After a disappointing 2025 season where the Detroit Lions missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022, they will be entering the 2026 season with a lot to prove. But the Lions' quarterback Jared Goff is not brooding over that phase.

After a season finishing bottom in the NFC North right after clinching the first seed in 2024, rather than dwelling on it, Goff believes that they should use it as motivation for next season. According to him, the Lions fell well below their own standards and using the 2025 season as motivation.

“It made us really hungry,” said Goff. “Even though we had a winning record and we were 9-8, it wasn’t good enough.”

Goff, while on The Insiders on the NFL Network on July 21, also revealed that the focus for the season is not to simply return to the playoffs but to take back the crown of NFC North champions, considering where they finished last season.

“We came in fourth place in our division, and we came up short in a lot of ways,” said Goff. “Finding a way to win that division. And then see what happens when you get into the playoffs. But yeah, we're hungry, man."

Compared to last season, the Lions have made considerable changes to the team and coaching staff. The biggest move for the Lions is without doubt replacing offensive coordinator John Morton with former Arizona Cardinals offensive coordinator Drew Petzing. They have also been able to keep their young core, which is a major plus for next season as well.

With Sam LaPorta returning from injury, Jahmyr Gibbs not having to share touches with David Montgomery, and an improved offensive line, the Lions certainly seem well equipped to win the NFC North next season and send a warning to rivals.

Also, if Goff can play at the level that an NFL analyst has predicted, the Lions might become the team to beat in their division.

NFL analyst predicts another stellar season for Goff

Goff, since joining the Lions, has rebuilt his career and reputation and has been consistent. Despite poor offensive playcalling last season under Morton, Goff was still able to record stellar numbers of 4,564 passing yards, 34 touchdowns, and eight interceptions. 

Now with a better offensive line and offensive coordinator, Goff has been touted to continue his stellar form by Sports Illustrated’s Vito Chirco. 

“Equipped with a plethora of weapons, including Amon-Ra St.Brown and Jameson Williams and dual-threat running back Jahmyr Gibbs, Goff should be in store for another highly productive campaign in 2026,” wrote Chirco. “At this present juncture, I’m willing to predict that Goff throws for 33 touchdowns and 4,551 yards, while tossing just 10 interceptions, in the upcoming season.”

If this prediction were to come true, this would be Goff’s sixth season with over 4,500 passing yards and his fourth season to do so with the Lions. This would tie him with Philip Rivers and Peyton Manning for most seasons with over 4,500 passing yards as well. It would also be Goff’s third-best season in terms of touchdowns. 

If Goff does perform at this level, it would be no surprise to see Goff getting called up for another Pro Bowl to add to his five appearances, and to see the Lions atop the NFC North and contending for the Super Bowl.

What are your expectations for Goff and the Lions next season? Let us know in the comments.

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar