This is Detroit’s Chance to Win the Super Bowl, Along with My Predictions for Wildcard Weekend
The 2024 NFL season has been nothing short of exhilarating, with teams from across the league showing off their talent, grit, and resilience. As we enter the playoffs, one team stands out as an underdog with an exciting chance to make a deep run—and that team is the Detroit Lions. With their best season in years, Detroit has proven it’s ready to challenge the status quo and make a Super Bowl run. With a young, dynamic roster, a strong head coach in Dan Campbell, and a city buzzing with anticipation, this might just be Detroit’s chance to win the Super Bowl.
In addition to discussing the Lions’ potential playoff success, I’ll dive into my predictions for Wildcard Weekend—offering a preview of the matchups, my thoughts on which teams will come out on top, and what to watch for as the playoffs unfold.
Detroit Lions: A Team Built for Success
The Detroit Lions are the epitome of the modern NFL underdog. For years, they’ve struggled to make a deep playoff push, but 2024 marks the year that they finally look like a team with Super Bowl aspirations. It’s easy to dismiss Detroit given its lack of postseason success over the years, but this team is different.
The Rise of Jared Goff
A major part of the Lions’ success has been the impressive play of quarterback Jared Goff. After being traded from the Los Angeles Rams in 2021, Goff faced a great deal of skepticism. Many believed he was a byproduct of the Rams’ system and would not be able to lead a team in Detroit. But Goff has silenced the doubters, putting together a career year in 2024. His poise in the pocket, ability to make all the throws, and leadership have turned the Lions’ offense into one of the most efficient in the league.
Goff’s growth as a quarterback has been complemented by the development of his receiving corps. Amon-Ra St. Brown, one of the league’s emerging stars, has become Goff’s go-to target, and his ability to create separation and rack up yards after the catch makes him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Additionally, rookie wideout Jameson Williams has added an explosive deep-threat element to Detroit’s attack, providing a nice balance to the Lions’ offensive arsenal.
A Powerful Run Game
While much of the focus has been on Goff’s impressive passing numbers, the Detroit Lions’ running game has been equally dominant. Led by one of the most underrated running backs in the league, David Montgomery, and the explosive Jahmyr Gibbs, Detroit has an offense capable of wearing down opposing defenses. Their ability to run the ball effectively will be critical come playoff time, as it can control the tempo and keep opposing offenses off the field.
Detroit’s offensive line has been one of the best in the league, allowing just 28 sacks this season while creating holes for Montgomery and Gibbs to exploit. In the postseason, where every possession counts, the Lions’ ability to win in the trenches could give them the edge over many other teams.
A Resilient Defense
Detroit’s defense has been one of the league’s most improved units in 2024. Under defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, the Lions have transformed from a bottom-tier defense to one capable of stifling opposing offenses. The addition of rookies like defensive back Brian Branch and defensive lineman Jack Campbell has bolstered the defense, but it’s the play of veterans like Aidan Hutchinson that’s truly made the difference.
Hutchinson, who has emerged as one of the league’s most dynamic pass rushers, is a game-changer on the defensive line. His ability to disrupt opposing quarterbacks will be crucial in the postseason, where pressure on the QB can make or break a game. Detroit’s secondary has also played at a high level, limiting big plays and forcing turnovers.
The Lions’ defense is far from perfect, but they are opportunistic and play well as a unit. If they can continue to limit explosive plays and take advantage of turnovers, they’ll be a tough team to beat in the playoffs.
Dan Campbell’s Leadership
Finally, the leadership of Dan Campbell cannot be overstated. Since taking over as head coach in 2021, Campbell has instilled a culture of toughness, resilience, and fearlessness in his team. His players love playing for him, and his aggressive, never-back-down mentality has helped Detroit become one of the most exciting and unpredictable teams in the NFL.
If the Lions can continue playing with the passion and energy that Campbell demands, they could make a legitimate Super Bowl run in 2024.
Wildcard Weekend Predictions
With Detroit in the playoff picture, let’s turn our attention to the upcoming Wildcard Weekend. The NFL postseason is one of the most thrilling times of the year, and there are plenty of exciting matchups to look forward to. I’m going to break down my predictions for each of the Wildcard Weekend games, offering some insight into how the matchups might play out.
1. Buffalo Bills vs. Miami Dolphins
The Buffalo Bills enter the playoffs as one of the top teams in the AFC, led by quarterback Josh Allen. The Dolphins, on the other hand, have had a roller-coaster season but have managed to secure a spot in the postseason. With Tua Tagovailoa’s health in question, the Dolphins face an uphill battle against a high-powered Bills offense.
Prediction: Bills win. Even if Tua is able to play, the Bills have too much firepower and experience to lose this game at home. Buffalo will lean on their defense to shut down Miami’s offense and will control the game with Allen’s big-play ability.
2. Cincinnati Bengals vs. Jacksonville Jaguars
The Bengals are coming off a Super Bowl appearance and have the best quarterback in the AFC in Joe Burrow. The Jaguars, while a solid team, are still inexperienced in the postseason. Quarterback Trevor Lawrence will need to play the best game of his career to have a shot at upsetting Cincinnati.
Prediction: Bengals win. Burrow’s composure in big moments will make the difference. While Lawrence will show flashes of brilliance, the Bengals’ defense will be able to contain him and put enough pressure on Jacksonville to secure a win.
3. Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
The Lions and Vikings have been in a battle for NFC North supremacy all season, and now the two teams meet in the postseason. The Vikings have one of the league’s best records but have been inconsistent at times. Detroit, on the other hand, has been red-hot.
Prediction: Lions win. This is Detroit’s moment to shine. Their offense will be too much for the Vikings’ defense to handle, and their defense will be able to limit Kirk Cousins and Minnesota’s playmakers. With Goff playing at a high level and the Lions’ offensive line controlling the line of scrimmage, Detroit will secure a hard-fought victory.
4. San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks
The 49ers are one of the most complete teams in the NFC, with a dominant defense, a balanced offense, and an explosive playmaker in Deebo Samuel. The Seahawks, while a solid team, have had an up-and-down year, and their defense could struggle to contain San Francisco’s attack.
Prediction: 49ers win. San Francisco’s defense will overwhelm Seattle’s offense, and their offense will have no trouble moving the ball. The 49ers are one of the most well-rounded teams in the league, and they’ll show why in this game.
5. Kansas City Chiefs vs. Los Angeles Chargers
The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes, are perennial Super Bowl contenders. The Chargers, with quarterback Justin Herbert, have a talented roster but have struggled with consistency. Kansas City’s offense will be difficult to stop, and their defense has improved throughout the season.
Prediction: Chiefs win. Mahomes is simply too good in the postseason, and his ability to perform under pressure will lead Kansas City to victory. The Chargers will put up a fight, but Kansas City’s experience and Mahomes’ playmaking will prove too much in the end.
6. Philadelphia Eagles vs. New York Giants
The Philadelphia Eagles have been dominant all season, with MVP candidate Jalen Hurts leading the charge. The Giants, while a resilient team, will have their hands full trying to stop the Eagles’ high-powered offense and solid defense.
Prediction: Eagles win. Philadelphia’s talent will shine through in this game. Hurts will make plays with his arm and legs, and the Eagles’ defense will do enough to stifle the Giants’ offense. Philadelphia will advance to the next round.
