The 2025 Detroit Lions learned the hard way that just going through the motions and having a winning record wouldn't be enough to get the job done in the tough NFC North. Now, there's no margin for error.
Dan Campbell's team will face a much more forgiving schedule in 2026. And after a long season to look back on what went wrong, dissect the tape, and restore most of the players' bodies, they should be ready to go out with all guns blazing from the jump.
Considering that, and given that this team isn't a finished product and might still need to make a move or two, let's take a look at the three boldest predictions that could make or break the Lions' pivotal 2026 season.
3 bold predictions will define the 2026 Detroit Lions season
Jameson Williams will outplay Amon-Ra St. Brown
To this day, Amon-Ra St. Brown has been the team's undisputed alpha, but that may no longer be the case, at least production-wise. Jameson Williams has been the team's most outstanding player in training camp, per multiple reports, and his breakout season might finally be upon us.
Williams is a big play waiting to happen on every route. He's the team's biggest vertical threat, and he's reportedly put in extensive work on his hands to avoid drops, ball-security issues, and tipped-ball interceptions.
The talent has always been there. He's crafty, elusive, and if he can stay healthy and out of trouble, there's no reason to believe he can't finish the season with the most impressive numbers in the wide receiver corps, especially with defenses zeroing in on St. Brown.
Jahmyr Gibbs will win OPOY
After some back-and-forth, the Lions finally did right by their superstar running back, making Jahmyr Gibbs the highest-paid running back in the history of the game. Now, it's time for him to pay back that confidence.
New offensive coordinator Drew Petzing looks ready to unleash the star running back like never before. He's a dynamic playmaker who can be a true workhorse back, an explosive speedster, or even a threat in the passing game.
With David Montgomery no longer in the building and no reliable backup in sight, Gibbs is looking at a career-high in usage. He's a durable guy who's been kept on a leash for too long, and we're about to see his version yet.
They'll go all-in for a cornerback
As explosive as this team can be on offense, there are still major concerns on the defensive side of the field. That's especially true of their cornerback situation, which only got worse after cutting ties with Terrion Arnold.
If rookie Keith Abney II can't hold his own early on in the campaign, it wouldn't be shocking to see general manager Brad Holmes pull some strings. Joey Porter Jr. might've gotten a new deal by then, but maybe he can still be had.
The Lions can also try to poach Denzel Ward away from the Cleveland Browns. Whatever the case, this team will be tied to any big-name cornerback who might be up for grabs, even if that means parting ways with valuable draft capital. They can't allow that issue to hold them back again in 2026.
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