If not for a second-half meltdown in the NFC Championship Game, the Cinderella Detroit Lions were on the verge of stunning the San Francisco 49ers and competing for the Lombardi Trophy in Super Bowl LVIII.
Have the Lions narrowed the gap on the 49ers in the NFC with some major free agent additions?
According to CBS Sports, the Detroit Lions are the 49ers’ biggest threat to a repeat appearance in the Super Bowl next season.
Detroit Lions Currently No. 2 Ranked Team in the NFC
After fortifying the offensive line in front of quarterback Jared Goff, by signing stalwart guard Kevin Zeitler, and a space-eating defensive tackle in D.J. Reader, the Detroit Lions shored up two of the roster’s weaknesses from last season.
Based on important signings and last season’s deep postseason run, there’s plenty of reason in Detroit to believe the 2024 season will be even more memorable for the Lions.
“Jared Goff proved he can still take a playoff-caliber lineup on a deep run,” writes CBS Sports’ Cody Benjamin. “And now that Reader and Davis have added battle-tested expertise, his defensive support should improve marginally. With Dan Campbell and Ben Johnson refusing to back down, and the offensive line remaining one of the finest in the league, they still project as a well-balanced contender.”
Several NFC teams have made significant moves this offseason, including the Philadelphia Eagles shopping at the top of the market and adding name players to critical areas of need, and the Green Bay Packers increasing the star power surrounding rising quarterback Jordan Love.
Meanwhile, the Chicago Bears are on a roll, especially with quarterback Caleb Williams expected to be selected first overall in the NFL Draft.
However, if last season’s playoff experience pays off as head coach Dan Campbell hopes, the Lions and 49ers might meet again for the championship.
