The Detroit Lions are nearing the halfway point of their campaign, but inconsistency has left them with more losses than they suffered in all of last season.
Now sitting at 5-3, Detroit has struggled to replicate last year’s franchise-best 15-2 record, hindered by a reshuffled offensive line, two new coordinators, and one of the toughest schedules in the league.
The season began poorly with a disappointing defeat in Green Bay, but Detroit rebounded quickly with a 52-21 rout of Chicago, followed by victories over Baltimore, Cleveland, and Cincinnati. However, a 30-17 setback in Kansas City slowed their momentum before another win against the Bears provided temporary relief.
After a week off, the Lions stumbled again — this time at home — in a 27-24 loss to Minnesota, a game filled with unforced errors and missed chances.
Coach Dan Campbell tried to stay optimistic despite the setback, saying, “As bad as it feels now, I truly believe that down the line we’ll look back and realize this moment made us stronger because we had to fight through it.”
Detroit will now look to get back on track when they visit the Washington Commanders (3-6) on Sunday, who are without rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The Lions are aiming to keep alive the NFL’s longest active streak without consecutive regular-season losses — a streak that dates back to October 2022, when they dropped five straight.
Areas of Concern
One persistent issue for Detroit has been third-down efficiency. The Lions have converted just 36% of their third downs, placing them near the bottom of the league. The lack of success has limited their offense to an average of 60.8 plays per game, a sharp decline from the past two seasons when they were among the NFL’s most efficient units.
Rising Stock: Jack Campbell
Linebacker Jack Campbell continues to emerge as one of the team’s most valuable defenders. The 2023 first-round pick leads Detroit with 71 tackles, ranks second with six tackles for loss, and is tied for third with four sacks. His play could position him for a potential contract extension this offseason, joining a core that already includes Aidan Hutchinson, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Penei Sewell, and Kerby Joseph.
Falling Stock: Jameson Williams
While Jameson Williams showed flashes of his big-play ability against Minnesota — catching four passes for 66 yards and a 37-yard touchdown — his overall production has dipped. The receiver is averaging just 2.6 catches and 44 yards per game with three scores through eight contests.
This marks a noticeable decline from his 1,001-yard breakout season in 2024, which earned him a three-year, $83 million extension before the current season began.
Injury Report
The Lions’ offensive line has been hit hard by injuries. Guard Christian Mahogany suffered a broken left leg in Sunday’s loss and could be sidelined until late December.
Both Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker battled through injuries against the Vikings, while rookie Tate Ratledge is expected to remain active for the upcoming game.
Fortunately, Detroit expects several key defenders — including Kerby Joseph, D.J. Reed, Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, Malcolm Rodriguez, and Khalil Dorsey — to return soon. Campbell said, “We’re about to get some important pieces back — guys who can really make a difference.”
By the Numbers
28 sacks — Detroit’s total through eight games, tying for their second-highest mark at this stage of a season.
Aidan Hutchinson leads with seven sacks, while veteran Al-Quadin Muhammad has already matched his career high with six.
What’s Next
With the NFL trade deadline approaching, Detroit’s front office faces crucial decisions. The Lions could look to reinforce both the offensive and defensive lines as they try to stabilize their season and reclaim their early-season momentum.
