The Lions’ playoff odds sit near 3%, making a Week 17 road loss likely. For bettors: expect Detroit futures to remain undervalued — consider the under on win totals and avoid heavy investment in Lions defensive sack props until edge help arrives. Offseason needs (center, tackle, edge, safety) suggest the team will target veteran fixes, keeping short-term betting risk high while long-term upside depends on roster reinforcements.
Detroit Lions face offseason crossroads after slim playoff hope
The Detroit Lions will spend Christmas in Minneapolis with about a 3% chance of making the playoffs. Barring a miracle, the season is effectively over and attention turns to an offseason that must address multiple roster weaknesses if the franchise hopes to avoid a repeat.
Priority need: a long-term center
Frank Ragnow’s status remains pivotal
Frank Ragnow briefly attempted a comeback before a Grade 3 hamstring strain ended his season. Still not 30, he has the experience the Lions covet at center. If he heals and elects to return, he could solve a pressing need. If he retires, Detroit must decide quickly between developing Tate Ratledge, extending Graham Glasgow, or pursuing a veteran in free agency or via trade.
Why center matters for the offense
A quality center is more than a blocker — he identifies threats pre-snap and stabilizes the offensive line. Relying on an unproven option risks quarterback protection and run-game efficiency. Glasgow can provide a bridge, but salary-cap considerations and age (he’ll be 34 before 2026) complicate the picture.
Offensive tackle: succession planning required
Taylor Decker has publicly pondered retirement as shoulder issues persist. Giovanni Manu showed potential but missed significant time after a knee injury and hasn’t proven he can be the long-term solution. The Lions will likely need to draft or sign a swing or eventual starting tackle to avoid a disruption in the trenches that would ripple through the offense.
Edge rush: a clear area for upgrade
Detroit’s edge group entered the season with Aidan Hutchinson, Marcus Davenport, Al-Quadin Muhammad, Josh Paschal and others, but injuries and inconsistent production left the pass rush thin. The team ranks among the slower squads in average time to pressure. Hutchinson is productive but increasingly chipped and double-teamed; he needs complementary help.
Paths to improvement
The Lions must choose whether to pursue an immediate impact player in free agency or draft multiple high-upside edge defenders. A conservative approach has left the room light; a more aggressive strategy is warranted to protect Hutchinson from constant targeting and to restore consistent pressure.
Safety situation demands attention
Kerby Joseph has missed the last eight games with a knee issue and has indicated surgery would not help. He may need rest to return to form in 2026, but the injury history is worrisome. If Joseph’s availability remains uncertain and if Brian Branch faces early-season limitations next year, safety moves up the offseason priority list.
Other roster questions to monitor
Linebacker Alex Anzalone expressed a desire for a new deal and could depart in free agency. Amik Robertson enters the final year of his contract, prompting questions about the nickel role if he walks. The tight end room was noticeably thinner without Sam LaPorta at times, highlighting a potential need for another receiving option. Running-back usage also bears watching; David Montgomery’s workload and role could prompt decisions that affect roster construction.
What this means for the draft and free agency
Expect the Lions to target trenches help early — center and tackle — and to pursue at least one proven edge rusher. Safety depth and a receiving tight end are likely secondary priorities. General manager strategy will balance veteran signings against drafting developmental players, but the immediate lesson is that Detroit cannot rely on health returning as the sole fix.
Short-term betting implications
Given the current roster uncertainty and injury questions, short-term betting on Detroit is riskier: consider taking the under on season win totals and be cautious with Lions player-prop bets tied to sacks or defensive production. Long-term futures could become more attractive if the team lands proven reinforcements in free agency or the draft.
Bottom line
The Lions’ season teeters on a longshot playoff chance, and the front office must prioritize interior line stability, tackle depth, edge rush help and safety reinforcements. How aggressively Detroit acts this offseason will determine whether the team remains a risky short-term betting proposition or builds real momentum toward 2026.
The Lions play on Christmas and are trying to stave off elimination from playoff contention, but have only a 3 percent chance.
Theathleticuk
