Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions had a less-than-stellar 2025-26 season, ending the season with a 9-8 record and well outside of playoff contention. After the season ended, Campbell gave the boot to offensive coordinator John Morton and hired Drew Petzing from Arizona.
Petzing’s hiring came with a lukewarm response. The Arizona Cardinals were 3-14 last season, so they had a worse record than the Detroit Lions. Still, Campbell saw something in Petzing and brought him to Detroit.
Now, this team could use some good news. Thankfully, they’re getting it, in the form of a confidence boost. Yes, the Detroit Lions are still considered one of the favorites to go all the way when they step onto the field in September.
Las Vegas Still Believes in Dan Campbell and the Detroit Lions
Well, the oddsmakers in Las Vegas still rank the Detroit Lions as one of the strongest teams in the AFC. That’s a relief and a confidence booster for the team.
According to Draft Kings, the Detroit Lions are projected to have 10.5 wins next year. They’re also No. 2 in the NFC, only behind the Rams at No. 1. Ironically, the Cardinals are last in the NFC.
Followers were quick to weigh in. One stated, “I don’t get the Packers hype when Parsons is rumored to be out for several months… and even if he does come back early he’s not going to be 100%. He’s the backbone of that defense. I see the Lions winning the division, with the Bears getting second. Both are playoff teams.” Another added, “The Panthers made the playoffs and almost won that game? Why so low on them?”
Top Priorities for the Detroit Lions
So, what are the top priorities for the Lions heading into the new season? The staff at ESPN answers that in a piece out on February 8.
“Improve the offensive line,” they note in the piece. “Detroit ranked 20th in run block win rate (70.7%) and 31st in pass block win rate (55.5%). The unit struggled to adapt with the offseason departures of four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow, who abruptly retired in June, and veteran guard Kevin Zeitler, who signed with the Titans.”
As for the draft outlook, NFL analyst Matt Miller states, “The Lions’ first-round pick should be used on defense, where the team has needs at edge rusher, cornerback and linebacker.”
He adds, “They could take the first cornerback off the board with Jermod McCoy (Tennessee) or Mansoor Delane (LSU). They could also consider linebackers Sonny Styles (Ohio State) and CJ Allen (Georgia).”
Joel Klatt of Fox Spots adds of the team’s draft that they have to get a good edge rusher. He selects Akheem Mesidor out of Miami.
“Aidan Hutchinson draws too many double teams, so it’d be wise for the Lions to get another edge rusher to pair opposite him,” he notes. “Edge rusher Al-Quadin Muhammad might also cash in on his 11-sack year in free agency this year. Mesidor is massive, weighing 280 pounds. He is older, though, as he’ll be 25 when he’s drafted in April.”
Lions and Dan Campbell Get Good News for NFL Season
