Detroit Lions 2023-24 Season Guidebook

While the summer season brings much enjoyment to the average person, for an NFL fan, it represents a desolate wasteland where Sundays just aren't quite as vibrant as in the autumn months.  However, with each passing day, we inch closer to the beginning of the 2023 NFL season, which officially kicks off on September 7 this year.

Whether you've had your favorite team's tweet notifications turned on all summer or if you've decided to tune out all football news entirely, you'll be able to learn everything you need to know about your team going into the 2023-24 season right here.
 
In today's article, I'll be discussing the Detroit Lions.

I wrote a guidebook for every team in the NFL heading into the 2023 season.  To check out an article for another team, click the link below:
https://www.bucketsquadsportsreports.com/nfl

2022 Season Recap

After four straight seasons of last place in the NFC North, the Lions surged in 2022 to a 9-8 record for 2nd in the division.  They barely missed out on a playoff spot due to a lost tiebreaker with the Seahawks, but it was still a successful run for Detroit.
 
The Lions were surprisingly one of the top five offenses in the league, finishing in the top 11 in both passing and rushing yards per game.  Their offensive scoring improved from 25th in the NFL to 5th year over year.  However, their defense was among the league’s worst in all categories.  Needless to say, Detroit played in many high-scoring games in 2022. 
 
Significant Roster Moves

Detroit seemingly got rid of their entire secondary in the offseason, with names such as DeShon Elliott, Mike Hughes, Jeff Okudah, and Amani Oruwariye leaving the team.  They’ll also be without receivers DJ Chark and Quintez Cephus and running backs D’Andre Swift, Jamaal Williams, and Justin Jackson.  Kicker Michael Badgley won’t be returning either.
 
Detroit brought in David Montgomery, Marvin Jones, and Denzel Mims to replace the guys lost from the offense, as well as veteran Teddy Bridgewater to back up starting QB Jared Goff.  They also acquired cornerbacks CJ Gardner-Johnson, Emmanuel Moseley, and Cameron Sutton to boost the secondary.  Riley Patterson will be the kicker to begin 2023.
 
2023 Draft Class

The Lions had eight picks in the 2023 draft, including three of the first 34 picks.  With those three they took RB Jahmyr Gibbs, LB Jack Campbell, and TE Sam LaPorta, who will all be immediate starters at their respective positions.  Despite the lack of success on the defensive side of the ball, they only drafted three defensive players this year.  3rd round pick Hendon Hooker could be an underrated sleeper who could work his way into the starting quarterback role down the line. 
 
Season Schedule

The Lions will take on the NFC South and the AFC West in 2023 to go along with their six divisional games.  Their other three opponents are the Seattle Seahawks, Baltimore Ravens, and Dallas Cowboys.  With an opponent prior season win percentage of .495, Detroit has the 20th hardest schedule in the NFL.

Detroit’s primetime games include two Thursday night games at Kansas City and Green Bay and one Monday night game versus Las Vegas.  They also play on Saturday night at Dallas in Week 17, as well as their traditional Thanksgiving Day game, which will be against the Packers this year.
 
Depth Charts

Offense

Defense

Special Teams

The Lions return 13 of their 22 offensive and defensive starters from last year, which is fewer than most teams.  Despite the turnover, the offense should be able to build upon last season’s success with a slightly different assortment of young skill players.  The changes on the defense are likely going to help the team progress as well, given the struggles on that side of the ball last season.
 
Coaching Staff

Dan Campbell returns for his 3rd season as head coach of the Lions.  All three coordinators return from last season as well: Offensive Coordinator Ben Johnson (2nd season), Defensive Coordinator Aaron Glenn (3rdseason), and Special Teams Coordinator Dave Fipp (3rd season). 
 
Betting Odds

Oddsmakers have set the regular season win total for Detroit at 9.5 games.  As of right now, the Lions are favored to win the NFC North and are the 4th most likely team to win the NFC as a whole.  At +2200 to win Super Bowl LVIII, they are 9th among all teams in the league.
 
Bucket Squad Predictions

Bucket Squad Sports Reports predicts the Lions to finish 10-7 in 2023 to end up a game out of 1st place behind the Vikings.  However, they’ll still make it into the playoffs as the 7-seed, ending a six-year drought.

What do you think?  Will Detroit be better or worse than I'm projecting?  What offseason moves made by the Lions surprised you the most?  Leave a comment down below and be sure to check the "NFL" section of the website for more NFL team guidebooks as I finish them.

Written by Nick Swatson
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