NFL Analyst Believes 'No Need to Panic' About Detroit Lions

Detroit still has one of the league's most talented rosters and should jump right back into contention.

Published on Feb. 14, 2026

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ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler recently tiered the 18 NFL teams that did not qualify to make the playoffs, and the Detroit Lions were placed in the "no need to panic" category. Fowler explained that the Lions, led by sixth-year head coach Dan Campbell, still have one of the league's most talented rosters and should jump right back into contention, despite struggling to win consecutive games in the 2025 season and missing the playoffs for the first time since 2022.

Why it matters

The Lions have been a team on the rise in recent years, winning 9, 12 and 15 games over the past three seasons. Their 9-8 record in 2025 was seen as a step back, given the elevated expectations for a team with talent on both sides of the ball. This analysis from a prominent NFL insider suggests the Lions are still well-positioned to bounce back and return to the playoffs in 2026.

The details

Fowler identified "no-doubt" bounce-back squads, teams that are "still a few moves away" from being back in the playoff picture, and teams that likely need full rebuilds. The Lions were placed in the "no need to panic" category, along with the Kansas City Chiefs and Baltimore Ravens. As Fowler explained, "Detroit still has one of the league's most talented rosters and should jump right back into contention. The hiring of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing isn't splashy but will prove vital." However, the Lions have committed nearly $1 billion to star players on extensions, and running back Jahmyr Gibbs is the next to be paid, which could affect roster depth. GM Brad Holmes faces a balancing act to improve the team's run defense and add talent to the secondary.

  • The Detroit Lions missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022 in the 2025 season.
  • ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler recently tiered the 18 NFL teams that did not qualify to make the playoffs.

The players

Dan Campbell

The sixth-year head coach of the Detroit Lions.

Brad Holmes

The general manager of the Detroit Lions, who faces a balancing act to improve the team's roster while managing their salary cap commitments.

Drew Petzing

The new offensive coordinator of the Detroit Lions, whose hiring Fowler believes will prove vital.

Jahmyr Gibbs

The running back for the Detroit Lions who is the next player the team will need to pay a large contract extension.

Jeremy Fowler

An ESPN NFL insider who recently tiered the 18 NFL teams that did not qualify to make the playoffs.

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What they’re saying

“Detroit still has one of the league's most talented rosters and should jump right back into contention. The hiring of offensive coordinator Drew Petzing isn't splashy but will prove vital.”

— Jeremy Fowler, ESPN NFL insider (SI.com)

What’s next

The key roster decisions general manager Brad Holmes needs to make this offseason will be critical to getting the Lions back on track after their down year in 2025. If veteran Taylor Decker retires, the offensive line may need to be overhauled again, and the team will need to address a handful of older free agent veterans who may draw attention from other teams.

The takeaway

Despite their disappointing 9-8 season in 2025, the Detroit Lions are still viewed as a team poised to bounce back quickly and return to the playoffs in 2026. Their talented roster, led by head coach Dan Campbell, is expected to rebound, though the team's salary cap commitments and need to improve the defense will require careful roster management by GM Brad Holmes this offseason.