The Detroit Lions may have missed the playoffs in 2025, but their offense remained one of the NFL’s most productive units, providing plenty of optimism for the upcoming season.
Despite defensive struggles that derailed their postseason hopes, Detroit continued to excel on offense behind quarterback Jared Goff. The Lions finished among the league leaders in several key categories, averaging 373.2 total yards per game (fifth in the NFL), 4,303 passing yards (third), 28.3 points per game (fifth), and a 0.07 EPA per play (sixth).
Goff played a major role in that success, especially while operating behind an offensive line that failed to match its dominant standards from previous seasons. However, the veteran quarterback wasn’t carrying the offense alone.
According to Pro Football Focus analyst Daire Callagher, the Lions possessed one of the NFL’s best supporting casts in 2025. Detroit earned an impressive 82.2 supporting cast grade from PFF, ranking third in the league. That evaluation should only increase expectations for the Lions entering the 2026 season, as the roster appears stronger on paper following several offseason additions.
The offensive outlook remains bright even with changes along the offensive line. All-Pro tackle Penei Sewell is expected to move to the left side, while new starting center Cade Mays arrives after a solid season with the Carolina Panthers. Detroit is also counting on continued development from young linemen Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany, while Blake Miller and Larry Borom are expected to compete for the starting right tackle job.
While the offense appears well-positioned for another productive season, the Lions’ biggest question mark remains on the defensive side of the ball. Concerns persist in the secondary, particularly at safety, while cornerbacks Terrion Arnold and D.J. Reed will be relied upon heavily to stabilize a unit that struggled throughout 2025.
If Detroit’s defense can rebound and approach the level it displayed during the 2023 and 2024 seasons, the Lions could emerge as legitimate contenders in the NFC North. Combined with an offense that continues to rank among the league’s best, expectations for a return to the playoffs in 2026 are growing rapidly.
With Jared Goff surrounded by one of the NFL’s strongest supporting casts, the Lions have every reason to believe a postseason comeback is within reach.
