• Loading stock data...
Tuesday, February 17, 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

Feb 8, 2026; Santa Clara, CA, USA; Seattle Seahawks tight end AJ Barner (88) makes a catch against New England Patriots safety Craig Woodson (31) and cornerback Marcus Jones (25) during the first quarter in Super Bowl LX at Levi's Stadium.

Trump’s CFTC Moves to Prevent States From Ruling on Prediction Markets

The stage is set for an eventual Supreme Court battle over sports event contracts.
Jason Robins

DraftKings CEO on Plummeting Stock: ‘We Have to Prove It’

Shares of all the online sportsbook companies are in the red.
Sep 16, 2023; Stanford, California, USA; Sacramento State Hornets running back Elijah Tau-Tolliver (25) celebrates after a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Stanford Cardinal at Stanford Stadium

Sacramento State Will Pay $20M+ to Join MAC in FBS

The Hornets have been pushing hard for an FBS invitation.

NBA Views Prediction Markets as the Same as Sports Betting

Adam Silver said Giannis’s Kalshi stake is permitted because it’s “minuscule.”

Featured Today

Max Valverde by Ron Winsett

How Ski Mountaineering’s Hype Man Went From TikTok to NBC

Max Valverde’s gushing over the niche sport vaulted him to Olympic broadcaster.
Feb 11, 2026; Livigno, Italy; Jaelin Kauf of the United States during freestyle skiing women's moguls final during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Livigno Aerials & Moguls Park
February 13, 2026

The Surprise Hit of the Winter Olympics: First-Person Drone Views

Tiny drone cameras have reshaped the Olympics viewing experience.
Feb 11, 2026; Milan, Italy; Madison Chock and Evan Bates of the United States skate during the Milano Cortina 2026 Olympic Winter Games at Milano Ice Skating Arena.
February 13, 2026

Olympic Figure Skaters Pay Out of Pocket for $9,000 Costumes

For four minutes on ice, stakes are high—and prices even higher.
February 11, 2026

Epstein Emails Show His F1 Ties Ran Deep

The sex trafficker’s circles included many of the biggest names in F1.

Padres Stay Aggressive With Sale Looming and Dodgers Ahead

The small-market club extends G.M. A.J. Preller.
Nov 23, 2024; Salt Lake City, Utah, USA; Utah Jazz forward/center Lauri Markkanen (23) and Ryan Smith after a game against the New York Knicks at the Delta Center.
February 13, 2026

Jazz Owner Defends Team After $500,000 Tanking Fine From NBA

The Pacers were also fined $100,000 by the NBA.
February 15, 2026

NBA Still Not Done With ‘Enormously Complex’ Clippers Investigation

Adam Silver said the team has been “fully cooperative” so far.
Sponsored

From MLS to AUSL: Jon Patricof on Building Sports Leagues

Jon Patricof on athlete equity, fan-first strategy, and how women’s sports can reshape the future of league building.
exclusive
February 12, 2026

Orioles Owner Met With Jeffrey Epstein

The meeting has not been previously reported.
Jan 10, 2026; Charlotte, NC, USA; Carolina Panthers quarterback Bryce Young (9) and wide receiver Jimmy Horn Jr. (15) reacts in the fourth quarter in an NFC Wild Card Round game at Bank of America Stadium.
February 12, 2026

Panthers Owner Aims to Build Charlotte Into a Destination City

Tepper Sports is upgrading the Panthers’ stadium and building a new music venue.
Jan 4, 2026; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cleveland Browns defensive end Myles Garrett (95) celebrates with safety Donovan McMillon (31) following a sack against the Cincinnati Bengals during the fourth quarter at Paycor Stadium. The play set a new NFL single season sack record by Garrett.
February 11, 2026

Browns President: We’re ‘Easy to Pick On Right Now’ but Trust Our..

Dave Jenkins oversees a portfolio featuring NFL, NBA, and MLS teams.
Feb 7, 2026; Orlando, Florida, USA; Utah Jazz forward Lauri Markkanen (23) defends Orlando Magic forward Paolo Banchero (5) during the second quarter at Kia Center.
February 10, 2026

NBA Teams Ramp Up Their Tanking Efforts Ahead of All-Star Break

Utah’s stars have not been on the court in the final minutes of the last three games.