Missing playoffs, Lions fall short of expectations and preseason predictions for Campbell’s team

ALLEN PARK, Mich. (AP) — After missing the NFL playoffs, the Detroit Lions fell short of their expectations and preseason projections.

Detroit's disappointing season ended with a 19-16 victory over the NFC North champion Chicago Bears on the road on Sunday, winning a series that showed what Dan Campbell's team is capable of during a difficult season.

“We failed this year,” Campbell said Monday. “We all acknowledge that.”

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) runs away from Chicago Bears linebacker TJ Edwards (53) after catching a pass during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 4, 2026, in Chicago. (AP Photo/Erin Hooley)

The Lions (9-8) got off to a strong start, crushing the Bears 52-21 in Week 2 and scoring more than 34 points in each of their next three games, seemingly confirming their status as Super Bowl contenders with a 4-1 record.

Detroit, however, couldn't stay on track.

The Lions' three-game collapse in December eliminated the bid for the final game of the regular season and secured the two-time defending division champions fourth place in the NFC North.

Campbell took responsibility by giving himself a bad grade.

“I give myself a damn A,” he said.

Even though the Lions headed to Chicago already eliminated from the postseason, Campbell came away with confirmation that the franchise had proud players.

“It says a lot for guys to take a chance when you say you're playing for nothing,” Campbell told the team in the locker room after the game. “It takes a certain amount of pride and respect for the guy next to you to do what you guys did.”

Costly fight

According to two-time All-Pro receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown, the Lions were 2-5 against playoff teams and were inconsistent in the biggest games because they weren't playing extra football regularly.

“It hurts, but we didn’t do enough,” St. Brown said. “We haven't played enough games.

“We don't deserve to make the playoffs.”

Call it a comeback

Aidan Hutchinson had 14 1/2 sacks — just shy of Robert Porcher's team record of 15 in 1999 — the year after he broke his leg.

The Lions signed Hutchinson to a four-year, $180 million contract at the start of the season, and his performance made the move good for the future of the franchise.

Talented trio

Detroit's core includes three of the NFL's best offensive playmakers in running back Jameer Gibbs, St. Brown and speedy receiver Jameson Williams.

Gibbs, who rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns, totaled 1,839 yards and 18 touchdowns. St. Brown had 117 receptions for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns.

Williams set career highs with 65 catches and 1,117 yards and a career-high seven touchdown receptions.

Rare mileage

Detroit, which won a franchise-record 15 games last season, set a record of winning four straight seasons for the first time since 1969-72.

Decker's solution

The Lions will give left tackle Taylor Decker some time to decide whether to return for an 11th season or retire.

“I want to make this decision consciously,” said Decker, who has been dealing with a shoulder injury all season. “I don’t want to do it emotionally, because if I do it emotionally, I already know what the answer will be.”

Campbell said the team learned its lessons after the departure of four-time Pro Bowl center Frank Ragnow in June left them in a difficult position on the offensive line.

Next steps

Retaining or replacing offensive coordinator John Morton, who ceded his playing duties to Campbell midseason, is a top priority this offseason.

With free agency and a possible draft pick at No. 17 overall, help on the offensive line is desperately needed. The position group went from one of the best in the NFL to one that couldn't consistently protect running back quarterback Jared Goff or open holes for the running game.

Detroit also must determine whether to sign contract extensions with Sam LaPorta and Brian Branch, who may be entering the final year of their contracts, along with Gibbs and linebacker Jack Campbell, potential free agents in 2028.