The Detroit Lions won their division for the first time since 1993, and it was their first time winning this version of the NFC North since the divisions were realigned in 2002. There are only four teams in this division, so that level of ineptitude is pretty unbelievable.

We'll leave that history behind as we handicap their odds of winning the Super Bowl this year. Detroit finished with a 12-5 record, tied for the best in the NFC.

Is it possible for the Lions to go all the way this season? Let's break down their chances of going to Disney World in February as world champions.

Detroit Lions Super Bowl Odds

All NFL odds via FanDuel Sportsbook. Lines may change after this article is published.

• +2200 to Win Super Bowl LVIII (8th-best)
• Super Bowl win probability, per numberFire: 1.7% (7th-best)

Detroit Lions Conference Championship Odds

• +950 (4th-best)

Detroit Lions Statistical Recap and Analysis

Data and stats via numberFire's schedule-adjusted metrics.

• Offensive Rankings
  • Rushing: 6th
  • Passing: 5th
  • Overall: 4th
• Defensive Rankings
  • Rushing: 8th
  • Passing: 29th
  • Overall: 24th

Why the Lions Could Win It All

As the numbers bear out, Detroit has a great, multi-faceted offense, and it's been that way all season long. They dedicated a lot of resources into the offensive line, and it paid off as they boasted PFF's second-ranked O-Line ahead of Week 18.

The two-headed monster in the backfield of rookie Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery was one of the best tandems in the league. They both were positive in rush yards over expected per attempt, according to Next Gen Stats.

Jared Goff gets some grief for the player he isn't, but the player he is can sometimes be taken for granted. He proved in his days with the Los Angeles Rams that he can play well in a good offensive structure with some playmakers around him. He did just that in 2023. Goff was sixth among QBs in PFF's passing grade this season.

The Lions will get a home playoff game against the Rams. Detroit is a 3.5-point favorite in this game. The Lions were 6-2 at home in the regular season. numberFire's model gives Detroit a 67.2% chance of winning their opening playoff game.

The Lions had big road wins against teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and Green Bay Packers, and they narrowly lost to the Dallas Cowboys on the road in Week 17. Their offense can compete with anyone, and they are capable of shutting down the run on defense.

Why the Lions Might Fall Short

There are a few concerns for Detroit heading into the playoffs.

They suffered a key injury to Sam LaPorta, their stud rookie tight end, in Week 18. He had become a reliable target for Goff in the passing game, as he had the second-highest target share on the team behind only Amon-Ra St. Brown. Laporta is looking like a long shot to play versus LA.

The other concern has to be the defense -- especially against the pass. Detroit ranked as the fourth-worst pass defense by numberFire's schedule-adjusted metrics. Of late, they've really struggled, allowing 1,152 passing yards and 9.76 yards per attempt across their last three games.

Wide receivers have been able to do a ton of damage against Detroit's secondary, and that doesn't bode well for the Lions heading into a game against the Rams. Puka Nacua and Cooper Kupp will surely be salivating at the matchup in the dome against Detroit.

If Detroit needs to win a shootout, they would be better served with LaPorta in the lineup. Kalif Raymond was also injured in Week 18, and while Raymond isn't a vital piece to the offense, he may have played a bigger role with Laporta out.

The biggest hurdle to Detroit potentially winning it all is the likely matchup with the San Francisco 49ers in the Divisional Round. The Niners are the number-one team in numberFire's power rankings, and the Lions would have to beat them on the road just to even make the Conference Championship.

Final Verdict

If you are looking for a long shot, I don't mind betting on the Lions at +2200 to win it all.

Sure, it won't be easy for them. But I like that they can win on offense in multiple ways and aren't reliant on any one weapon.

While the pass defense is a concern, the Lions did rank third in the NFL in pressure rate and first in hurry percentage. Their weakness in the secondary could be hidden if they can keep hurrying the quarterback.

Dan Campbell has proven to be an aggressive coach -- almost to a fault. I'd much rather have that than a coach who is going to punt or not go for two when the math calls for it. The injury to LaPorta is worrisome, but even if the star rookie is out, the 12-5 Lions are capable of potentially going all the way.

Looking for the latest NFL odds? Head over to FanDuel Sportsbook and check out all of the NFL betting options.

Sign up for FanDuel Sportsbook and FanDuel Daily Fantasy today!

The above author is a FanDuel employee and is not eligible to compete in public daily fantasy contests or place sports betting wagers on FanDuel. The advice provided by the author does not necessarily represent the views of FanDuel. Taking the author's advice will not guarantee a successful outcome. You should use your own judgment when participating in daily fantasy contests or placing sports wagers.