The Detroit Lions are set to enter the 2026 campaign with a chip on their shoulder. Dan Campbell’s group finished last in the NFC North and missed the playoffs in 2025.
Before last season, the Lions had made the playoffs in each of the previous two seasons and came off a 15-2 regular season in 2024, though they did lose to the Washington Commanders in the divisional round.
With a last-place schedule, a new offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing, and a nice mix of old and new talent on both sides of the ball, Detroit seems poised for a major bounce-back campaign in 2026. However, the latest power rankings aren’t showing them much love.
Where Lions Stand on NFL Power Rankings
Pro Football Focus Week 1 (Sept. 8, 2026): No. 10
NFL.com Week 1 (Sept. 8, 2026): No. 15
CBS Sports Week 1 (Sept. 8, 2026): No. 19
The Ringer’s Preseason (Sept. 7, 2026): No. 16
What the Authors Had to Say
Bradley Locker of PFF: “The Lions were one of the more disappointing teams last season, missing the playoffs outright after being besieged by defensive injury. Detroit will still feel the effects of the injury bug early in the season — missing players like Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph and Cade Mays — but the team returns a high-flight offense under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. Detroit owning the third-easiest schedule per PFF’s model is another reason to buy into the Lions looking more like the force we’ve seen in recent seasons.”
Nick Shook of NFL.com: “The sidelining of center Cade Mays (wrist) has me feeling uneasy about this offense as Detroit embarks on a new campaign. Tight end Sam LaPorta followed up back surgery with a hip injury in August, which isn’t great, but I think the Lions still have the edge over the Saints in Week 1.”
Pete Prisco of CBS Sports: “They will again score a lot of points on offense, but there are issues on defense. The secondary is a mess.”
Diante Lee of The Ringer: “The Lions have been marred by injury issues like these the past few seasons, but I refuse to rank them lower than 16th because their championship potential is still evident. They could have the best offense in football. Receiver Jameson Williams is the Detroit offensive player I’m most excited to watch this season. If he lights up defenses deep downfield to start the season, the attention opponents will have to devote to him will open up the offense for everyone else.”
Lions Have Major Bulletin Board Material For 2026
Though analysts have high regard for the Lions’ dynamic offense and believe the team could succeed in 2026, especially with an easy schedule, it’s stunning that only one outlet, Pro Football Focus, ranked Detroit as a top 10 squad.
As long as Campbell is the coach and the offense still has its core pieces, Detroit is capable of beating any team on any given Sunday. The defense does have a few question marks, but if the Lions can address them, a return to the postseason is likely.
We’ll see how Detroit starts the year, but if they can get healthy at the right time and take advantage of their soft schedule, the Lions should exceed the expectations set by these power rankings and make noise in a loaded NFC.
