The Detroit Lions are coming off of one of the franchise’s most exciting regular seasons in recent memory. Though the Lions were stopped short of the postseason last year, ESPN has a more optimistic projection for the team heading into 2023.

ESPN’s Football Power Index calculates each team’s chances of making the playoffs, winning their division, reaching certain rounds in the postseason and even winning the Super Bowl. While the offseason slowly trudges along, let’s see where the Lions stand in in the eyes of ESPN’s FPI.

When it comes to making the playoffs, which would likely be the bar for a successful season, Detroit’s chances are listed at a lofty 65.4%.

The Vikings (51.8%), Bears (34.2%) and Packers (27.9%) round out the NFC North. For the first time in decades, the Lions make the transition from the hunters to the hunted.

The Lions are the favorite to win the NFC North.

The Lions have the fourth best odds to win the NFC.

The Lions are tied for the ninth best odds to win the Super Bowl.

In other words, the Lions are expected to be really damn good. pic.twitter.com/ghf4tUD2mS

— DLB (@DetLionBlood) May 23, 2023

As far as odds to win the division go, the Lions lead the charge with a 43.2% chance to sit atop the NFC North’s throne. Interestingly enough, Detroit has the second-worst odds of any projected division winner in the NFL. The Lions have never won the NFC North, so it’s not surprising to see ESPN’s FPI view the division as a toss-up.

The rest of the NFC North goes as follows, according to FPI:

Minnesota Vikings – 28.7%
Chicago Bears – 15.9%
Green Bay Packers – 12.2%

It wouldn’t be right to wrap this up without mentioning Detroit’s chances to win the Super Bowl. If the Lions can take the NFC by storm, ESPN’s FPI gives them a 4.3% chance to hoist the Lombardi Trophy. Though that might seem low upon first glance, the Lions rank seventh in the NFL.

Click here to view ESPN’s Football Power Index.