The Detroit Lions are eyeing a 13-4 record and a 71.4 percent chance of making the playoffs in 2026, according to ESPN’s prediction model, but let’s be real, Emerald City, there’s a difference between making the playoffs and actually competing for a Super Bowl. While Lions fans are saying “next year is our year” with actual confidence this time, comparing themselves to teams like our very own Seattle Seahawks, we know what a true contender looks like.
Another Year, Another Lions Rollercoaster Ride?
Lions fans have been on a wild ride, haven’t they? After four seasons of growth under coach Dan Campbell, their 2025 campaign was a clear step backward, leaving everyone wondering if they can even get back to championship contention. We all remember 2022 when they kicked the Packers out of the playoffs in Week 18, a statement game that they were “coming.” Then 2023 saw them go deep into the playoffs, getting closer to a Super Bowl than ever before. In 2024, they posted a franchise-high 15 regular season wins, only to crash out in the second round. After all that build-up, 2025 hit them hard, and now we’re talking about their *ceiling* for 2026 as a 13-4 season. Playoffs? Sure, that should be the expectation. Super Bowl run? That’s a whole different conversation.
Do They Really Compete With Seattle’s Best?
The big question in Detroit is if their roster can actually stack up against consensus contenders like the Los Angeles Rams, Buffalo Bills, and, most importantly, our Seattle Seahawks, who all have the best Super Bowl odds. They’ve got some superstars on offense, no doubt: Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell can absolutely make plays. Plus, their offensive and defensive lines are reportedly deeper than they’ve been in ages. That’s great, but every team has questions. The Lions are worried about how fast their newly formed offensive line can gel and, justifiably, about their starting-level talent and depth at cornerback. Those cornerback concerns could sink them, especially when facing high-flying offenses like those in the NFC. They can talk about an easier schedule to start the season all they want, giving their O-line time to build chemistry, but if that cornerback room truly is their biggest weakness, they’re in for a rude awakening when they face real contenders.
So, while Detroit might be feeling confident about a 13-4 season and a playoff berth, we here in the Emerald City know what it takes to be a true Super Bowl favorite. The Seahawks are out there with the best odds, and until another team actually proves they can hang, the 12s aren’t going to lose any sleep over another “next year is our year” battle cry.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Pride of Detroit.
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