Detroit Lions Get Not One but Two Huge Boosts Ahead of NFL Playoffs’ Divisional Round
As the NFL playoffs heat up, few teams are garnering as much attention as the Detroit Lions, who have made a stunning run to the Divisional Round of the playoffs. A franchise that was once seen as perennial underdogs, the Lions have transformed into one of the most exciting and promising teams in the league. While their ascent has been fueled by the development of young stars, solid team chemistry, and an innovative coaching staff, they are now primed for a deep postseason push. What’s more, Detroit fans got some great news recently: the Lions are about to receive not one, but two huge boosts ahead of their Divisional Round matchup. These developments could significantly alter the course of their playoff run, potentially sending them to the NFC Championship and beyond.
The Detroit Lions’ Unexpected Rise
Before we delve into the latest updates, it’s important to understand how the Lions arrived at this point. After years of mediocrity and underperformance, the Lions have turned things around under the guidance of head coach Dan Campbell. Known for his tough, no-nonsense mentality and fiery leadership style, Campbell has successfully instilled a culture of resilience and determination in his players. Coupled with the remarkable development of quarterback Jared Goff and the explosive playmaking ability of their offensive weapons, the Lions have exceeded expectations in 2025.
Goff, who was once seen as a liability after leaving Los Angeles, has had a renaissance in Detroit. His connection with wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown and Jameson Williams has created one of the most potent passing attacks in the NFL. Meanwhile, the running game, led by rookie standout Jahmyr Gibbs, has given the Lions a balanced offensive attack that keeps opposing defenses on their toes.
On the defensive side of the ball, Detroit has leaned heavily on a mix of young talent and veteran leadership. Players like linebacker Jack Campbell, safety Kerby Joseph, and defensive end Aidan Hutchinson have emerged as key playmakers, while veterans like linebacker Alex Anzalone and cornerback Cameron Sutton provide stability and experience.
As the Lions clinched a playoff berth and powered through the Wild Card round, the excitement surrounding their potential only grew. But two particular updates in the days leading up to the Divisional Round have made this team’s Super Bowl aspirations even more plausible.
Huge Boost #1: The Return of Jameson Williams
One of the biggest storylines of the Lions’ 2025 season has been the development of second-year wide receiver Jameson Williams. The former Alabama standout was a top-10 pick in the 2022 NFL Draft, but his rookie season was marred by injury. After spending much of his first year recovering from an ACL tear suffered during his final college season, Williams has started to show glimpses of his immense potential. And with Detroit heading into the Divisional Round, his return to full health could not come at a better time.
Williams had been plagued by inconsistency in his second year, particularly with his timing and rhythm within the offense. However, over the past few weeks, the young wideout has started to round into form. His speed and vertical threat are a perfect complement to Goff’s precision passing and St. Brown’s possession skills. If Williams can stay healthy, he becomes a game-changing asset for the Lions’ offense, stretching the field and creating more opportunities for the running game.
The Lions’ offense had already been explosive, but Williams’ full reintegration gives Goff yet another weapon to work with, potentially giving them one of the most dynamic passing attacks in the postseason. His ability to take the top off a defense will force opposing teams to adjust their coverage schemes, opening up more space for other targets like St. Brown and tight end Sam LaPorta to operate underneath.
This gives Detroit the added dimension they need to match up against some of the NFL’s top defenses in the playoffs. With a dual-threat wide receiver like Williams healthy and firing on all cylinders, Detroit could become an even tougher team to stop as they try to make a run for the Super Bowl.
Huge Boost #2: The Activation of David Montgomery
While Williams’ return provides a significant boost to the Lions’ aerial attack, the second game-changing update comes in the form of a return to full health for running back David Montgomery. Montgomery, who had been dealing with a nagging thigh injury for much of the regular season, is finally back to full strength ahead of the Divisional Round.
The importance of Montgomery’s presence in the Lions’ offense cannot be overstated. While rookie sensation Jahmyr Gibbs has been a revelation, Montgomery is the bruising, between-the-tackles back that allows Detroit to grind out games and control the clock. His physical running style, coupled with the ability to power through defenders and break tackles, makes him a key cog in the Lions’ offensive machine. Additionally, Montgomery’s ability to catch passes out of the backfield provides even more versatility to the offense, especially on third downs when the team is looking to move the chains.
With Montgomery back at full strength, the Lions can now implement a two-pronged attack that balances the finesse of Gibbs’ speed and agility with the power and toughness of Montgomery’s running style. This creates a matchup nightmare for opposing defenses, who will have to prepare for both backs to play a significant role. Furthermore, Montgomery’s presence in the backfield will help to protect Goff by allowing the Lions to maintain a balanced offense that keeps defenses guessing.
In the postseason, where controlling the tempo and wearing down the opposition is crucial, Montgomery’s ability to churn out tough yards could prove to be the difference-maker in key games. Against some of the NFL’s top defenses in the postseason, having both Montgomery and Gibbs in the backfield creates a dual threat that makes it difficult for any defensive coordinator to formulate a game plan to contain both running backs effectively.
How These Two Boosts Shape Detroit’s Playoff Run
The return of Jameson Williams and David Montgomery couldn’t have come at a better time for the Detroit Lions. Both players offer an essential skill set that complements the team’s existing strengths. With these two playmakers back at full strength, the Lions now have a more complete roster heading into the Divisional Round. They will enter this phase of the playoffs with one of the most balanced and dynamic offenses in the league.
In the postseason, teams often rely on a combination of offensive firepower and defensive prowess to make deep runs. With players like Williams and Montgomery on the field, the Lions’ offense now has the capability to go toe-to-toe with the best in the league. At the same time, Detroit’s defense, with stars like Hutchinson, Joseph, and Campbell, gives them the potential to shut down opposing offenses and create turnovers when it matters most.
Moreover, the leadership of Dan Campbell has proven to be one of the most underrated assets for the Lions. His ability to inspire his players, make adjustments in high-pressure situations, and keep the team focused will be vital as Detroit seeks to navigate the high-stakes environment of the playoffs. With so much talent and confidence on the roster, there’s no reason why the Lions can’t continue their run deep into January and February.
The Road Ahead: A Super Bowl in Sight?
As the Detroit Lions prepare for their Divisional Round matchup, the excitement among the fanbase is palpable. With two key players returning to form and contributing to the team’s success, Detroit is primed to continue their playoff journey. The Lions will need to stay healthy, play with discipline, and execute their game plans to perfection, but with the right mindset and contributions from Williams, Montgomery, and the rest of the roster, they have the talent to compete with the best.
For the first time in years, Lions fans have something to believe in: a team with the potential to make a Super Bowl run. With two huge boosts ahead of the Divisional Round, Detroit’s road to the championship might just be beginning.
