Sports Illustrated Predicts Detroit Lions as Super Bowl Champions

Sports Illustrated has stirred excitement among Detroit Lions fans by predicting the team will win the Super Bowl. The magazine’s annual “Football Preview” issue showcases Lions stars Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and Penei Sewell on the cover, seated in a classic 1957 Ford Fairlane. The headline boldly proclaims: “DRIVE TO REVIVE: The Resurgent Lions: Right Team, Right Town, Right Time.”

In their 2024 preview, SI NFL writers Greg Bishop and Conor Orr have selected the Lions to clinch the Super Bowl. This would be a historic achievement for Detroit, as the Lions last won the NFL championship in 1957.

Orr shared insights with the Free Press, stating, “You get a sense of how complete and well-coached these teams are. The Lions appear to have every indicator of a successful team. They seem to be the most complete team in football right now.”

Following a strong 12-5 season and a notable NFC championship game appearance— their best since 1991—the Lions are generating unprecedented hype in Detroit and beyond.

Orr and Bishop crafted the cover story to reflect both the Lions’ and Detroit’s narratives. Orr explained, “We wanted to tell a Detroit story alongside the Lions’ story, focusing on a community church’s rebuild led by parishioners and volunteers.”

The gritty determination of the team and the city were central to their story, embodying the resilience of a place that was long underestimated. The Lions’ formidable offensive and defensive lines, a key focus of their rebuild led by GM Brad Holmes, also played a significant role in the prediction.

Orr praised the Lions’ lines, saying, “Their offensive and defensive lines are superior to any other team right now. I believe they are highly underrated.”

Head coach Dan Campbell has embraced the high expectations for his team and the challenges of maintaining momentum. SI writers concur that the Lions are ready for the spotlight as they head toward Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans.

Orr noted, “Turning from a compelling story into a perpetual contender brings a new level of scrutiny. Every game becomes a prime-time event, and the NFC is more competitive than in previous years.”

Despite the surprise of the Lions being picked as Super Bowl champions, SI’s choice of cover athletes comes as no shock. Orr emphasized, “Detroit has a passionate fan base that resonates nationally. Players like Amon-Ra St. Brown, Penei Sewell, and Jared Goff have the star power to capture attention both on and off the field.”