The Detroit Lions narrowly missed out on a playoff spot in 2022, but if a few of these bold predictions come to fruition, the franchise will cruise to a division title this coming season.
The Lions boasted a juggernaut of an offense last season as veteran signal-caller Jared Goff revived his career and elevated the play of the entire unit. Behind the former No. 1 overall pick, Detroit ranked toward the top of the league in passing yards and yards per attempt.
Goff deserves his flowers, but offensive coordinator Ben Johnson is the straw that stirs the drink in Motor City. The 37-year-old seized play-calling duties in his first season in the position. Rather than asking his quarterback to carry the group, Johnson preached physicality in the trenches.
The team’s offensive line took that message to heart by serving as one of the most fearsome units in the NFL. Penei Sewell and Frank Ragnow are top-tier players at their positions, while Taylor Decker is consistently underrated on the blindside. All in all, Goff was only sacked 24 times — second-best in the entire league.
Where the Lions can stand to improve the most is on the other side of the ball. As special as the offense was in Detroit, the defense was equally abysmal. The secondary allowed the third-most passing yards in 2022 while ranking middle of the pack in sacks.
6 Bold Predictions For The Detroit Lions In 2023
The good news? General manager Brad Holmes made a concerted effort to reinforce the defense this offseason, both in the NFL Draft and free agency. Are these fresh faces enough to push Detroit over the hump and back into the postseason? These six bold predictions will address this question…
Bold Predictions
No. 1: Jared Goff Finishes Top 5 In MVP Voting
As we touched on earlier, Goff has a new lease on his NFL life in Detroit. He is one of the few quarterbacks in the league with a Super Bowl appearance under his belt, even if things went south during the game. On top of a winning pedigree, the former Cal Bear posts some gaudy statistics week in and week out.
Following his ‘meh’ debut season with the Lions, Goff broke out to the tune of 4,438 passing yards, 29 touchdowns, and only seven interceptions. Assuming Jameson Williams returns to form after his suspension served, Goff will have no shortage of weapons to work with.
It will require another step up in production for the eighth-year quarterback to enter MVP discussions. I believe this leap is well within reason, and when you factor in Goff’s history of winning football games, it is easy to see a path toward votes. The “QB wins” and “analytical” voters will have to consider Goff by the season’s end.
Bold Predictions Continued
No. 2: Jahmyr Gibbs Outperforms Bijan Robinson As A Rookie
Full disclosure, Bijan Robinson was my top-rated running back in the 2023 NFL Draft. That being said, Jahmyr Gibbs was not far behind on the grading scale. The former Georgia Tech star began his career with the Yellow Jackets before transferring to Alabama and serving as the lead back in the offense.
Gibbs is as explosive as they come out of the backfield. He is shifty and possesses elite top-end speed, including an otherworldly ability to stop on a dime and re-accelerate effortlessly. The 21-year-old ball carrier shows remarkable vision and patience as a runner between the tackles, but out in space is where Gibbs will become a household name.
Expect to see Gibbs come off the board early at your local fantasy football drafts. The secret is out: the Lions upgraded at running back with a superb pass catcher and home run hitter. Don’t be surprised if the Crimson Tide alum outproduces Robinson in Year 1.
Bold Predictions Continued
No. 3: Amon-Ra St. Brown Leads The NFL In Receptions
In 2022, Amon-Ra St. Brown continued his ascension up league ranks by posting the best campaign of his short career. His first season as a full-time starter saw the former USC standout rank inside the top 10 in targets (146) and receptions (106). Keep in mind this production came with St. Brown as the CLEAR No. 1 option on the offense.
Now, even with Jameson Williams suspended to open the year, St. Brown should have more help around him. Rookie tight end Sam LaPorta will impact the game more than anyone thinks as a rookie, plus the aforementioned addition of Jahmyr Gibbs makes the unit a multi-faceted attack.
Perhaps Goff spreads the rock around more in 2023, but even if that is the case, St. Brown will still find his way to nearly ten targets per game. The opportunities should come easy for the 23-year-old pass catcher. He finished 12 receptions off the lead in 2022; adding a Baker’s dozen catches is reasonable with Ben Johnson back in tow.
Bold Predictions Continued
No. 4: Jack Campbell Wins Defensive Rookie Of The Year
The Lions surprised many by selecting a pure middle linebacker prospect at No. 18 overall. I was not among the shocked, however. Jack Campbell finished the pre-draft process with a sparkling first-round grade on my Big Board. Ranking inside the top 20 prospects overall, I immediately loved the pairing of Campbell with Detroit.
The Iowa defender is the type of leader a defensive coordinator dreams of when assembling a unit. Campbell is a passionate leader, fiery competitor, athletic marvel, and brilliant mind; the makings of a modern-day MIKE in the NFL. With the Hawkeyes, Campbell patrolled the middle of the defense and impacted the game in coverage, run support, and even as a pass rusher.
Expect defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to stick him on the starting unit from the jump. Few players are capable of single-handedly transforming a group the way Campbell can. At 6-foot-5 and 249 pounds, the Lions have a future All-Pro quarterbacking the defense for the next decade-plus.
Starting his career with a Defensive Rookie of the Year trophy may be the boldest of bold predictions, but it is the one I am most confident in coming to fruition.
Bold Predictions Continued
No. 5: Aidan Hutchinson Will Challenge Robert Porcher For Franchise Record In Single-Season Sacks
Aidan Hutchinson to the Lions was a Hollywood story that came to life at last year’s NFL Draft. After the Jaguars chose Travon Walker at No. 1 overall, the Detroit front office turned the card in so fast for Hutchinson that the league had to tell them to slow its roll.
Hutchinson, born and raised in the great state of Michigan, starred for the Wolverines at the collegiate level. He propelled the program to its first CFB Playoff berth while finishing runner-up for the Heisman Trophy.
Hutch quickly made good on the Lions’ faith in him, as he recorded 9.5 sacks in Year 1 while facing constant attention from opposing coordinators. The 265-pound freak uses powerful hands and a never-ending mean streak to work his way into the backfield, often overpowering his assignment and walking them backward.
It is a bold prediction to say Hutchinson can set a franchise record this early in his career, but if you haven’t learned by now, it’s best not to doubt the former No. 2 overall selection. Porcher’s 15 sacks are attainable, especially with the new faces playing alongside Hutchinson.
Bold Predictions Continued
No. 6: The Lions Win The NFC North… And A Playoff Game!
The Lions narrowly missed out on postseason play in 2022, but if even a few of these bold predictions come true, the franchise will return to the field this coming season. Whether it be the veteran signings, rookie draft picks, or the continued development of talent on the roster… the cards are aligned for an NFC North title in Detroit.
Aaron Rodgers is no longer roaming Lambeau Field, Kirk Cousins is another year older, and Justin Fields still must prove he can win games on Sundays. It could feasibly only take ten wins to wear the crown, which is only one more than the Lions posted last year. Dan Campbell has a fever… and the only prescription is more kneecaps! *Christopher Walken voice*