• Loading stock data...
Wednesday, January 14, 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.

Linkedin
Whatsapp
Copy Link
Link Copied
Link Copied

What to Read

Jan 12, 2026; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Houston Texans wide receiver Xavier Hutchinson (19) makes a catch against Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback James Pierre (42) during the first half of an AFC Wild Card Round game at Acrisure Stadium.

Texans-Steelers Blowout Drew 29.1M Viewers for ESPN

Viewership rose sharply from the comparable game a year ago.

Dante Moore Chooses NIL Over NFL

The Oregon QB was viewed as potential New York Jet.

CFP Semifinal Ratings Slide As Blueblood Programs Exit Early

The lack of college football bluebloods left in the field takes its toll.
49ers

NFL Wild-Card Games Draw Massive Viewership

The bullish viewership includes another league streaming record.

Featured Today

Black Rabbit

The Netflix Star Who Makes Sure NBA Players Have Clean Towels

How a Nets staffer landed a breakout role on “Black Rabbit.”
January 9, 2026

NHL Ditched Its Dress Code. Hockey’s Fashion Era Arrived Quickly

With no dress code, impeccably dressed players are seeing big-money deals.
January 6, 2026

Hockey in Florida Was Once a Risk. Now It’s Thriving

The state of Florida has become a traditional—and highly lucrative—market.
Dec 30, 2025; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers guard Luka Doncic (77) reacts after scoring a basket against the Detroit Pistons during the second half at Crypto.com Arena
January 4, 2026

Why Pro Sports Team Valuations Will Keep Climbing in 2026

Asset scarcity and increasing media-rights deals underpin soaring valuations.

Mike Tomlin Quits With Steelers at Crossroads After Playoff Loss

The NFL’s longest-tenured head coach abruptly walks away.
Jan 5, 2026; New York, New York, USA; New York Rangers center Vincent Trocheck (16) celebrates his goal against Utah Mammoth goaltender Karel Vejmelka (70) with left wings Artemi Panarin (10) and Alexis Lafreniere (13) and center Mika Zibanejad (93) and defenseman Adam Fox (23) during the second period at Madison Square Garden.
January 8, 2026

NHL Deepens Ties to Polymarket, Kalshi As Other Leagues Stay Away

Its new Rangers deal comes after Kalshi broke the ice with the Blackhawks.
Sep 24, 2025; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Boston Red Sox third baseman Alex Bregman (2) hits a single against the Toronto Blue Jays in the first inning at Rogers Centre.
January 12, 2026

Cubs Land Bregman Prize While Red Sox Questions Mount

The veteran third baseman leaves Boston after just one season.
Sponsored

ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025: Inside the Technology Shaping the Future of..

At ESPN Edge Innovation Conference 2025, ESPN showcased how AI, immersive tech, and a rebuilt direct-to-consumer platform are redefining the future of sports media.
January 8, 2026

Panthers Embracing ‘Chaos’ As 8-Year NFL Playoff Drought Ends

Carolina has won its first division title since 2015.
January 6, 2026

Ravens Fire John Harbaugh After 18 Seasons and Playoff Miss

The longtime coach was second in tenure in the league.
Sep 28, 2025; West Sacramento, California, USA; Athletics pitcher Elvis Alvarado (61) throws a pitch against the Kansas City Royals during the third inning at Sutter Health Park.
January 6, 2026

Why the A’s Hit a Legal Snag Trademarking Their Las Vegas Name

The team has been denied twice in attempts to register its new name.
January 5, 2026

Falcons End Rich McKay’s Football Role in Major Organizational Shift

Atlanta fired coach Raheem Morris and GM Terry Fontenot on Sunday.