As of January 6, 2025, the Detroit Lions advanced to the divisional round of NFL playoffs, the very round that marked their final win of the 2023 season. Though a great disappointment to many fans, nobody could be too distraught over the loss in the conference round considering that last year was the first time the Lions made playoffs since 2016 as well as the first time they won a playoff game since 1991. The Lions have never appeared in a Super Bowl game, let alone won, but after a great period of misfortune, this might just be their lucky year.

West Bloomfield High School has plenty of football fans who have made it their business to be well-educated on the Lions, especially this year. Seniors Joel Mathew and Juan Lopez are some such students who graciously agreed to lend their expertise to the cause of this article.

The mighty Lions are characterized by their drive and remarkable work ethic largely owing to head coach Dan Campbell’s advocacy for the importance of grit. Additionally, according to Sporting News, Lions tight end Brock Wright mentioned a new motto prior to the beginning of the 2024-25 season: “it takes more.” Emphasizing the dedication Lions players have to success on the field. 

During the 2023-24 season the players had already shown that they have “more” than any other Lions team, certainly for the better part of the last 50 years, and maybe ever. This season, they’ve had the most wins in the history of the team, and their ranks are packed with immense talent. 

Superstar quarterback Jared Goff has hugely stepped up his game this year with the most touchdowns and highest pass completion percentage of his career. Resident Lions superfan Joel Mathew commented, “if we don’t have him [Jared Goff] under center, we don’t have the season that we have or the production that we have had with that offense.” 

Similarly, Lopez stated that either Goff or Jahmyr Gibbs has been the biggest difference maker for the Lions this season. Gibbs is a young running back in just his second NFL season, and yet he has proven to be a valuable asset to the Lions offense with a whopping 1,412 rushing yards and sixteen touchdowns. 

Though the Detroit-native team is brimming with talent, there have been a lot of injuries this year that threaten the success of the Lions. Most notably, Aidan Hutchinson, the star defensive lineman from the University of Michigan went down earlier this season with a broken leg. 

Mathew pointed out that “when Hutchinson went down he was leading the league in sacks. He’s still leading our team with seven point five and he hasn’t played since October. So to get those stats on the stat sheet and to get those big plays will be an ability that’s impaired.” 

That is a severe loss of potential power for the Lions, but they have still managed to get this far which is a testament to the remaining talent on the team. 

Lopez joked, “I think they will manage just fine, even if half the team’s on crutches.” Lopez also hinted that some injured players may return for the Super Bowl. The possibility of recovering some of the lost talent in the time of greatest need is a source of hope for Lion’s players and fans alike.

With all of their pros and a few cons, it remains to be seen whether the Lions really have what it takes to make it to the Super Bowl and maybe even win. Both WB “experts” agree that the Lions do have a place in the Super Bowl. Lopez contributed his belief in the team to “their strong offense and their run game.” He also pointed out the improvements in the team’s defense from last year as a factor in their Super Bowl potential. 

The Lions ability to apply pressure with their defense, especially in the red zone truly has allowed them to stay on top of some other very talented teams. Additionally, Mathew pointed out that the Lions will have the home field advantage when they face off against the Washington Commanders. He said that’s “huge because it’s one of the loudest atmospheres in the NFL, which will affect the other team.” 

Ever the great Lions optimist, Mathew stated his strong belief that the Lions will go as far as winning the Super Bowl on Sunday, February 9, 2025. Some more qualified experts seem to agree with the WB seniors. According to the NFL website’s editors, the Detroit Lions scored their highest Super Bowl confidence ranking out of all the football teams in the playoffs. 

Though it’s impossible to tell right now, many fans like Mathew and Lopez will be on the edge of their seats, anxiously hoping for the Lions’ success in the ongoing playoffs and, potentially, the Super Bowl.