ESPN makes disappointing prediction for Detroit Lions in 2023
Every year it seems like there are a few "it teams" that the NFL media loves. Analysts love trying to identify the next up-and-coming team that could make a run, whether it's because of the prior year's performance or offseason additions. One of the "it teams" this offseason is the Detroit Lions. Detroit is coming […]
Every year it seems like there are a few "it teams" that the NFL media loves.
Analysts love trying to identify the next up-and-coming team that could make a run, whether it's because of the prior year's performance or offseason additions.
One of the "it teams" this offseason is the Detroit Lions. Detroit is coming off a 9-8 season in Dan Campbell's second year leading the franchise. The vast improvements last year (the Lions nearly made the playoffs) have analysts feeling like this year's Lions squad could be a major threat in the NFC.
Between the Lions' improvements and the weakened state of the NFC North (the Green Bay Packers are expected to be down without Aaron Rodgers and it doesn't seem like the Chicago Bears are quite ready to be a threat yet), there's a legitimate path to an NFC North division for Detroit.
Though not everyone seems to agree.
ESPN's Mike Clay predicted this week that the Lions will take a step back in 2023 and win just eight games.
Tyler Fulghum, who also works for ESPN, is in agreement with Clay that Detroit will go under their 9.5 projected win total.
From ESPN: I know people are excited about the trajectory of this team, and it is justified. The Lions have a lot of young talent on this team; however, they are still the Lions — a franchise that has little experience or success realizing its potential over the years. Should they really be the division favorites? I'm not so sure. Their draft process was flawed. WR Jameson Williams is suspended the first six games of the season. I will not be betting into the narrative that this team is the best in the division.
Not having Jameson Williams for the first six games of the season is certainly less than ideal. But it's worth noting that Williams only played in six of the Lions' games last season as he worked his way back from the ACL injury he suffered while he was at Alabama. This team knows how to win without Williams on the field (though they obviously can't wait to get him back).
I don't know if the Lions will win the division. And I don't know if they'll make a deep playoff run. But I'd be surprised if they take a step back after what they accomplished in 2022. Campbell's squad has too much momentum to regress in 2023. I'd look for Detroit to at least take a small step forward this fall.
