Detroit Lions listed as likely risers in 2026 NFL season
Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Aug 24, 2026, 5:41 PM
Last updated Aug 24, 2026

ESPN analyst Bill Barnwell identified the Detroit Lions as one of five NFL teams poised for improvement in the 2026 season. After finishing the 2025 season with a 9-8 record and missing the playoffs, the Lions have several factors that could indicate a rebound. Barnwell noted their significantly low fumble recovery rate and injuries that might regress positively in the upcoming season. Additionally, Detroit faces a relatively easier schedule, which could aid their performance.
- •Detroit Lions finished the 2025 season at 9-8, missing the playoffs.
- •Lions had the lowest fumble recovery rate in the league at 29%.
- •Key players faced significant injuries during the 2025 season.
- •Lions will play four games against teams from the NFC South in 2026.
- •Bill Barnwell included the Lions in his annual list of teams likely to improve.
- 5:41 PMYahoo Sports — Detroit Lions among teams most likely to improve in 2026, per ESPN
"All signs are pointing to a rebound season for the 2026 Detroit Lions.
Sources
External linksOriginal reporting and copyright belong to the linked sources. SportsNewsReport.com aggregates and links — it does not republish full articles.
Related Stories
Last 14 days
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 6:46 PM49ers issue statement regarding Jed York's arrest- NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 6:00 PM49ers owner arrested in Ohio for trying to pay prostitute $140, cops say
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 6:00 PMSports TV largely sidesteps breaking news about Jed York prostitution arrest
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 5:54 PMJed York arrest under review by NFL. How league could punish 49ers owner
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 5:31 PMRams place 2 on IR, sign 2 more to the roster
NFL•Aug 24, 2026, 5:30 PMDeshaun Watson apologizes for remarks after being named Browns starter
