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Detroit's offense is still good enough to score, but the defense is now the reason PFM cannot treat the Lions like a complete contender. Bryce Young threw for 329 yards and Tetairoa McMillan posted 14 catches for 192 yards and two touchdowns in Carolina's 32-26 win. Jared Goff and the offense can answer plenty of pressure. They should not have to chase a receiver producing a career night every time the secondary gets stressed.
The Lions' rating fell after a 32-26 Week 4 loss, led by declines in Recent Performance and QB Stability.
Detroit remains an offense-first team built around Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs and play action. The Lions scored 31 again in Week 3 and beat the Jets, reinforcing an identity that can force opponents to chase even when the defense is not dominating every possession.
Detroit's pressure point is finishing defensive drives, not finding pressure. The Lions produced five sacks and three takeaways against New Orleans, yet Tyler Shough still threw for 410 yards and erased a 21-point deficit. The rush is creating disruption; the coverage has to make those negative plays matter.
Pick the winner.
Detroit has one of the league’s more favorable remaining roads at No. 25, with opponents averaging 77.9. New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Chicago Bears still give the schedule a real test, but 3 games against current top-10 teams keep the full road from looking as heavy as most.
Toughest remaining opponent: 
Chicago Bears at 84.4 PFM.
Shared profile: QB Stability and Explosiveness.
Detroit supports the quarterback with the run game and play action, while Green Bay gets there with wide zone and play action. That means Detroit can pull linebackers toward the run before throwing behind them, while Green Bay can use run action to create a cleaner passing window. Detroit owns the offensive edge because the attack around the run game and play action can score without depending on one matchup.
Detroit remains the NFC North team to catch, but Chicago is now the closest PFM-rated challenger after opening with 59 points. Green Bay and Minnesota still have enough talent to make the division unforgiving, but the immediate pressure comes from a Bears team whose offense looks capable of matching Detroit's scoring pace.
Badge ended: Loaded Roster.
See the current Detroit Lions depth chart across offense, defense and special teams.
Detroit's defense remains the weaker side of the roster, and the outside corner spots currently feature D.J. Reed and Ennis Rakestraw Jr. Another high-end corner would give the Lions more answers against top passing games.
Aidan Hutchinson is the clear edge centerpiece, but Tyler Lacy currently starts opposite him. Detroit needs another rusher who can force offenses to account for both sides of the front.
Penei Sewell is elite at left tackle, but Blake Miller currently starts on the right and the tackle room is not especially deep. Another tackle would protect Detroit from a sharp drop if injuries hit.
5,594 F-S value
R1 No. 15 · R2 No. 46 · R3 No. 77 · R4 No. 114 · R5 No. 148 · …
Detroit is still chasing its first Super Bowl appearance.