NFL fans got a free preview of what’s to come this season — especially those rooting for the Detroit Lions and the Los Angeles Chargers. Jim Harbaugh’s squad came out on top against Dan Campbell and Jared Goff’s team, in a matchup between two teams that could very well become serious contenders in the season ahead.
What Campbell and his team showed last year was no fluke. In fact, their primary objective remains the same: not only to reclaim the NFC North title, but also to finish what they started and make a serious run at the Super Bowl.
That’s why their opponent knows that, even though it was just a preseason game, decisively defeating a team led by Goff was no small feat.
Harbaugh, true to his style, shared his thoughts with the media — brief but to the point — regarding what he saw from the Lions during the Hall of Fame Game: the experienced HC said they’re a “deep team.”
Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Los Angeles Chargers shakes hands with head coach Dan Campbell of the Detroit Lions after the Chargers defeated the Lions 34-7 in the 2025 Pro Football Hall of Fame Game at Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium on July 31, 2025 in Canton, Ohio.
Validating last season’s success
Being one of the standout teams last NFL season has naturally drawn attention to what the Lions might do this year. Now without Aaron Glenn and Ben Johnson on the coaching staff, Campbell and his team will undoubtedly aim to at least match what they accomplished just a few months ago.
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At a time when the NFC North is shaping up to be one of the most competitive divisions in the league, this year looks to be no different. With the Packers, Bears, and Vikings all making significant improvements, there’s little certainty about who will ultimately claim the top spot.
The sting of last season’s home loss to the Commanders still hasn’t fully healed, and the feeling of redemption remains a constant theme around the team. Could this finally be the year the Lions emerge as true contenders to lift the Vince Lombardi Trophy next February?
The road to glory
Starting the upcoming season on the right foot is crucial — and to do so, the Lions will have to overcome these first five challenges the schedule throws their way:
- @ Green Bay Packers, September 7th – Lambeau Field
- vs Chicago Bears, September 14th
- @ Baltimore Ravens, September 21st – M&T Bank Stadium
- vs Cleveland Browns, September 28th
- @ Cincinnati Bengals, October 5th – Paycor Stadium
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Who will claim the NFC North next season?
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