NFL Analyst Gives Honest Take on Lions’ Super Bowl Window in 2026

The Detroit Lions have never lifted the Lombardi Trophy, but there is always a first time, especially considering the star power they have on the roster alongside a strong coaching staff led by head coach Dan Campbell. The team, however, stumbled to the bottom despite the serious talent in 2025, but it is hiding a bigger picture.

The Lions lost a number of their starters to injuries, while the franchise also kept a winning record of 9-8. Moreover, the likes of Penei Sewell, Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Aidan Hutchinson let their performances do the talking. On that note, prominent NFL analyst Colin Cowherd has shared his insight into the Lions’ 2026 season and whether the Super Bowl window is still open for them after a lackluster season.

“People think they fell off a cliff. They were 4th in total offense. They swept the Bears, a playoff team. They had a winning record,” said Cowherd on his talk show, The Herd with Colin Cowherd. “Jared Goff was second in touchdown passes to Matthew Stafford, who won MVP. They have an elite left tackle, wide receiver, running back, excellent tight end, and edge rusher of note.”

“The Detroit Lions are absolutely an elite franchise,” Cowherd further added with high praise. “They are gonna be in their Super Bowl window, and all the positions they have, they are elite key positions. All the positions you need to be good at, they are A-level at all of them.”

"People think they fell off a cliff. They were 4th in total offense. They swept the Bears, a playoff team… The Detroit Lions are absolutely an elite franchise."@colincowherd isn't closing the Lions Super Bowl window just yet pic.twitter.com/Q0XL58xjXB

— Herd w/Colin Cowherd (@TheHerd) August 21, 2026

As Cowherd mentioned, the Lions’ star-studded offense will play a big role in the next campaign. They have the league’s elite names as the receiver, running back, and quarterback, while the O-line is one of the best in the NFL with four-time Pro Bowler Penei Sewell and first-round rookie Blake Miller.

Even though the Honolulu Blues fell short last campaign, they did their part, ranking fourth in the NFL after scoring a total of 481 points. Goff and Co. were only trailed by the Seahawks, Patriots, and Rams.

GettyJared Goff and Jahmyr Gibbs of Detroit Lions

The Chicago Bears were the divisional leader of the NFC North in 2025, and the Lions finished last, but the latter swept the former, keeping a 2-0 record. After a dominant 52-21 win in the first game, the Lions finished the season on a positive note with a 19-16 win in the final regular-season game.

After elite offseason additions and the return of some key players from injuries, the Lions’ Super Bowl window is definitely open in 2026, which the head coach, Dan Campbell, also believes.

Dan Campbell’s recently commented on his team’s Super Bowl window after the unexpected setback last year. As the Lions are emerging as favorites from the NFC North this season, the HC shed light on it in an interview with ESPN’s Eric Woodyard.

“Our window is not closed. It’s not closed,” Campbell said. “That was the whole reason why we did this. We fell short last year. But needed to get in (the playoffs), and now it’s about the matchups, where you’re playing and who you’re playing.”

If the franchise can avoid injuries to its key players, they have the roster firepower to have a deep run in January. Reaching the NFC Championship in the 2023 season remains their best performance in the Dan Campbell era, when they had a heartbreaking 34–31 loss against teh the San Francisco 49ers.

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