Detroit Lions 2025 Season Preview: Expectations High After Record 2024 Season

Detroit Lions 2024 Season Recap and 2025 Outlook

Detroit rewrote the franchise record books in 2024, finishing an NFL-best 15–2, tying for the league lead in wins with Kansas City and clinching the NFC’s No. 1 seed for the first time in history. They dominated on offense – scoring 564 points and holding a staggering +222 point differential – and swept their division en route to earning home-field advantage through the playoffs. But their season ended unexpectedly in a stunning 45–31 Divisional Round loss to the Washington Commanders, despite being heavy favorites. Detroit enters 2025 with the swagger of an elite team and sits at +200 to win the NFC North, +525 to win the NFC Championship, and +1200 to win the Super Bowl.

Key Offseason Moves and Roster Changes

The Lions opted for continuity over splashy spending. Their biggest additions include veteran DBs Avonte Maddox, Rock Ya-Sin, and D.J. Reed to replenish a secondary hit by injuries. Backup QB Kyle Allen and TE Kenny Yeboah were also added on offense. In the draft, DT Tyleik Williams stood out as a likely mid-season contributor, aiming to boost interior pressure alongside Aidan Hutchinson.

Projected Starting Lineup for 2025

Offense: Jared Goff returns under center behind a sturdy offensive line. RBs Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery form a dynamic duo, while Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, and Sam LaPorta give him multiple receiving threats.

Defense: Anchored by Hutchinson, the defensive front remains solid. The secondary features CB Carlton Davis and rookie Terrion Arnold, plus safety Kerby Joseph, who received a record-setting contract for a safety. Key special teams depth comes via Daniel Thomas.

Detroit Lions 2025 Regular Season Schedule

Detroit opens on the road against Green Bay on September 7 and closes the season at Minnesota on Christmas Day. The 2025 schedule features 12 nationally televised games, five prime-time matchups, and challenging stretch runs (Chiefs, Eagles, Cowboys).

Detroit Lions 2025 Regular Season Schedule

• Week 1 – Sunday, September 7 – at Green Bay Packers
• Week 2 – Sunday, September 14 – vs. Chicago Bears
• Week 3 – Monday, September 22 – at Baltimore Ravens
• Week 4 – Sunday, September 28 – vs. Cleveland Browns
• Week 5 – Sunday, October 5 – at Cincinnati Bengals
• Week 6 – Sunday, October 12 – at Kansas City Chiefs
• Week 7 – Monday, October 20 – vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 8 – Bye
• Week 9 – Sunday, November 2 – vs. Minnesota Vikings
• Week 10 – Sunday, November 9 – at Washington Commanders
• Week 11 – Sunday, November 16 – at Philadelphia Eagles
• Week 12 – Sunday, November 23 – vs. New York Giants
• Week 13 – Thursday, November 27 (Thanksgiving) – vs. Green Bay Packers
• Week 14 – Thursday, December 4 – vs. Dallas Cowboys
• Week 15 – Sunday, December 14 – at Los Angeles Rams
• Week 16 – Sunday, December 21 – vs. Pittsburgh Steelers
• Week 17 – Thursday, December 25 (Christmas Day) – at Minnesota Vikings
• Week 18 – Sunday, January 4 – at Chicago Bears

How to Bet on the Lions in 2025

Detroit is the second favorite to win the NFC North at +200. Their NFC Championship odds (+525) align with being a realistic deep playoff contender, while Super Bowl futures (+1200) offer long-term value if the offense remains elite and the schedule breaks their way. Wagering on division and conference paths may offer better ROI compared to early, expensive Super Bowl bets.

Lions Futures Odds and Player Props

Jared Goff 30+ Passing TDs (–105)

Goff has been consistent in Ben Johnson’s offence, throwing 30 touchdowns in 2023 and 28 in 2024. With Amon-Ra St. Brown commanding heavy targets, Sam LaPorta emerging as a top-five tight end, and Jameson Williams developing as a deep threat, the Lions have legitimate red-zone weapons. Detroit’s offensive line is one of the league’s best, giving Goff time to attack. The line of 30 TDs is fair — the over makes sense if Williams or Gibbs unlock explosive plays, but regression risk sits with tougher defensive matchups on the 2025 slate.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Most Receptions (+900)

St. Brown has quickly become one of the NFL’s most reliable possession receivers. He caught 119 passes in 2024, finishing third in the league, and he cleared 100 receptions for the second straight season. His chemistry with Goff is unquestioned, and Johnson’s scheme funnels him targets in short-to-intermediate areas. At +900, there’s strong value compared to favourites like Tyreek Hill or Justin Jefferson, especially if Detroit leans into quick passing to neutralise elite pass rushes. Health is the only real concern, but when active, St. Brown’s volume is elite enough to make him a genuine receptions leader candidate.

Amon-Ra St. Brown Most Receiving Yards (+2000)

This market is riskier but intriguing. St. Brown posted 1,515 yards last season, good for fourth in the league. His game is built on precision routes and yards after catch, not necessarily deep strikes, which means his path to leading the league depends on sustaining elite volume across 17 games. At +2000, this is a strong longshot ticket: if Jameson Williams stretches the field and LaPorta commands safety attention, St. Brown may have more space to turn intermediate routes into explosive gains. Worth a small stake if you’re bullish on Detroit’s offence being the NFC’s top unit again.

Team Futures — NFC North Winner (+145), NFC Champion (+525), Super Bowl Winner (+1000)

Detroit was sitting as the favourite in the NFC North at +145 until the Packers signed Micah Parsons. Now they’re under the Pack at +200. Green Bay is the main competition, but the Lions’ continuity under Campbell and Johnson gives them the edge. Their +525 NFC price is fair but slightly short compared to the Eagles (+340)  meaning it’s probably best held for in-season entry if Detroit drops an early road game. The +1200 Super Bowl ticket offers solid upside; they were the NFL’s top seed last year for a reason. A repeat of that dominance could see these odds shorten significantly by mid-season.

Lions 2025 Season Risks and Weaknesses

Their playoff collapse exposed depth concerns—especially in the secondary. Injuries or underperformance on the D-line could undo progress. Goff’s efficiency is tied to offensive line stability, while Gibbs’ durability remains pivotal. A challenging early and mid-season schedule means the margin for error is small.

2025 Record Projection and Key Bets

Projected record: 12–5, winning the NFC North, with a deep playoff appearance likely if they fix defensive lapses.
Smart bets: NFC North (+145), Goff over 30 passing TDs (–105), St. Brown receptions leader (+900). Future conference or Super Bowl wagers could be timed midseason after critical wins to capture green-line public sentiment.