The Detroit Lions have won the NFC North in two straight seasons, but their reign over the division is predicted to end in 2025.
Touchdown Wire's Jarrett Bailey expects the Green Bay Packers to return to the top of the NFC North. Bailey predicts Green Bay will finish with a 13-4 record, while Detroit will go 11-6 and fall to second place in the division.
"The Lions will still be a playoff team, but I'm curious to see what their ceiling is without Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn," Bailey wrote.
Obviously, losing both coordinators this offseason wasn't ideal for the Lions. Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn elevated their respective units and were among the best assistant coaches in football, but both are now head coaches, as Johnson took the Chicago Bears job, while Glenn is with the New York Jets.
Detroit replaced Johnson with John Morton, who served as the Denver Broncos' pass game coordinator in 2023 and 2024. Dan Campbell promoted Kelvin Sheppard from linebackers coach to defensive coordinator to replace Glenn.
Though the coordinator positions look different for the Lions in 2025, Campbell's squad is still stacked with talent from top to bottom. The offense, led by star quarterback Jared Goff and All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, should return as one of the most potent units in the league.
The defense should also be stout once again, as superstar edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson is set to return from a leg injury that limited him to six games last season.
The safety duo of Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch should also take another step forward in 2025, along with cornerback Terrion Arnold. The addition of D.J. Reed to replace Carlton Davis, who signed with the New England Patriots this offseason, should also greatly help the unit.
Overall, the Lions may take a step back from the 15-2 record they posted in 2024. However, they should still be one of the top teams in the NFL this year and are the current favorites to win the NFC North for a third consecutive season.
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