Thursday, June 11, 2026

Roaring to the Top: Lions Become Super Bowl Favorites for First Time

It’s yet another milestone for the 94-year-old franchise that has never reached the Super Bowl (but does have four pre-merger NFL championships).

The Detroit Free Press

For the first time in NFL history, the Lions are the betting favorites to win a Super Bowl.

Detroit (9–1) ascended to the top of sportsbooks’ odds lists after a 52–6 rout of the Jaguars (2–9) on Sunday, overtaking the Chiefs (9–1), who lost their first game of the season at the Bills (8–2). The Lions’ odds to win Super Bowl LIX range from +310 to +420 at major sportsbooks. Kansas City is still not far behind, with odds between +450 and +500.

It’s yet another milestone for the 94-year-old franchise that has never reached the Super Bowl (but does have four pre-merger NFL championships). Last season’s run to the NFC championship game invigorated not just Lions fans but also the entire city of Detroit—resulting in increased ticket prices, merchandise sales, and spending at bars and restaurants. 

Following that success, Detroit GM Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell received contract extensions through 2027. Season-ticket prices for 2024 also increased by an average of 30%.

Watch Party

After Week 11 of the 2024 regular season, the Lions have a one-game lead over the Vikings (8–2) in the NFC North and are in pole position to grab the No. 1 seed, which would mean at least one, and potentially two, more raucous playoff games at Ford Field in January.

With seven more games to play, the Lions will be in the national TV spotlight for more than half of their remaining schedule:

  • Nov. 28: An early Thanksgiving Day contest against the Bears (4–6) on CBS that could outdraw the reeling Cowboys (3–6), who host the Giants (2–8) later in the afternoon
  • Dec. 5: A Thursday Night Football matchup against the division rival Packers (7–3) on Amazon Prime Video
  • Dec. 15: A late-afternoon visit to Buffalo for a potential Super Bowl LIX preview that will be seen by a large portion of the country on CBS
  • Dec. 30: The final Monday Night Football game of the season against the defending NFC champion 49ers (5–5) on ESPN

Several Lions games have already drawn big TV audiences this season, including two of just over 24 million viewers each on Fox for matchups against Dallas and Green Bay. But Detroit is now set to get its most exposure of the season as the team is peaking on the field.

This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.

Sign up for
The Memo Newsletter

Get the biggest stories and best analysis on the business of sports delivered to your inbox twice every weekday and twice on weekends.

This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jun 10, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Jalen Brunson (11) controls the ball against San Antonio Spurs guard De'aaron Fox (4) during the fourth quarter of game four of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden

Leagues and Networks Are Going All In on America250

Celebrations include jersey patches, special uniforms, and dedicated programming.

NFLPA Calls Out Owners As Stadiums Swap Turf for World Cup Grass

Eleven NFL venues will host matches during the World Cup.
Dec 14, 2025; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) scrambles against Los Angeles Chargers linebacker Khalil Mack (52) during the second half at GEHA Field at Arrowhead Stadium.

New Chiefs Stadium Will Star Mahomes Under Reworked Contract

The star quarterback is set to play at least three years in the new venue.

Texas Tech Boycott Could Cost Non-Conference Opponents Millions

Oregon State would have to pay Texas Tech $1 million to cancel its matchup.

Featured Today

Ai sports slop

How Sports Became Ground Zero for AI Slop

The category is the perfect breeding ground for AI content churn.
FILE PHOTO: Soccer Football - FIFA World Cup - UEFA Qualifiers - Group A - Germany v Luxembourg - Rhein-Neckar-Arena, Sinsheim, Germany - October 10, 2025 Germany coach Julian Nagelsmann
June 4, 2026

‘Weird Corners of the World’: How to Find a World Cup Coach

National associations look for a winning record—and also hope for serendipity.
June 3, 2026

The Elite High Schools Hosting World Cup Teams

Spain, Morocco, Croatia, and Switzerland chose schools as their tournament base camps.
Frances Cabral-Delaney
May 29, 2026

How Arsenal Fandom Went ‘Manic’

“People do not become Arsenal fans because it’s easy,” says Zohran Mamdani.

Knicks Are 1 Win From Title After Historic Comeback

It was the largest comeback in an NBA Finals game ever.
Soccer Football - LaLiga - Osasuna v Atletico Madrid - El Sadar Stadium, Pamplona, Spain - May 12, 2026 Atletico Madrid's Alexander Sorloth in action with Osasuna's Valentin Rosier
June 10, 2026

What Really Happened With the Spanish Soccer Team and Kalshi

The club said it wanted to clear up its actions after “recent reports.”
June 10, 2026

From Angel Reese to ‘Loser Mentality,’ Sky Tumult Continues

Reese and the Atlanta Dream are 8–3.
Sponsored

Landon Donovan: What Soccer in America Still Needs

Landon Donovan discusses the evolution of soccer in America and investing in the NWSL.
June 10, 2026

Pritzker to Bears: Win Over Lawmakers, Get a Special Session

The Illinois governor holds the Bears responsible for prior legislative failures.
Jun 8, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Knicks guard Josh Hart (3) shoots against San Antonio Spurs guard Stephon Castle (5) in the third quarter during game three of the 2026 NBA Finals at Madison Square Garden.
June 9, 2026

Ticket Prices for Game 4 at MSG Drop Following Knicks Loss

Ticket demand falls sharply for Wednesday’s Game 4.
Jun 5, 2026; San Antonio, Texas, USA; The New York Knicks fans celebrate after the Knicks defeat the San Antonio Spurs in game two of the 2026 NBA Finals at Frost Bank Center.
June 8, 2026

Knicks Merch Sellers Struggle to Keep Up With Demand

“The hardest part is not keeping all the good vintage Knicks stuff for myself.”
Apr 28, 2026; New York, New York, USA; General view of Madison Square Garden as fans wave their rally towels during the first quarter of game five of the first round of the 2026 NBA Playoffs between the New York Knicks and Atlanta Hawk
June 8, 2026

The Knicks Fans Turning Down $25K to Keep Finals Tickets

“I don’t think I’d forgive myself if I sold and didn’t go.”