Jan 7, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) throws a pass against the Minnesota Vikings in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
The Detroit Lions won the NFC North for the first time in the division’s existence. They will host a home playoff game for the first time since 1994. There is real excitement in Detroit as the conference seems wide open this year. Here is the Detroit Lions playoff preview.
Detroit Lions Playoff Preview
The Lions are the three-seed in the NFC. Getting a home playoff game was huge for the team as they play much better at Ford Field than on the road. Their seeding also guarantees they will not play the top-seeded San Francisco 49ers until the NFC Championship Game. This team features one of the best offenses in the league behind a devastating rushing attack of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs. The defense will get CJ Gardner-Johnson back and has second-year standout Aidan Hutchinson.
Detroit Lions Playoff Preview: Why They Will Win
If the Lions make a run, it will be because of their offense. Offensive coordinator Ben Johnson has plenty of weapons at his disposal. Amon-Ra St. Brown and Sam LaPorta have been some of the best pass-catchers in the league. In January, running the football is highly important. The Lions have not one, but two quality runners who can protect leads. The defense has been suspect but often playoff football comes to one or two game-wrecking plays which Hutchinson is very capable of making. The team can’t be scared of a potential second-round matchup against the Cowboys and if they can make it to the conference championship, anything is possible.
Detroit Lions Playoff Preview: Why They Won’t Win
Jared Goff has been known to have an off-game every so often. He has had some turnover problems late in the season which can be devastating in the playoffs. If Goff comes out flat, the team could find themselves down big early. The defense has also looked very soft at times this season. Part of this has been the health of the unit which is getting better but there are significant holes. It feels like they are a couple of players short and could get carved up by a really good offense. The team has had it happen throughout the season so it isn’t out of the question that they could have it happen again.
Playoff X-Factor
Detroit Lions playoff preview X-factor: Jameson Williams
We’ve seen flashes from the second-year wide receiver out of Alabama. Teams will no doubt be doubling St. Brown leaving Williams with plenty of one-on-one opportunities. If Williams can win a couple of those matchups and pick up chunk plays, this offense becomes even more dangerous. This x-factor could extend to other wide receivers as the team needs someone outside of the main pass-catchers to step up. In the playoffs, teams will force you to beat them in other ways. Williams has the talent and if he can unlock it in the playoffs, this offense will be very difficult to stop.
Check Out More Playoff Previews On The Forkball!
Fans are probably very happy to simply be reading a Detroit Lions playoff preview. However, the team and the fans are not satisfied with just an appearance. This team believes they can make some real noise in the NFC.
