The Detroit Lions entered the 2026 season with legitimate Super Bowl expectations. However, their 1-1 start has already exposed several issues, including defensive breakdowns and an inconsistent rushing attack.

Detroit escaped New Orleans in Week 1 before falling 41-31 to the Buffalo Bills. The Lions mounted a second-half comeback, but Josh Allen and Buffalo ultimately pulled away again.

That has Chris Broussard questioning whether Detroit can actually reach the Super Bowl this season. Speaking on First Things First, Broussard acknowledged that he still expects the Lions to make the playoffs.

“I think I feel fine about them making the playoffs, and their schedule is not that tough outside of the division. But I don't think they can win the NFC. I don't think they can get to the Super Bowl, and I don't want to say the Super Bowl window is fully shut, because I think they can reload right over the next couple of years or next year or whatever. But for now, I would be stunned if they got to the Super Bowl.”

Broussard’s concerns come after Detroit allowed Buffalo to score 41 points. The Lions also surrendered 66 rushing yards and struggled to create enough resistance against Allen and the Bills offense.

Dan Campbell Knows the Lions Must Fix Their Run Game

Campbell admitted after the loss that Detroit needs to run the football much more efficiently. The Lions managed only 66 rushing yards against Buffalo, with Jahmyr Gibbs gaining just 52 yards on 16 carries.

Campbell also knows the defense needs significant work. He specifically highlighted communication issues in the secondary and the explosive plays Detroit continues to surrender.

The Lions still have plenty of time to correct those problems. But if Detroit wants to justify its preseason expectations, Campbell’s team must start fixing them quickly.

Written by

Joseph Nithin