In 2023, the Lions won the division title for the first time in 30 years, going 12-5 with a +66 point differential. Two years later, the Lions suffered disappointment after entering the season as a Super Bowl contender but finishing just 9-8. However, last year's Lions had a +68 point differential, suggesting the slip was less a structural collapse and more like luck not being on their side.
With a fourth straight season in the top five for scoring, the offense clearly was able to overcome the loss of talented offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, so taking the reins of the division back must start with elevating the defense back to being an above-average unit. We're taking a look at everything you need to know before making Detroit Lions futures bets below, including odds, trends, 2026 schedule, offseason changes and more before sharing our preseason betting strategy for the team. Fans interested in betting on NFL and Super Bowl futures should check out the latest DraftKings promo code.
The market cooled a bit on the Lions early in the offseason, but their positive outcomes saw a little bit of steam in July. The Lions still sit as the favorite to win the division but the Packers aren't far behind, while Detroit is well behind the Seahawks, Rams and Eagles in conference winner odds. The Lions remarkably improved their final record by at least three games in three straight years, building up expectations heading into 2025 off a 15-2 season.
They'll go off this year at their longest odds to win the Super Bowl since getting to the NFC Championship Game three years ago. If you want to wager on NFL futures, you have to check out the latest FanDuel promo code. The offense finished top seven in yards per rush and pass play to earn a top-three ranking overall, continuing its success of recent years and leading to a strong finish in DVOA despite the disappointing record.
The defense wasn't bad, and in fact finished top 10 in sack rate and third down success rate, but they still gave up at least 27 points in more than half their games, including in five straight weeks late in the season when teams like the Giants and Steelers managed to move up and down the field on the Detroit defense. Despite the overall success of the offense, Drew Petzing comes in from Arizona to replace John Morton at offensive coordinator. He'll be charged with stabilizing an offensive line that lost longtime starters Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow, with rookie Blake Miller brought in to likely start at right tackle and kick Penei Sewell to the blind side.
Defensively, the priority was mostly to build up depth rather than add big names, and the health of elite safety duo Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch will likely be a key factor in how this unit performs in 2026. However, the secondary took a blow in June when Arnold was released after he was arrested and charged with eight felonies. Before you wager on NFL or Super Bowl futures, head over to our BetMGM promo code to see a great offer.
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