NFL Accused Of Favoring Jared Goff and Co. In Bold Super Bowl Claim
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 14: Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff 16 stands on the field during pregame warmups before an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, December 14, 2025, in Inglewood, California. Photo by Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 14 Lions at Rams EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon46520251214039
INGLEWOOD, CA - DECEMBER 14: Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff 16 stands on the field during pregame warmups before an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Detroit Lions and Los Angeles Rams at SoFi Stadium, December 14, 2025, in Inglewood, California. Photo by Tony Ding/Icon Sportswire NFL: DEC 14 Lions at Rams EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon46520251214039
Based on the 2026 NFL schedule released by the NFL officials on May 14, 2026, an NFL analyst is gaining attention after accusing the NFL owners of favoring quarterback Jared Goff and the Detroit Lions.
While speaking on his YouTube channel, The Herd with Colin Cowherd, NFL analyst Colin Cowherd has spoken about the NFL officials giving an easy schedule to the Detroit Lions to increase their chances for the Super Bowl.
“I think they want the Bills and the Lions in the Super Bowl,” Cowherd said. “I think it would get it because it's like the two teams in America, it'd be impossible not to root for. Look at the Lions' schedule.”
Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions place kicker Jake Bates (39) celebrates with teammates after kicking a game-winning field goal against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
Jan 4, 2026; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Detroit Lions place kicker Jake Bates (39) celebrates with teammates after kicking a game-winning field goal against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
With an early game against a new Buffalo Bills team under a new head coach, a manageable on-the-road schedule towards the end, and a simple first game against New Orleans at home, Cowherd believes this isn't coincidental.
“I think it would get it because it's like the two teams in America, it'd be impossible not to root for,” Cowherd further revealed.
Cowherd argues that the Detroit Lions are one of the oldest franchises in the league, which has a massive fanbase. This massive fanbase helps the league to maintain high viewership and revenue generation.
“Where are their two toughest games?” said Cowherd, questioning the NFL officials. “Week 16 and or 17 and 18 at the Bears and at the Packers.”
He claimed that the clash between the NFC North rivals in Weeks 16, 17, and 18 against the Giants, Bears, and the Packers is doable for the Lions.
As early as these claims can be, an NFL report from January did highlight that the Detroit Lions do generate massive revenues.
Jared Goff and Co. Continue Driving Massive NFL Television Ratings
Based on a report published by NFL.com, the Lions may have missed the playoffs despite a 9-8 winning record. Still, they surely became one of the league’s biggest television draws.
As reported by NBC, eight NFL games averaged at least 25 million viewers, with the Lions’ Sunday Night Football showdown, when they played against the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct. 12, leading the way at 27.4 million viewers.
Also, ESPN heavily benefited from Motor City’s rise, as the Lions’ Sept. 22 matchup against the Baltimore Ravens averaged 22.8 million viewers.
This made it the fourth most-watched Monday Night Football game in the last 20 seasons.
The Thanksgiving match has pushed those numbers even higher.
According to Fox, one of the most-watched games of the year came during the Green Bay Packers vs. Lions Thanksgiving clash, which pulled a massive 47.7 million viewers.
Fox also carried four of the NFL’s 10 most-viewed games, showing how heavily Detroit’s rise has impacted the league’s national audience appeal.
Read more at the Detroit Lions Community!
Written by
Kunwar Yashaswee Chhaunker
Edited by
Aadesh Dhote