Why the Lions are most likely worst-to-first team in the NFL

In the NFL, fortunes can change almost overnight. A team that finishes last in its division one year can be playing for a division title the next.

The Detroit Lions the most compelling candidate to make that jump in 2026.

Detroit went 9-8 and finished last in the NFC North in 2025, but the Lions remain one of the league's most talented rosters. 

The Lions aren't trying to build something from scratch. They are trying to get back to the level they reached before an injury-plagued 2025 season derailed the team.

The easiest reason to believe in Detroit is its offense.

Jared Goff remains one of the league's better quarterbacks, while Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams and Sam LaPorta give him an impressive group of weapons. Jahmyr Gibbs, now the league's highest-paid running back, could be the biggest difference-maker of them all.

With David Montgomery gone, Gibbs is positioned to take on an even larger role comparable to what Christian McCaffrey has had in San Francisco.

The Lions also continue to have one of the league's best offensive tackles in Penei Sewell. Detroit selected Clemson tackle Blake Miller in the first round to help strengthen the other side of the line.

The Lions also upgraded their coaching staff by bringing in Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, giving Goff another voice and potentially adding another dimension to an offense that already has plenty of talent.

Injuries were a major reason Detroit failed to resemble the team that had dominated the NFC North the previous two seasons.

A healthier roster should immediately make the Lions more competitive, particularly on defense.

Aidan Hutchinson remains the centerpiece of the defensive front, while Detroit has added and developed talent around him. The team also has several young players competing for larger roles as training camp progresses. 

The defense doesn't need to become the best unit in football.

It just needs to give an elite offense enough support.

Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota all have legitimate playoff aspirations, making the NFC North one of the NFL's most competitive divisions.

That's why Detroit's turnaround isn't guaranteed.

But the Lions have already proved they can win this division. They have the quarterback, offensive line, playmakers and coaching to do it again.

Other worst-to-first candidates are hoping to discover what Detroit already has.