The Detroit Lions may be a contender for years to come, according to an ESPN analysis.
A group of ESPN NFL insiders released their NFL Future Power Rankings on Monday, Aug. 17, ranking all 32 NFL teams by their projected performance for 2027-29. And while the Lions didn't top the list (the defending Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks did), the Lions ranked highly, coming in at No. 3.
"As GM Brad Holmes begins paying the legendary 2023 draft class that galvanized this Lions turnaround, future contention becomes tougher and tougher in Detroit. But between Holmes and coach Dan Campbell, the Lions' leadership is unquestionable," writes Ben Solak. "And Detroit's group of young stars entering their primes ... is as deep as any."
The rankings grade
each team's projected roster, front office, coaching and quarterback situations on a 0-100 scale, giving the biggest weight to the roster (30%) and lowest weight to the quarterback (20%). According to the four analysts who made up the rankings, the Lions rate the highest in coaching (90.5, seventh in the league) but rank the highest in front office (83.5, fifth in the league).
ESPN's Louis Riddick provided some reasons for concern for the team's pass-rushing ability alongside two-time Pro Bowler Aidan Hutchinson but shared bigger doubts about Detroit's secondary.
"What is of more concern is the secondary, where Brian Branch is trying to come back from an Achilles tear and Kerby Joseph is rehabbing a knee injury. Both are among the best in the league at their position, so it would be a major blow if they can't get back to their top form," he writes.
The Lions finished the 2025 season at 9-8 and last place in the NFC North, missing the playoffs for the first time since the 2022 season. That makes it somewhat of a surprise that the Lions are ranked higher on this list than every AFC team and all but two NFC teams, with the Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles the only two teams ranked above them. The next NFC North team on this list is the Green Bay Packers (No. 7), followed by the Chicago Bears (No. 12) and Minnesota Vikings (No. 18).
Courtesy of their last-place finish, the Lions enter the season with the easiest schedule in the NFL according to Sharp Football Analysis. That could give Detroit a boost for 2026 even with outstanding questions about the offensive line and the secondary.
And if ESPN's analysis is to be trusted, that success should extend for the three seasons beyond this one, as well.
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You can reach Christian at cromo@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit Lions rank in top 3 in ESPN NFL Future Power Rankings
