The 2025 Detroit Lions season will go down as one of the most frustrating “what-if” years in franchise history. A team that once sat among the NFC’s elite finished the year on the outside looking in when the playoff field was set. Between injuries, inconsistency, and missed opportunities, Detroit’s year never quite matched its talent level, and the final power rankings reflect that reality. Around the league, analysts still see a roster with potential… but also one facing tough questions heading into 2026.
Yahoo Sports!
Power ranking: 16th
Last ranking: 17th
Only two teams finished in the top 10 of DVOA in offense, defense and special teams: The NFC’s No. 1 seed Seahawks, and a Lions team that missed the playoffs. Detroit was third overall in DVOA. If you’re looking for the team everyone will be picking for a rebound in 2026, this might be it. The Lions still have plenty of talent, which makes a lost season even more frustrating.
NFL.COM
Power ranking: 17th
Last ranking: 17th
The Lions finished the season with the NFC North’s best point differential at plus-68, which was actually better than five NFC playoff teams. You can’t call this a successful season after Detroit missed the playoffs, but you can acknowledge that the team came up a few games short against a challenging schedule and that rebounding next season can’t at all be dismissed. Some tough decisions lie ahead, with multiple offensive linemen likely pondering retirement and a defense that still badly needs more depth and firepower. The Lions also need to regain their offensive mojo after a season in which fourth-down failures often cost them. The guts of a playoff contender were still there in the gut-check, game-winning drive against Chicago, and they could be back in 2026.
The Ringer
Power ranking: 13th
Last ranking: 14th
Detroit is no longer a cute upstart squad, and the disappointment of missing the playoffs won’t be greeted with the same “maybe next year” optimism as it would’ve at the start of the Dan Campbell era. Losing its grip on its offensive identity cost this team a chance to compete for a title in a wide-open NFC, and an improved division means the margins for error aren’t getting any wider moving forward.
The Lions can open a healthy amount of cap space in 2026 by reworking quarterback Jared Goff’s deal, but doing so will limit future flexibility. Whatever moves the Lions make this offseason need to propel the franchise toward a Super Bowl, because the drapes on this title window are closing fast.
The Athletic
Power ranking: 15th
Last ranking: 17th
Left tackle Taylor Decker said after Sunday’s game that he’s considering retirement, which would be another blow for an offensive front that had enough problems this year. Left guard Christian Mahogany, center Graham Glasgow and rookie right guard Tate Ratledge all struggled this season, yet the Lions still finished fourth in the league in scoring (28.3 ppg).
CBS Sports
Power ranking: 16th
Last ranking: 17th
Did their window close? I don’t think so, but they need to be better on defense. The injuries did impact that unit but they need help up front for Aidan Hutchinson.
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