Thursday, January 1, 2026

Lions Links for Thursday 1-1-26

Articles:


NOTEBOOK: Lions want to see a strong finish from run game:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/notebook-lions-want-to-see-a-strong-finish-from-run-game






John Morton Willing to Do 'Whatever it Takes' to Remain With Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/john-morton-wants-to-return-detroit-lions-2026

Detroit Lions DC Not Expected to Make Drastic Changes to Defense:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/kelvin-sheppard-not-making-drastic-changes-nfl-defense

DJ Reader Is 'Tired' of Dealing With Big Off-The-Field Issue:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/dj-reader-tired-dealing-with-off-field-issue






New Years Resolutions for all 32 NFL Teams (Detroit Lions: Rebuild the interior offensive line.  The Lions’ offensive line is no longer among the NFL’s elite. After competing for the top spot just one season ago, Detroit now ranks 21st in PFF grade, with the most significant decline coming along the interior.  This season, the Lions’ interior offensive line has posted a 51.3 PFF pass-blocking grade, down from 64.2 last season. Its run-blocking grade has dropped sharply from 82.0 in 2024 to 64.1 this year.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-new-years-resolutions-for-all-32-nfl-teams

NFL Week 18 Preview: Schedule, storylines, matchups to watch and betting spreads (Detroit Lions vs. Chicago Bears (-3) - Storyline of the game: The Bears decide their playoff fate in Week 18.  The atmosphere at Soldier Field will feel far more relaxed than in recent weeks. The Bears have locked up a playoff spot and have won the NFC North for the first time since 2018, and have little reason for concern in Week 18.  However, their playoff opponent will be decided based on how Week 18 plays out. A Bears win or Eagles loss means the Bears will be locked in to play the Packers — the No. 7 seed — in the first round of the postseason. A Bears loss and an Eagles win means the Bears could face either the Rams or the 49ers in the wild-card round. Regardless, the Bears will be up to the task whoever they face.  Matchup to watch: Lions RB Jahmyr Gibbs vs. Bears’ run defense.  Lions stud Jahmyr Gibbs (86.8 grade; 3rd) has had a strong season in 2025, comfortably crossing the 1,000-yard rushing mark while scoring 17 total touchdowns. Gibbs has been a force multiplier in the Lions’ backfield, but hasn’t rushed for more than 50 yards since Week 13. Since Week 14, Gibbs has averaged 2.5 yards per carry and compiled a 56.5 PFF rushing grade.  The Lions’ offensive line has faced injuries over the last number of weeks, but will still hope to cause the Bears problems against the run. The Bears are 20th in PFF grade against the run and have yielded the fourth-most explosive rushes in 2025.  Additional News:  Bears WR Luther Burden III (quad) is questionable.):  https://www.pff.com/news/nfl-week-18-preview-schedule-storylines-matchups-to-watch-and-betting-spreads

CBS Sports' All-Rookie Team: Ward, Shough battle for top spot at QB (Tate Ratledge:  There are no centers from the 2026 NFL Draft class, so an executive decision was made to include another standout guard. Ratledge was actually the selection at right guard midseason. He has certainly not been perfect and his former Georgia teammate, Dylan Fairchild of the Bengals, was also under consideration, but the rookie has handled a tough situation with two veterans moving on well.  Ratledge has allowed two sacks this year, according to TruMedia.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2025-nfl-all-rookie-team-cam-ward-tyler-shough/

Amon-Ra St. Brown Got Real After Lions’ Playoff Hopes Came to a Close: ‘It Sucks’:  https://www.si.com/nfl/amon-ra-st-brown-real-lions-playoff-hopes-sucks



QB Ranking:

NFL QB rankings, Week 18: Drake Maye eclipses Matthew Stafford, Josh Allen (11. Jared Goff - 2025 stats: 16 games | 68.3 pct | 4233 pass yds | 7.9 ypa | 33 pass TDs | 7 INTs | 45 rush yds | 0 rush TDs | 6 fumbles.  The Lions hit a new low in their loss to Minnesota, a turnover-filled nightmare for Jared Goff. He'd have dropped lower in the rankings if he hadn't largely still produced outside of last week (and that ugly loss to Philadelphia earlier this season).):  https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-qb-rankings-index-week-18-2025-nfl-season

2026 NFL Draft:

Six Players Lions Should Scout in Saturday CFP Quarterfinals:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/news/players-lions-should-scout-2026-saturday-cfp-quarterfinals


Video:






Thoughts on Lions-Bears Week 18 matchup | 'GMFB':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/thoughts-on-lions-bears-week-18-matchup-gmfb
Posted by LionsFan at 7:44 PM

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