Detroit Lions

Team Overview

The Detroit Lions roar into 2025 as a legitimate NFC contender, building on a 12-5 season and an NFC Championship appearance in 2024. Under head coach Dan Campbell, the Lions’ high-octane offense and improving defense make them a prime survivor pool target. With Jared Goff leading a stacked skill group and a defense bolstered by young talent, Detroit offers multiple high-probability win weeks, especially at home. Survivor pool players should capitalize on their favorable midseason matchups but tread carefully in divisional games.


Team Roster Review

Offense

  • Quarterback: Jared Goff (4,457 yards, 30 TDs, 7 INTs in 2024), Hendon Hooker, Jake Fromm. Goff’s precision in Ben Johnson’s scheme remains elite, with Hooker as a mobile backup option.
  • Running Backs: Jahmyr Gibbs (1,066 yards, 10 TDs in 2024), David Montgomery (1,012 yards, 13 TDs), Craig Reynolds, Sione Vaki. Gibbs’ explosiveness and Montgomery’s power create a top-tier backfield, supported by a strong offensive line.
  • Wide Receivers: Amon-Ra St. Brown (1,515 yards, 10 TDs in 2024, All-Pro), Jameson Williams, Kalif Raymond, Donovan Peoples-Jones, Malik Washington (rookie). St. Brown is a YAC machine, and Williams’ deep-threat ability stretches defenses.
  • Tight Ends: Sam LaPorta (889 yards, 10 TDs in 2024, Pro Bowl), Brock Wright, James Mitchell. LaPorta’s versatility as a receiver and blocker is a cornerstone of the offense.
  • Offensive Line: LT Taylor Decker, LG Graham Glasgow, C Frank Ragnow (All-Pro), RG Kevin Zeitler, RT Penei Sewell (All-Pro). This unit, one of the NFL’s best, allowed just 31 sacks (4th-fewest) in 2024, fueling the run and pass games.


Defense

  • Defensive Line: Edge: Aidan Hutchinson (11.5 sacks in 2024, Pro Bowl), Marcus Davenport, Josh Paschal, James Houston. Interior: Alim McNeill, DJ Reader, Levi Onwuzurike, Jermar Jefferson (rookie). Hutchinson’s dominance and Reader’s signing bolster a disruptive front.
  • Linebackers: Alex Anzalone (117 tackles in 2024), Jack Campbell, Malcolm Rodriguez, Derrick Barnes, Tyrel Dodson (free agent). Campbell’s breakout and Anzalone’s leadership anchor a versatile group.
  • Secondary: CB Brian Branch, Carlton Davis, Terrion Arnold, Amik Robertson, Ennis Rakestraw Jr. S Kerby Joseph (4 INTs in 2024), Ifeatu Melifonwu, Brandon Joseph. The secondary, with Arnold’s emergence, is a turnover-forcing machine.
  • Special Teams: K Jake Bates (27/30 FGs in 2024), P Jack Fox (47.8 gross avg., All-Pro), LS Hogan Hatten. Bates’ clutch kicking and Fox’s field-flipping punts are elite, though return coverage needs tightening.


2025 Draft Class

  • Round 1, Pick 29: DT Jermar Jefferson (LSU) – 5.5 sacks in 2024, explosive first step. Adds depth to interior rotation.
  • Round 2, Pick 61: WR Malik Washington (Miami) – 944 yards, 9 TDs in 2024. Speedy slot receiver with return ability.
  • Round 3, Pick 92: CB Cam Hart (Notre Dame) – 3 INTs, 83.2 PFF coverage grade. Press-man specialist for depth.
  • Round 4, Pick 129: LB Tommy Eichenberg (Ohio State) – 112 tackles in 2024. Run-stopper with special teams value.
  • Round 5, Pick 166: S MJ Devonshire (Pittsburgh) – 4 INTs in 2024, versatile in zone schemes. Nickel depth.
  • Round 6, Pick 205: TE AJ Barner (Michigan) – 44 catches in 2024. Blocking-first TE with red-zone upside.
  • Round 7, Pick 243: RB Isaiah Davis (South Dakota State) – 1,217 yards in 2024. Depth runner with pass-blocking skills.


Team Offense and Defense Metrics (2024 Season)

  • Offense: 408.1 total YPG (2nd), 271.1 passing YPG (4th), 137.0 rushing YPG (7th). The Lions’ balanced attack, led by Goff’s efficiency and Gibbs-Montgomery’s ground game, overwhelmed defenses.
  • Defense: 336.1 YPG allowed (17th), 23 takeaways (t-6th), 45 sacks (5th). Hutchinson’s pass rush and Branch’s playmaking elevated a unit that struggled against the run (22nd, 128.9 YPG).
  • 2025 Outlook: The offense should remain top-5, with Goff and the skill group thriving in Johnson’s scheme. Defense, with Aaron Glenn’s tweaks and new additions, could crack the top 12 if run defense improves.


2025 Schedule Analysis

Week Date Opponent Location Time/Network Win Probability Survivor Pool Fit
1 Sun, Sep 7 Green Bay Packers Away 4:25 PM, CBS 55% Poor: Divisional road opener against a playoff-caliber Packers team is risky.
2 Sun, 9/14 Chicago Bears Home 1:00 PM, FOX 65% Streamable: Bears’ inconsistent offense makes this a winnable home game.
3 Mon, 9/22 Baltimore Ravens Home 8:15 PM, ESPN 50% Poor: Ravens’ physicality and Jackson’s dual-threat make this a toss-up.
4 Sun, 9/28 Cleveland Browns Home 1:00 PM, FOX 70% Top-Tier Anchor: Browns’ shaky offense is a prime target at Ford Field.
5 Sun, 10/5 Cincinnati Bengals Home 4:25 PM, FOX 60% Streamable: Bengals’ offense is tough, but Lions’ home advantage tips the scales.
6 Sun, 10/12 Kansas City Chiefs Home 8:20 PM, NBC 45% Avoid: Chiefs’ elite roster and Mahomes make this a dangerous pick.
7 Mon, 10/20 Tampa Bay Buccaneers Home 7:00 PM, ESPN 68% Top-Tier Anchor: Bucs’ aging roster and travel to Detroit make this a safe bet.
8 Sun, Oct 26 Minnesota Vikings Away 1:00 PM, FOX 52% Poor: Divisional road game against a playoff contender is too close to call.
9 Sun, 11/2 Minnesota Vikings Home 1:00 PM, FOX 58% Poor: Divisional rematch with playoff stakes is risky, even at home.
10 Sun, 11/9 Washington Commanders Away 4:25 PM, FOX 62% Streamable: Commanders’ rebuilding offense is manageable, but road game adds risk.
11 Sun, 11/16 Philadelphia Eagles Away 8:20 PM, NBC 40% Avoid: Eagles’ stacked roster and road disadvantage spell trouble.
12 Sun, 11/23 New York Giants Home 1:00 PM, FOX 75% Top-Tier Anchor: Giants’ rebuilding roster is a lock at Ford Field.
13 Thu, 11/27 Green Bay Packers Home 1:00 PM, FOX 60% Streamable: Divisional home game, but Packers’ talent keeps it closer than ideal.
14 Thu, Dec 4 Dallas Cowboys Home 8:15 PM, PRIME 55% Poor: Cowboys’ offensive firepower makes this a risky home game.
15 Sun, 12/14 Los Angeles Rams Home 4:25 PM, FOX 65% Streamable: Rams’ inconsistent offense is a good matchup at home.
16 Sun, 12/21 Pittsburgh Steelers Away 4:25 PM, CBS 50% Avoid: Steelers’ gritty defense and road game make this a trap.
17 Thu, 12/25 Minnesota Vikings Away 4:30 PM, NETFLIX 48% Avoid: Late-season divisional road game with playoff stakes is too risky.
18 Sat, 1/4 Chicago Bears Away 1:00 PM, TBD 50% Poor: Divisional finale at Soldier Field is unpredictable.

*Win probabilities are estimates based on 2024 performance, roster changes, and opponent strength.


Notes on Key Stats from 2024

  • The Lions’ offense ranked 2nd in total yards (408.1 YPG) and 3rd in points scored (32.1 PPG), driven by Goff’s 71.2% completion rate and St. Brown’s 118 receptions.
  • Defensively, they generated 45 sacks (5th) and 23 takeaways (t-6th), with Hutchinson’s 33 QB pressures leading the team.
  • Jahmyr Gibbs averaged 5.8 YPC, ranking 4th among RBs with 150+ carries, a testament to the offensive line’s dominance.
  • Jake Bates went 10/11 on FGs from 40-49 yards, providing reliability in close games.
  • The Lions’ 3rd-down conversion rate (46.7%) was 2nd in the NFL, showcasing their ability to sustain drives.


Survivor Pool Strategy

The Detroit Lions are a Top-Tier Anchor team for 2025 survivor pools, with three standout home games (Weeks 4, 7, 12) offering high win probabilities against weaker opponents. Their explosive offense and improving defense make them a reliable pick at Ford Field, where they went 7-2 in 2024. However, their divisional schedule (six games against Green Bay, Minnesota, Chicago) and tough road matchups require caution. Use the Lions early or midseason to save other elite teams for later weeks, and avoid divisional traps.


Best Survivor Picks

  • Week 4 vs. Cleveland Browns (Home): The Browns’ inconsistent offense faces a brutal test against Detroit’s pass rush and secondary at Ford Field. A 70% win probability makes this a safe anchor.
  • Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers (Home): The Bucs’ aging roster and travel to Detroit give the Lions a 68% win probability. The offense should feast in this Monday night matchup.
  • Week 12 vs. New York Giants (Home): The Giants’ rebuilding roster is no match for Detroit’s firepower, with a 75% win probability making this a lock at home.


Weeks to Avoid

  • Week 6 vs. Kansas City Chiefs (Home): The Chiefs’ elite roster and Mahomes’ wizardry make this a dangerous pick, even at home (45% win probability).
  • Week 11 at Philadelphia Eagles: The Eagles’ stacked roster and road disadvantage spell trouble (40% win probability).
  • Week 17 at Minnesota Vikings: A late-season divisional road game with playoff implications is too risky (48% win probability).
  • Week 16 at Pittsburgh Steelers: The Steelers’ defense and road challenge make this a trap (50% win probability).


Additional Survivor Pool Considerations

  • Home-Field Advantage: Ford Field’s raucous crowd and Detroit’s 7-2 home record in 2024 make Weeks 4, 7, and 12 prime spots.
  • Divisional Risks: Six NFC North games are coin-flips, with Green Bay and Minnesota posing particular threats due to playoff-caliber rosters.
  • Offensive Firepower: The Lions’ ability to score 30+ points (9 games in 2024) makes them a safe bet against weaker defenses, especially at home.
  • Injury Concerns: Monitor Hutchinson and Sewell’s health, as their absence could impact defensive and offensive line play in close games.


Final Verdict

The Detroit Lions are a top-tier survivor pool pick for 2025, offering three high-confidence home games (Weeks 4, 7, 12) where their explosive offense and disruptive defense should dominate. Dan Campbell’s aggressive style and Ben Johnson’s play-calling make them a nightmare for weaker opponents at Ford Field. However, their tough divisional slate and marquee matchups (Chiefs, Eagles) require careful timing. Use the Lions early or midseason to maximize value and save other elite teams for the stretch run.

  • When is the best week to pick the Detroit Lions in a 2025 NFL Survivor Pool?

    Week 12 vs. the New York Giants is the safest pick, with a 75% win probability at home. The Lions’ offense should overwhelm a rebuilding Giants roster, and their defense will capitalize on turnovers.

  • Are the Lions a good survivor pool pick in divisional games?

    Avoid divisional games (Weeks 1, 8, 9, 13, 17, 18). NFC North matchups are too unpredictable, with tight spreads and playoff stakes, especially against Green Bay and Minnesota.

  • How does the Lions’ offense impact their survivor pool value?

    Detroit’s top-5 offense (408.1 YPG in 2024) makes them a reliable pick against weaker defenses, especially at home. Goff’s efficiency and Gibbs’ explosiveness ensure they can outscore most opponents in favorable matchups.