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Lions Extend Head Coach Dan Campbell's Contract

Job Well Done! In breaking NFL news, Lions coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes have been rewarded with contract extensions after guiding Detroit to the playoffs last year. The new contract will... Read Now
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Detroit Lions Stats, Odds, Standings, Schedule, 2023 NFL Season

Detroit Lions Last Season’s Performance

The Lions saw significant improvement in the 2022 season, going from last in the NFC North with a 3-13-1 record in 2021 to second with a 9-8 record in 2022.

Despite not making the playoffs for the sixth season in a row, head coach Dan Campbell, in his second season, brought optimism that that day would soon come with the turnaround. After starting 2022 with a 1-6 record, Detroit 8 of its next 10, also winning five of its six divisional games, to mark its first winning season since 2017.

Detroit Lions Key Additions

The Lions made a number of additions in the offseason, with a good portion coming to help a secondary that struggled a season ago.

Joining Detroit’s defense is safety CJ Gardner-Johnson as well as cornerbacks Cameron Sutton and Emmanuel Moseley. Gardner-Johnson had his best season in 2022 with the Eagles, recording 61 solo tackles and six interceptions, while Sutton and Moseley combined for 53 solo tackles and four interceptions last year.

On offense, the Lions’ biggest acquisition is running back David Montgomery, who already has familiarity with the NFC North after spending his first four seasons with Chicago, where he recorded 3,609 rushing yards and 26 touchdowns.

Detroit also signed wide receiver Marvin Jones Jr., while running back Jahmyr Gibbs, linebacker Jack Campbell and safety Brian Branch headline a strong 2023 draft class.

Detroit Lions Key Subtractions

Though they made a number of offseason signings, it wasn’t to replace the Lions’ many losses, as there were few following the 2022 season.

Detroit’s biggest losses came on offense, where running back Jamaal Williams and wide receiver DJ Chark each moved onto different teams. Williams led the Lions with 1,066 rushing yards and 17 touchdowns last season, while Chark added a solid receiving option with his 502 yards and three touchdowns.

The Lions also moved on from safety DeShon Elliott, who was second on the team with 96 total tackles in his one season in Detroit, also adding an interception and forced fumble.

Detroit Lions Head Coach Analysis

Campbell has been a positive force in the Lions’ improvement over the course of his two seasons, instilling a positive culture.

After a tough 2021 season, Campbell helped lead a midseason turnaround in 2022, capped with the Lions defeating the Packers in the regular-season finale to eliminate them from postseason contention.

Detroit Lions Injured Players at the Beginning of the Season

The Lions have a number of players currently on the injured list who may be questionable for the start of the season.

Jones and quarterback Hendon Hooker have been placed on the non-football injury list while Moseley is currently on the physically unable to perform list.

Montgomery, safeties Gardner-Johnson and Tracy Walker, wide receiver Trinity Benson, linebacker Malcolm Rodriguez and guard Halapoulivaati Vaitai are all questionable for Week 1.

Detroit Lions Standings, Odds, Calendar, 2023 NFL Season
Detroit Lions Standings, Odds, Calendar, 2023 NFL Season

Detroit Lions Offense

The Lions’ offense was one of the best in the league last season, finishing in the top five in both total yards and scoring, averaging 380 total yards and 26.6 points a game.

Quarterback Jared Goff had a resurgence in his second year with the team, throwing for 4,438 yards, 29 touchdowns, and seven interceptions to lead Detroit’s offense to eighth in the league, averaging 251.8 yards a game. With his top two weapons returning in wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Kalif Raymond, that passing offense should stay strong.

Detroit replaced both of its leading rushers in Jamaal Williams and D’Andre Swift, who helped lead the team to an 11th-ranked rushing offense. The additions of Montgomery and Gibbs should help replace the production.

Detroit Lions’ Defense

Where Detroit’s offense was the key to its success last season, its defense was a detriment, finishing last in total yards and in the bottom five in scoring, allowing 392.4 total yards and 25.1 points a game.

Both the passing and rushing defense was an issue, with the Lions placing in the bottom five in both categories allowing 245.8 passing yards and 146.5 rushing yards a game. However, with the additions of Gardner-Johnson, Moseley and Sutton in the secondary, the passing defense should see improvement in 2023.

The Lions also have a young core along the front line in defensive ends Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston as well as defensive tackle Alim McNeill, and their continued growth in 2023, along with the addition of linebacker Jack Campbell from the draft, should help the run defense develop this season.

Detroit Lions Special Teams

Detroit had three different kickers over the course of the 2022 season. Michael Badgley took the majority of the reps, finishing the season 20-for-24 on field goals and 33-for-33 on extra points. However, the Lions moved on from Badgley ahead of training camp and brought in Parker Romo to compete for reps instead.

Punter Jack Fox had a solid season and is set to be the starter again after his gross punt average of 48.8 yards was sixth in the league.

Wide receiver Kalif Raymond took all punt return duties while running back Justin Jackson took the majority of kick returns, with both expected to do so again in 2023.

Detroit Lions Prediction for the 2023 Season

The Lions made a big jump in year two under Campbell, and with the pieces nearly all in place, this could be the season they win the NFC North and finally reach the playoffs, with NFL expert predictions taking them first in the division.

With not much roster turnover on the offensive side, Detroit’s offense should once again be tough to slow for opposing offenses, while the defense should see some improvement after needed additions were made in the offseason.

NFL odds have the Lions finishing first in the division, and after the season they had last year and making the necessary adjustments in the offseason, it’s hard to see them finishing anything below that.

Detroit Lions Final Thoughts

After years of missed playoffs and finishing near the bottom of the league, it appears it’s all coming together for Detroit after the outstanding hiring of Campbell and patience to bring the right roster together.

Though there has been some rebuilding, it appears the Lions may finally be out of that stage, bringing hope for another successful season for Detroit fans, however, the consistent play of Goff will be crucial in another strong season, just as it was in 2022.

Detroit Lions FAQs

Are the Detroit Lions this season’s team to watch?

The Lions should be an exciting team to watch this year, as their offense was one of the best last year and they are favored to win the NFC North by NFL picks.

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Will Dan Campbell win Coach of the Year honors?

Campbell is the favorite to win Coach of the Year, with Vegas NFL odds giving him +800 odds.

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Can the Lions win the NFC North division in 2023?

The Lions have a good chance at winning the NFC North in 2023 after nearly doing so in 2022. With some extra improvement on defense, they should make the jump.

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Are the Lions a Super Bowl contender this year?

Though Detroit failed to even make the postseason last year, some believe the Lions are Super Bowl contenders this year, with the sportsbook giving them the ninth-best odds to win it at +2200 odds.

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