The Detroit Lions have quietly become one of the NFL’s most balanced and confident teams. Sitting at 5-2 through seven games, Detroit has claimed victories in five of its last six contests. Their only setback came on the road against Patrick Mahomes and the Kansas City Chiefs — a game in which the Lions were short-handed in the secondary.
Following the team’s bye week, head coach Dan Campbell addressed the media with a message that summed up his mindset: Detroit’s best football is still ahead.
“I truly believe we haven’t played our best ball yet — not as a complete team,” Campbell said. “That’s what we’re chasing right now, finding ways to sharpen every phase of what we do. Every week’s a little different, but our goal is to be consistent across the board.”
Campbell emphasized that while the Lions have improved dramatically under his leadership, there’s still another level to reach — and they’ll need to find it to stay ahead in the NFC North race. Their next test will come against the Minnesota Vikings on November 2, a divisional showdown that could shape the remainder of the season.
Campbell’s Push for Complete Football Pays Off
Detroit has long been known for its high-powered offense, but 2025 has shown how well-rounded this team has become. Campbell’s focus on complementary football — offense, defense, and special teams working in sync — is paying dividends.
The numbers back that up: the Lions rank eighth in total offense and eighth in total defense. They sit third in points scored and 11th in points allowed, a testament to how balanced their approach has become.
Special teams have been equally sharp. Kalif Raymond electrified fans with a punt return touchdown earlier in the season, while kicker Jake Bates has been automatic from inside 50 yards.
Still, Campbell and his coaching staff spent the bye week identifying areas to tighten up through self-scouting sessions.
“You make small adjustments — tighten a screw here, fix a belt there — and all of a sudden, it’s running like a well-oiled machine,” Campbell explained. “They’re small, correctable things that apply to everyone: coaches, players, me included.”
Lions Eye NFC North Separation Against Vikings
Detroit now turns its attention to a crucial Week 9 matchup at Ford Field. The Vikings, who have dropped their last two games, find themselves at the bottom of the NFC North standings. A Lions victory would push Minnesota three games back, creating a significant cushion in the division.
Meanwhile, the Green Bay Packers currently sit atop the NFC North standings, but the Lions trail by only half a game. The two rivals are set to meet again on Thanksgiving Day in Detroit — a game that could determine first place in the division.
After facing Minnesota, the Lions will begin a challenging stretch with three straight games against NFC East opponents: a road trip to the Washington Commanders, followed by a clash with the Philadelphia Eagles, and then a home meeting with the New York Giants.
It was Washington, after all, that ended Detroit’s playoff run last January in the NFC Divisional Round — a memory Campbell and his players haven’t forgotten.
As the second half of the season begins, one thing is certain: the Lions believe they can be better than ever. And with Dan Campbell leading the charge, the rest of the NFL has been officially put on notice.
