How far will Detroit Lions advance in the 2024-25 NFL playoffs? Will they make it all the way to their first Super Bowl — Super Bowl 2025 in New Orleans on Feb. 9?
The Lions are on a bye week and await their divisional round opponent, which will be the lowest-seeded team remaining between the 4-seed Rams (vs. Minnesota), 5-seed Vikings (at Los Angeles), 6-seed Commanders (at Buccaneers) and 7-seed Packers (at Eagles). If both the Eagles and Bucs win on Sunday, the Lions will be left with the winner of Monday night’s Rams-Vikings, with the game moved to Arizona due to the Los Angeles-area wild fires.
It’s time to ask six Detroit Free Press writers for their predictions on how this historic Lions season finishes in the postseason after a franchise-best 15-2 regular season.
Dave Birkett
I don’t think it’ll be a cakewalk for the Lions to reach their first Super Bowl. The Eagles are a really good team, and playing Matthew Stafford, Puka Nacua and the Rams in the divisional round (if it plays out that way) could be tricky. But I don’t see the Lions losing at home in the postseason. There are three elite quarterbacks and three really good teams in the AFC that will give the Lions a run for their money. But I’m banking on the Lions spending the early part of February in New Orleans. And so long as they avoid the Ravens or Bills, well …
Lions playoff result: Super Bowl — Lions 31, Chiefs 24.
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Carlos Monarrez
This is the privilege of having the No. 1 seed: The Lions get to rest, play at home and prepare more thoroughly for the mere two games they need to win to claim their first Super Bowl. But facing a first-ballot Hall of Fame quarterback supported by an elite defense will be just a little too much in the Lions’ first trip to the big game.
Lions playoff result: Super Bowl — Chiefs 30, Lions 26.
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Jared Ramsey
The Lions have a favorable path to New Orleans. They have the rest advantage in the NFC and already beat half of the conference playoff field at Ford Field this season. The Lions will break through the previous franchise ceiling, but one of the three best quarterbacks in the world coming from the AFC will prevent the parade down Woodward.
Lions playoff result: Super Bowl — Ravens 35, Lions 27.
Rainer Sabin
The Lions’ goal before this season was to not only make the Super Bowl but win it. They are a motivated team. They are also now a rested one after securing a first-round bye. With a strong running game backing the highest scoring offense in the league, Detroit goes all the way and brings home its first Lombardi Trophy.
Lions playoff result: Super Bowl — Lions 31, Bills 28.
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Jeff Seidel
Before the season, I predicted the Lions would go 13-4 and win the Super Bowl. So, they exceeded my expectations so far. Now, with Alex Anzalone back, I see no reason to change. They have homefield advantage, an offense that is clicking and a defense that can push this team over the top. Pack up for New Orleans. Taylor Swift is gonna be bummed.
Lions playoff result: Super Bowl — Lions 35, Chiefs 31.
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Shawn Windsor
This is the nature of our business, and perhaps the speculative nature of our world, that we are asked to argue how far the Lions will go in the playoffs without knowing anything about who they will play in the first game. But, here goes: The Lions will get to the Super Bowl as long as they don’t face Matthew Stafford or Sam Darnold in the divisional round. And if they get to the Super Bowl, then hey, they are winning it.
Lions playoff result: Super Bowl — Lions 31, Ravens 30.
Stay tuned for the best Lions coverage throughout the playoffs and all year long at freep.com/sports/lions.
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