The Detroit Lions have made an undeniable statement this season. With a 7-1 record after their dominant 24-4 win over the Green Bay Packers in Week 9, the Lions have proven that they are one of the most complete teams in the NFL. They’ve now won six straight games since their Week 5 bye, outscoring their opponents by an incredible 154-66 over that stretch. With three double-digit wins in the past four games — including two blowouts by 38 points — the Lions are clearly one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, and the NFC runs through Detroit.
This marks the first time since the 1950s that the Lions have started a season 7-1, and what makes their start even more impressive is that they haven’t even reached their full potential yet. Despite not playing their best offensive football in recent weeks, Detroit has still managed to dominate. In the last two games alone, they’ve outscored their opponents 76-28, and the fact that they’ve done so without relying on a high-powered offensive performance makes them even scarier. The Lions have proven they can win in a variety of ways, and they are just hitting their stride. It’s clear: Detroit is the team to beat in the NFC.
A Complete Roster Built for Success
The Lions’ roster is a balanced mix of talent, coaching, and depth. In recent years, they’ve built a team that can compete on both sides of the ball, and 2024 is no different. Even the loss of star pass rusher Aidan Hutchinson has not derailed their defense. While every team would feel the loss of a player like Hutchinson, the Lions have shown that they can win without him. What’s more important is that they’ve built a defense that only needs to hold opponents to fewer than 24 points to give themselves a great chance of winning — and they’ve been doing that consistently.
The offense has been just as impressive. Jared Goff has been steady under center, even in games where the passing game has been less effective. He’s been able to rely on a deep pool of playmakers. Running backs David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs have both been sensational, with each having seven rushing touchdowns, ranking among the top four in the league. Wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown remains one of the NFL’s top targets, even though his yardage is down this season due to the overall balance of the offense. Tight end Sam LaPorta has also emerged as a key contributor, and Jameson Williams continues to develop as a vertical threat.
Perhaps the most significant factor behind Detroit’s success is the offensive line, one of the best in football. Panay Sewell, just 24 years old, is already a two-time Pro Bowler and looks like he’s on a Hall of Fame trajectory. With an elite offensive line in place, the Lions can control the game on the ground, and that makes them especially dangerous.
They Don’t Need to Be Perfect
One of the most impressive aspects of the Lions’ season is their ability to win without needing a perfect offensive game. For example, in their Week 7 victory over the Minnesota Vikings, Detroit spotted Minnesota a 10-point lead early in the game. Yet, the Lions were able to come back, outscoring the Vikings 31-10 after that initial deficit. Detroit isn’t a team that needs to put up 400 yards every game to win; they know how to win the battles that matter. Whether it’s a timely turnover, a dominant performance in the running game, or a defensive stop in a crucial moment, the Lions find ways to capitalize on every opportunity.
Defensively, they’ve been excellent at forcing turnovers. The Lions are ranked in the top four in the NFL in turnover differential, with a plus-11 margin through eight games. The defense feeds off these takeaways, and the offense is quick to capitalize. Whether it’s a defensive stop or a special teams play, Detroit has proven that they can beat teams in multiple ways.
Why the NFC Championship Runs Through Detroit
The NFC playoff picture looks wide open, but as of now, the Lions have proven themselves to be the team to beat. Despite teams like the San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles looking strong, Detroit has shown a consistency that few other NFC teams can match. The 49ers, while certainly talented, have been plagued by injuries and sit at a .500 record of 4-4. The Eagles have some serious flaws in their coaching and decision-making that could hurt them when it matters most. Meanwhile, the Cowboys, despite being competitive, still lack the balance of the Lions and have struggled with consistency.
What makes Detroit so dangerous is their ability to win in any scenario. If the offense isn’t firing on all cylinders, the defense steps up. If the defense has a rough stretch, the offense can score in bunches. The Lions don’t rely on any one unit to carry them; they are a true team. As the postseason looms, this versatility makes them a daunting matchup for anyone.
The Lions’ remaining schedule doesn’t look particularly difficult either. They play the Houston Texans in Week 10, and while Houston has been competitive, they are missing key players like Nico Collins and Stefan Diggs. The Lions should be favored to win this game. Additionally, the Lions have key matchups against the Buffalo Bills and Green Bay Packers, but both of those games are at home in Detroit, which gives them a clear advantage. Even a road game against the San Francisco 49ers in Week 17 doesn’t look like an automatic loss, given the Lions’ ability to compete on both sides of the ball.
Detroit’s Competition in the NFC
While the Lions are clearly the frontrunner in the NFC, there are still a few teams that could pose a threat, but not many. The Eagles, though talented, have shown signs of vulnerability under head coach Nick Sirianni, with questionable in-game decisions that could come back to haunt them in the playoffs. The Vikings have struggled in recent games, and despite their early success, they don’t seem to have the tools to knock off the Lions when it matters most.
The Green Bay Packers, despite losing to the Lions in Week 9, could still pose a challenge in a potential playoff matchup. The Packers have a solid defense and a talented young quarterback in Jordan Love, but their inconsistency on offense makes them an underdog against Detroit, especially in a high-pressure postseason game.
Then there are teams like the 49ers and Cowboys, who still have potential to make a run but are too inconsistent to pose a real threat to the Lions’ overall dominance.
Conclusion: Detroit Is the NFC’s Top Contender
The Detroit Lions are the team to beat in the NFC, and it’s not particularly close. Their combination of an elite defense, dynamic offense, and unshakeable confidence makes them the most complete team in the conference. With a solid game plan, a well-rounded roster, and the ability to win in multiple ways, the Lions have everything in place to make a deep postseason run. Whether they’re running the ball, scoring through the air, or creating turnovers, this team has all the tools to not only capture the NFC Championship but also make a serious push for the Super Bowl.
For the first time in decades, the Lions are a team that can compete with anyone — and as the season progresses, it’s clear that the NFC Championship will be decided in Detroit. The road to the Super Bowl runs through the Motor City, and the Lions are ready to show the rest of the NFC that they are the team to beat.
