Tuesday, September 29, 2026
  • -
    days
  • -
    hours
  • -
    minutes
  • -
    seconds

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

Want more from Front Office Sports
in your search results?

Add Front Office Sports on Google

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

NFL Brazil Game Nabs Record Audience

CBS said that the game averaged 24.9 million viewers.
U.S. President Donald Trump speaks with Commodity Futures Trading Commission (CFTC) Chairman Michael Selig in the Roosevelt Room at the White House in Washington D.C., U.S., August 19, 2026.
Exclusive

Trump Admin Preparing Crackdown on Prediction-Market Promos

The CFTC is looking at incentives like “risk-free” bets.
First at FOS

DHS Leaves Video of Brian Dawkins Up Despite NFL Request

Two posts featuring Dawkins were still up Monday afternoon.

Sunday’s Biggest NFL Games Plagued by Debatable Calls

There’s no obvious solution for judgment calls.
podcast thumbnail mobile
Front Office Sports Today

9/29/26 – Giants Land McCarthy, MLB Wild Card Begins, LeBron’s Knicks Dream

0:00

Featured Today

Morishita-Sato-homerun-celebration-at-Meiji-Jingu-Baseball-Staidum-2025

Japanese Baseball Is Fighting Back Against MLB Talent Drain

Nippon Professional Baseball is reimagining how to be a global juggernaut.
Aug 9, 2026; Bedminster, New Jersey, USA; President Donald Trump walks out of the clubhouse during the final round of the LIV Golf New York tournament at Trump National Bedminster.
September 25, 2026

Trump’s Year of Sports Gets Busier With CFB, Presidents Cup

The impact of Trump’s attendance varies across each sporting event.
A Bar of Their Own
September 25, 2026

Women’s Sports Bars: Novelty Has Worn Off, ‘That’s a Good Thing’

They’re leveling up, but sustainability remains the first consideration.
Hot & Social/Mets
September 18, 2026

Sports Teams Are Playing a New Role: Matchmaker

The latest promotion at the stadium? Love.
Exclusive
September 18, 2026

Vicious Infighting Is Jeopardizing the Future of Women’s Baseball

The WPBL’s own CEO admits there’s a “power struggle.”

Premier League Says Manchester City Guilty of All Serious Charges

The league confirmed its findings in a statement Tuesday.
September 28, 2026

Can Atlanta City FC Defy the NWSL’s History of Bungled Rollouts?

The NWSL has a history of shaky team launches.
September 29, 2026

Where Do Manchester City and English Soccer Go From Here?

The Premier League’s most dominant club could face drastic sanctions.
Sponsored

Beyond the Scorecard: How Dow Is Putting Purpose at the Center of Women’s Golf

Discover how Dow and the LPGA are building a partnership with lasting impact.
September 25, 2026

Manchester City Found Guilty on Almost All Financial Breach Charges

The club is expected to appeal the ruling.
September 22, 2026

Injuries to Dart, Daniels Have Giants and Commanders Reeling

Other injured NFL quarterbacks will be back sooner.
Jan 12, 2026; Montreal, Quebec, CAN; View of a Vancouver Canucks logo on a jersey worn by a member of the team during the second period at Bell Centre. Mandatory Credit: David Kirouac-Imagn Images
September 21, 2026

Canucks Rebuilding More Than Roster in Franchise-Wide Overhaul

The Canucks are trying to turn the page after an ugly 2025–26 season.
Sep 10, 2026; Melbourne, Victoria, Australia; Los Angeles Rams head coach Sean McVay during practice at Marvel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
September 18, 2026

McVay’s Australia Gripe Highlights NFL’s Business-Football Divide

The Rams coach is looking to forget the team’s struggles in Australia.