After a season in which they made it all the way to the NFC title game, the Detroit Lions have legitimate Super Bowl aspirations going into the 2024 NFL season.
Not only do we base that on the Lions' 2023 finish, but it's also a result of Detroit having a supremely talented roster on both sides of the ball, and especially on offense, where the Lions could have the best unit in football.
And that's reflected in the offense rankings of Bleacher Report's Alex Ballentine, who placed the Lions at No. 3 on the list, falling behind only the Kansas City Chiefs (No. 2) and San Francisco 49ers (No. 1).
Here's Ballentine's thoughts on the matter:
The Detroit Lions continue to prove themselves as an elite offense, even if they are doing it in an unconventional way. While most teams are focused on building an elite receiving corps and explosive passing game, the Lions are building a great attack with a shallow group of receivers, a dynamic running back duo and a burgeoning tight end in Sam LaPorta.
Just about every important starter from the group that ranked fourth in yards per play, fifth in offensive DVOA and fifth in scoring is back. Jonah Jackson left in free agency, but the Lions replaced him with Kevin Zeitler. There's no reason to doubt the Lions will once again be a top-five group in every meaningful category.
Ballentine rightly points out that the Lions need someone else to step up in their receiving corps. after the departure of Josh Reynolds, who had the second-most receiving yards at the position in 2023.
The Lions hope Jameson Williams is that guy after two quiet seasons to start his career. It's fair to note, however, that the Alabama product was coming off a torn ACL in 2022 and a gambling suspension that cost him four games in 2023.
Detroit could also use more depth options, but if Williams can emerge in his third year alongside the team's top wide receiver, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and emerging star tight end Sam LaPorta, the Lions are going to have a very potent passing attack.
Other than wide receiver, the Lions are rock-solid everywhere else. Quarterback Jared Goff has shown he has what it takes to get the Lions far, Detroit has a pair of very good running backs in David Montomgery and Jahmyr Gibbs, an elite offensive line, and there is great depth behind LaPorta.
If the Lions can fulfill all that promise on offense while getting more from their defense, they're going to be extremely difficult to beat in 2024.
