ESPN analyst puts Lions in an impressive position following statement victory

The Detroit Lions have enjoyed a solid start to the 2025 season, and that's in spite of the fact that they have already matched their loss total from 2024.

While the Lions may end up with less wins than they had last year, they are on an impressive trajectory that could lead them to being the best team in the NFC. Already, they are looking like a squad that could be considered the best in their conference after a statement 24-9 win over the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

After that game, the debate begun as to where the Lions stack up against the rest of the league, and particularly in their conference. ESPN analyst Jeff Saturday doesn't think it's much of a question where the Lions belong, and it's at the top of the heap.

Following the big win, Saturday was on "Get Up" and revealed he believes the Lions are the top team in the NFC thanks to the way they were able to powerfully disarm a strong Buccaneers team.

"(I'd put them) No. 1. This is a very good football team. And even banged up, I think the Bucs are a great team. I would have had them one, two, three or somewhere in that range. These are two heavyweights that went at it. What I love is it wasn't a perfect game by the Lions. They didn't play perfectly. They still found a way to win and they won it in the antithesis. Usually the Bucs have all these explosive plays. They shut them down. The Lions had eight explosive plays to three for the Bucs. That's the formula to win in the NFL."

If the Lions play a perfect game, it's frightening to think of how good they could be. Offensively, there is plenty of room for growth. Defensively, the team will get healthier in coming weeks, which could lead to some performances even better than they have seen recently.

With games in the second-half against Philadelphia, Green Bay, Minnesota, Washington and the Los Angeles Rams, the Lions will get the chance to prove they are the cream of their league's crop.

Saturday appreciates the multiple different ways Lions can beat teams

Perhaps the biggest reason the Lions are the top threat in the NFC revolves around their complete roster. Not only is Detroit able to win with an elite offense, but their defense has been improved as well, which was on full display against Tampa Bay. Their special teams have also been impressive.

As Saturday explained, he as impressed by the Lions' ability to grind out a win with defense and toughness even when their offense may not have been as consistent and dangerous as it usually is.

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"Dan Campbell's got these guys rolling. It was their best game of the season to me. And I don't mean because of numbers, I mean because of quality opponent and the style they won with. Physicality. They do everything well. They can grind it out to beat you. They can beat you with explosive plays in the pass game. They can beat you with explosive plays in the run game. They can rush the passer."

The Lions have been solid across the board, and if they continue to find ways to tailor their approach week to week, it's easy to see them remaining one of the best teams in the league in addition to their conference.