5 Predictions for Aidan Hutchinson's 4th Season With Detroit Lions

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Apr 21, 2025 4:37 PM ET

The Detroit Lions nabbed the best record in the National Football League's National Football Conference last season, going 15-2 and finishing one game ahead of the Minnesota Vikings in the NFC North.

The Lions' impressive season hit a brick wall with their first round loss to Washington, leading up to 2025's critical offseason.

Perhaps the most devastating loss of the 2025 season personnel-wise was the loss of Aidan Hutchinson, the Lions' former top five pick who was drafted from the Michigan Wolverines in 2022.

Hutchinson appears on track to take the field as a starter for the 2025 Detroit Lions later this fall. The question now is how effective he will be once he does find his way back to regular season game action.

Here are five predictions for Hutchinson's 2025 season as he works diligently to make his way back to the field in time for the opening kickoff:

5. Full Season of Action-

Hutchinson will be back and play limited snaps for game one of the season, getting his feet wet for a full season with Detroit.

The man known as 'Hutch' broke his left leg's fibula and tibia last season and he has looked ready to hit the field again in recent weeks.

Hutchinson is familiar with the injury recovery process from his days at Michigan. He has the work ethic and the fanatical devotion to his craft to be back in time for week one, even if he only sees limited action.

4. Resumes Leadership Role-

Hutchinson was a keystone piece in the Lions' rebuild, spearheaded by Dan Campbell as the team's head coach.

He is an extension of Campbell's leadership as a player and his leadership will be needed more than ever with Kelvin Sheppard taking over as the leader of the defensive coaching staff in Detroit.

3. Sets Career Sack Record-

Hutchinson was on pace for a record sack total last season with the Lions before his injury against the Cowboys.

He had 7.5 sacks in five games last season. Expect him to break his 2023 career mark of 11.5 sacks with ease, approaching the 20 sack mark.

2. Leads Lions to the Playoffs-

The Lions have an uphill battle in the rapidly improving North division this season. The return of Hutchinson from his broken leg injury is exactly what the team needs to become its best self again.

Expect a playoff berth in 2025-2026 with Hutchinson leading the defense.

1. Leads Lions to Playoff Wins-

Expect the Lions to win multiple playoff games in 2025-2026 with Hutchinson leading the way. The Lions have a complete team from top to bottom that was decimated by injures last year at the worst possible time.

Campbell and company must take things one play at a time and keep the edge that made them back-to-back division champs.

If they can do that and manage expectations, they will win multiple playoff games and could be Super Bowl bound in 2026.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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