances are real.
The 2026 Picture
Detroit is 4-2 after a home win over Green Bay in Week 7. Goff has played cleanly and is the only player this season with multiple 300-yard, multiple-touchdown, no-interception games, according to NFL research. The offense gained 415 yards against the Packers, though turnovers and mistakes limited it to 20 points.
The Obstacles
Minnesota is 6-0 and visits Detroit next week, and Chicago is 5-2. One analyst calls the defense the Lions’ biggest issue and suggests the trade deadline could address it. Before the season, the Lions were listed at about +1900 to win the Super Bowl, tied for 11th, so they were contenders rather than favorites.
The Verdict
The Lions have the quarterback, the running back and the coach to contend. Whether they “finally” win depends on a defense that has to improve and a division that has to be survived. Standings change weekly, so check the latest results.
Sources: NFL.com, ESPN, Wikipedia, Detroit News, The Big Lead.