Detroit Lions 2024-25: Key Players to Watch

With the way their season ended last time, the Detroit Lions were so close and still so far from making their Super Bowl push. But now that they have gathered their wits again and are on the way to making some changes in their games, it is high time to set expectations for the team and see how well they can manage to come up with a bigger run this year.

What Happened to the Detroit Lions in the Playoffs?

Many sportsbooks had the Lions set as favorites to win the Super Bowl for the first time in a long while, and they failed miserably after that massive collapse to the San Francisco 49ers, who went on to secure their ticket to the Super Bowl later on. That loss in the Conference Championships proved to be a costly turn of events for the Lions as they clearly got stung and failed to impress in their game, proving how much of a tough stretch it was for them by the end of the campaign.

Detroit Lions NFC Championship game image

After holding a 14-0 lead to begin the game, and then a 24-7 lead into halftime, the Lions only managed to put up seven points in the second half – all in the dying moments of the game, while the 49ers conjured a 27-point rally to force the game into their favor. The Lions simply had no answer for them, and the meltdown was already complete when the team realized what was happening – making it too late for them to finally come back and claw their way back to the top of the game.

That led them to lose their shot at the Super Bowl. It was a huge fumble that will be remembered for years, and no one can deny the fact that it has affected their offseason plans so far, and it seems that there are going to be a lot of changes for the team at this point in time, which is why the roster is a huge concern moving forward.

Who Should the Lions Expect to Shine in the 2023-24 Season?

With the offseason still yet to put up the NFL Draft and other surprising signings, it seems that the team will have to look up to the remaining players in their roster if they are going to win the Super Bowl now more than ever. The huge loss in the Conference Championships proved to be a tough break, but they have a long way to go if they are going to redeem themselves in the coming season.

Who should the Lions expect to have a big season in the coming campaign?

Jared Goff

Jared Goff image

Unfinished business is something that Goff does not want to have in his slate. After having a promising run of 4,575 yards in 30 touchdowns with 12 interceptions, the expectations are now bigger for Goff to perform at a higher level. He already has some strong protection by his side, and all he needs to do now is to build on that impressive campaign and make sure that he remains consistent moving towards the next season where there will be bigger stakes for the Lions now more than ever. As the third QB in the history of the team to tally multiple playoff wins, it does seem that Goff has what it takes to continue making bigger strides in his games.

On top of that, let’s not forget that Goff himself already has a Super Bowl experience in his belt, and he can definitely lead the rest of the squad to a whole new level if he is going to deliver on his promise. After all, he also has one year left in his contract, and his commitment to the team long-term should be emphasized well.

Cam Sutton

The Lions’ cornerback has not been quite of a force in the key games of the playoffs, but make no mistake, Sutton is ready to step up after a disappointing campaign – where he logged 26 completions allowed on 32 targets, 467 yards, and three TDs allowed. That is a tough stretch that is simply putting the Lions on edge in their games. Let’s not forget that he was nowhere to be found when he faced some of the elite wideouts in the NFL last season. But then again, every player has his ups and downs, and Sutton is just getting started with his new campaign as he aims to get back on track as well.

Cam Sutton image

Aidan Hutchinson

Aidan Hutchinson image

In his second year with the Lions, it is still possible not to see all the improvement all at once. The edge rusher was impactful in his role, albeit in a silent manner, and his midseason dash was as promising as it could be. His impressive groove proved to be a massive impact for the Lions, and he has been quite on the prowl with his games so far. Ahead of the Super Bowl, Hutchinson was the league leader in total pressures, and that is a mark of a great campaign for the 2022 2nd overall pick. His impressive strides on the defensive end have allowed him to become a promising star in the squad, all the more reason why he should be expected to grow to a bigger level too.

Amon-Ra St. Brown

With a massive contract extension looming for St. Brown, it does seem that the receiver has a lot of work ahead of his season. He claimed that it was a sinking feeling, and he would love to get a chance to get back to the top as soon as they can. Aside from the Conference Championship loss, what motivates St. Brown is the snub for the NFC Pro Bowl team last season, and he is really keen to prove his worth alongside Goff as one of the big stars in the team. With season totals of 1,515 yards in 10 touchdowns, his value cannot be underestimated considering that he is really keen to show the league why he deserves more credit for the team’s overall success.

Amon-Ra St. Brown image

Can the Lions Improve in Their Games in the 2023-24 Season?

Moving forward, the Lions still have some adjustments to make, but there’s no doubt that their success will be at the hands of these players heading into the campaign. Of course, one can say that the Lions are still in need of a bigger pace in their games – one that they could carry into the playoffs as well. Fans can only hope that Detroit has learned well from its mistakes in the past, and channel it into a bigger campaign this time.

Who knows, maybe the Lions can turn these tough stretches into a promising run. Secure the top seed, maintain consistency in the playoffs, and finally wrap up their unfinished business now more than ever. Make sure to stay tuned to the latest updates in the NFL and the rest of the sports world by taking a read on our blogs and predictions that can also help you make the best wagers. Visit more of our blogs here at GambleSpot today!