The Detroit Lions are one of the early favorites in the Super Bowl 2026 odds.

The Detroit Lions’ emergence as one of the early favorites for the Super Bowl 60 title in 2026 has been nothing short of remarkable. For decades, the Lions were often relegated to the periphery of NFL playoff contention, with sporadic flashes of promise that never seemed to manifest into lasting success. But, under the guidance of head coach Dan Campbell, the franchise has turned a new page, positioning itself as one of the NFL’s most intriguing teams heading into the 2025-2026 season.

The Resurgence of the Detroit Lions

The Lions’ rise began with the hire of Dan Campbell in 2021. Known for his gritty, emotional coaching style, Campbell injected life into a franchise that had long struggled with mediocrity. His tenure immediately began to change the culture within the team, emphasizing toughness, accountability, and a no-excuses mentality. While 2021 was a year of growing pains, the team showed potential. The 2022 season saw marked improvement, with the Lions finishing with a respectable 9-8 record—impressive given the team’s previous struggles. However, it was the 2024 season that truly made a statement. The Lions finished the regular season with a stunning 15-2 record, clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed and securing home-field advantage throughout the playoffs. This remarkable achievement set a new franchise record for wins, signaling that the Lions were no longer a team to be underestimated.

The 2024 season was a showcase of balanced football. The offense was dynamic and potent, with Jared Goff, once viewed as a question mark for the franchise, emerging as a top-tier quarterback. Goff’s connection with wide receivers like Amon-Ra St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta was instrumental in creating one of the league’s highest-scoring offenses. The backfield duo of Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery provided an effective rushing attack, complementing the passing game and making the Lions one of the most unpredictable teams on offense.

Defensively, the Lions were a revelation. Although the team struggled in the playoffs, where their defense faltered in a divisional-round loss to the Washington Commanders, they showed enough throughout the regular season to give hope that a Super Bowl appearance could be within reach. Key players like pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson, who had a standout rookie season in 2022, were integral to the team’s defensive success. Hutchinson’s presence on the field allowed the Lions to pressure quarterbacks and disrupt offenses, though his mid-season injury highlighted the need for depth and a more consistent defensive unit.

The Quest for Defensive Improvement

While the Lions’ offense shone brightly in 2024, their defense remained a work in progress. Aidan Hutchinson’s injury during the playoffs raised questions about the team’s ability to maintain a high level of pressure on opposing quarterbacks. The Lions’ secondary, while showing potential, lacked the kind of game-changing playmakers needed to lock down the best offenses in the league. Detroit’s defense ranked middle of the pack in total yards allowed, and while they improved throughout the year, it was clear that more needed to be done in the offseason to get them Super Bowl-ready.

Many analysts have pointed to the defense as the area where the Lions need the most improvement. The offseason presents a prime opportunity for general manager Brad Holmes and the Lions’ front office to bolster this unit. Speculation has already begun regarding potential moves to acquire talent through free agency or the draft. The possibility of acquiring high-profile players such as star defensive end Myles Garrett has been floated, with fans and pundits alike believing that a strong defensive acquisition could be the missing piece for a Super Bowl run. The Lions could also look to improve their secondary, as the team’s cornerbacks and safeties often struggled against top-tier quarterbacks in 2024.

One potential solution for the Lions’ defense could be to focus on developing their young talent further. With players like Hutchinson continuing to mature and other promising defensive rookies entering their second and third seasons, there’s reason to believe that the Lions could naturally improve on defense without the need for drastic personnel changes. However, the front office’s willingness to make aggressive moves will be crucial in ensuring that the defense is ready to compete at the highest level.

Super Bowl 60 Outlook: The Path to Glory

As we look ahead to Super Bowl 60 in 2026, the Detroit Lions find themselves at a crossroads. The team has all the necessary components to make a serious Super Bowl run: a high-powered offense, a motivated and talented coach in Dan Campbell, and a fan base hungry for success. Their success in 2024 was no fluke; the Lions are legitimate contenders. However, there are still questions to answer.

The NFC, while competitive, does not feature a dominant force like the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC. Teams such as the Philadelphia Eagles, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers are certainly formidable, but the Lions’ blend of offensive firepower and rising defensive talent positions them as one of the leading threats in the conference. To truly be considered the top contender, however, the Lions will need to address key areas such as depth in the secondary and consistency on defense. The playoffs have proven to be a different beast, and the Lions will need to refine their game plan to withstand the intense pressure that comes with postseason football.

One of the most pressing questions for the Lions heading into the 2025 season will be the development of Jared Goff. Goff has long been viewed as a polarizing figure. After being traded from the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, many questioned whether he could recapture his best form. However, Goff’s performance in 2024 was a revelation, with the veteran quarterback looking as sharp as ever. His ability to read defenses, make quick decisions, and distribute the ball to his playmakers will be key to the Lions’ success in 2025. If Goff can continue to play at a high level, he will give the Lions a major advantage over most teams.

Another consideration for the Lions will be their offensive line. A strong offensive line has been a hallmark of Campbell’s philosophy, and the Lions’ unit is one of the better ones in the NFL. Protecting Goff and creating lanes for the running backs will be paramount to the team’s success in 2025 and beyond. The Lions have also invested heavily in the development of their offensive line, with young talent like Penei Sewell expected to continue improving. The unit will need to stay healthy and cohesive to maintain the offensive balance that has served the team so well.

The Fans and the City of Detroit

Detroit’s passionate fanbase has long been one of the NFL’s most loyal but also one of the most long-suffering. After decades of disappointment and failed playoff appearances, the Lions’ recent success has sparked an electricity in the Motor City. Fans are once again excited about the prospects of a Super Bowl run, and there’s a sense that the city is on the cusp of something special.

The Lions’ fans are not only hopeful for the future, but they also understand the challenges that come with competing in the NFL. They’ve been through years of rebuilding, coaching changes, and heartbreak. But now, there is optimism. The Lions have a coach who understands their identity, a quarterback who seems to be hitting his stride, and a team that is on the rise. Super Bowl 60 could very well be the culmination of years of hard work and perseverance. For the people of Detroit, it’s a dream that seems increasingly within reach.

The Detroit Lions are undeniably one of the NFL’s most promising teams heading into Super Bowl 60 odds discussions for 2026. Their 2024 success was not a fluke, and they’ve built a solid foundation for future success. With a high-powered offense, a defense that is trending in the right direction, and a passionate fanbase, the Lions are well-positioned to make a deep run in the coming years. However, much depends on how the team addresses their defensive weaknesses and whether key players like Jared Goff can maintain their form.

For now, the Lions stand among the early favorites for Super Bowl 60, but they will need to prove their mettle in the postseason to justify their place at the top. The Motor City may finally be on the verge of a long-awaited championship, and the excitement around the Lions is palpable. Whether or not they can capture the ultimate prize remains to be seen, but one thing is clear: the Detroit Lions are no longer the NFL’s doormat—they are a legitimate contender for the Super Bowl.