Should the Lions go back to their old ways with Pacheco leading the backfield?
Look, I get why you’d want Pacheco pounding the rock between the tackles. The man can move a pile. But here’s the thing — we’re not going back to the David Montgomery playbook because Jahmyr Gibbs is just flat out better at everything.
What the Lions figured out in 2024 was simple: Gibbs on the field means more explosive plays. He can run, catch, and yes, he can actually block better than Montgomery could. That’s not a knock on what Montgomery brought here, but Gibbs is a different level of weapon.
Pacheco’s value isn’t as a bell cow. It’s as the perfect complement. The guy is excellent in pass protection, which means you can roll him out there on third downs when Goff needs time to find his target. That’s how you maximize both backs without forcing outdated schemes.
Which team is going to catch us sleeping in 2026?
Call me crazy — and plenty of you already have — but I’m looking at the Tennessee Titans as a potential trap game. Yeah, the Titans. I know how that sounds.
But think about it. This feels like one of those teams that’s going to start winning games they have no business winning. I’m getting serious 2021/2022 Lions vibes from that organization. Not saying they’re making the playoffs, but they’re exactly the kind of scrappy, hungry team that catches good teams napping.
These are the “how the hell did we lose to them” games that happen to every contender. And yes, before you ask, I’m still having flashbacks to some of our own inexplicable losses over the years.
Which NFC North rival actually improved this offseason?
The Minnesota Vikings, and it pains me to say it. Kyler Murray is still a question mark the size of Ford Field, but he’s an upgrade over J.J. McCarthy. The Vikings also caught the scheduling lottery — they’re facing the easiest defensive schedule in the league based on DVOA rankings.
Meanwhile, the Packers and Bears both had rough offseasons. Chicago especially fell flat on their faces. They didn’t accomplish a single thing their fans were hoping for, which honestly feels pretty on-brand for that organization.
Which rookie has the clearest path to immediate playing time?
Keith Abney, and it’s not particularly close. The corner could be starting in the slot in 2026. He’s really only got Roger McCreary standing in his way, and while McCreary has starting experience, Abney was a big steal in the draft.
Christian Izien and Avonte Maddox are also in the conversation for slot duties, but Abney has the skill set to lock down that role. Sometimes the best value comes in the later rounds, and Brad Holmes might have found another one here.
What happens if Branch and Joseph can’t go Week 1?
Here’s where the Lions’ depth actually looks pretty solid. Thomas Harper is the young guy with upside. Chuck Clark brings veteran starting experience. Christian Izien can play multiple spots. Avonte Maddox can do a little bit of everything.
This isn’t the disaster scenario it might have been in previous years. All four of these guys can legitimately start if needed. That’s what good roster construction looks like — you don’t just pray your starters stay healthy.
Can Giovanni Manu salvage his Lions career at guard?
Probably not. The Lions have tried him at guard before in training camp, but they’ve invested most of their time developing him at tackle. If he can’t cut it there, I’m not sure he survives the guard battle either.
Christian Mahogany, Miles Frazier, Juice Scruggs, Ben Bartch, and Michael Niese are all fighting for interior spots. That’s a crowded room. Most likely scenario? Manu gets cut at the end of camp and maybe lands on the practice squad.
Sometimes draft picks don’t work out. That’s football. The key is knowing when to cut bait instead of forcing a square peg into a round hole.
Are we being too optimistic about our trap game predictions, or is Tennessee actually going to give us nightmares? Drop your take below.
