Hail to the Lions

Lore & Background

The Lions failed to match their franchise-best 15–2 record from the previous season following a Week 9 loss at home to their division rival Minnesota Vikings. Despite entering the year as Super Bowl favorites by media experts and opening the season on a strong 7–4 start and one game behind the NFC North-leading Chicago Bears, the Lions suffered a late-season collapse and won just two out of their final six games. They were officially eliminated from playoff contention for the first time since 2022 following a Week 17 loss on Christmas Day to the Vikings; a game where they committed a season-high six turnovers after coming into the game with 8 total turnovers all season long. Frequent offensive line and secondary issues plagued the team’s year due to numerous season-ending injuries, retirements, and departures. They would also lose numerous close games this year, with 5 of their 8 losses being by just a touchdown or less, with 3 of their losses by a combined 15 points.

Reader's Guide

The Lions' preseason included a Hall of Fame Game against the Los Angeles Chargers on July 31. The regular season schedule featured games against the Green Bay Packers (Week 1, loss 27–13), Chicago Bears (Week 2, win 52–21), Baltimore Ravens (Week 3, win 38–30), Cleveland Browns (Week 4, win 34–10), Cincinnati Bengals (Week 5, win 37–24), and Kansas City Chiefs (Week 6, loss 30–17).

Did You Know?

• The Lions' Week 1 loss at Green Bay was their first road loss since the 2023 NFC Championship Game.
• The Lions defeated the Bengals in Week 5 for the first time since 1992, snapping a seven-game losing streak.