Early 2024 NFL power rankings: Lions are ranked among elite teams.

The Lions have earned a lot of respect from industry analysts as they prepare for the 2024 season.
“Offensively, the Lions have few gaps to fill. However, the defense tells a different narrative. Following their appearance in the NFC Championship Game, the Lions have the 29th overall pick in the draft. They should consider adding talent to the front four of the defensive line and the secondary, as well as another cornerback to help with a pass coverage team that allowed the sixth-most passing yards (247.4) per game last season. Lions general manager Brad Holmes said they will continue to be’very smart’ and’very picky’ in their draft and signing process, but will use free agency when necessary.

“Everyone’s favorite underdog had the 49ers on the ropes in the NFC Championship game, has money to spend ($47 million in cap space), and, amazingly, still retains offensive coordinator Ben Johnson, who turned down the Washington Commanders to remain in Detroit. Every big offensive contributor is still under contract for a squad that finished fifth in the league in scoring (27.35 ppg). When coach Dan Campbell declared after the loss to the Niners that it would be “twice as hard” to go back to that position next season, he wasn’t being negative; it was simply his first motivating speech of the 2024 season.

“Make no mistake: having Ben Johnson back as offensive coordinator is a huge deal. Jared Goff had perhaps his best season and unquestionably his best postseason, thanks in large part to the playoff opportunities. Now he gets to run it back against the backdrop of a youthful defense that might improve in 2024. Perhaps this year’s NFC Championship Game was the team’s greatest chance at a Super Bowl, but it doesn’t feel that way.”Dan Campbell is correct that the Lions may never return to the NFC Championship game, but aside from the two Super Bowl participants, I don’t believe anyone is better positioned to make a run. Almost all of Detroit’s core players are young, therefore there aren’t many key free agents. Ben Johnson has elected to return as offensive coordinator. That’s before you consider the Lions’ $50 million in salary-cap room, which they might increase even more by extending Jared Goff. They were a play or two away from making the Super Bowl this year, and they might have an even better team in 2024.”