You’re going to want to sit down for this one.
We all know people in Detroit are excited about the Detroit Lions’ season—as if selling out their own preseason game (including standing room only tickets) didn’t make that obvious enough. Of course, just about every fan base is feeling extremely optimistic about their team and its future at this point in the year.
But what about a more impartial audience?
This week, as part of our NFL Reacts surveys, SB Nation asked the national audience a simple question on all 32 teams: Are you confident in the direction of this franchise? And believe it or not, the Detroit Lions came out atop the list, with a whopping 90% approval rating.
It’s pretty incredible to see the Lions—a franchise that has never put together back-to-back 10-win seasons—ranked above some of the most steady, reliable teams in the league. Here’s a look at the top 10 teams in confidence level:
Of course, it’s worth pointing out that both the Bears and Packers made the top six in these rankings. That speaks to each team’s potential, and for a team like the Bears, it’s probably easy to say they’re headed in the right direction considering where they’ve been as a franchise over the past decade (only one winning seasons since 2013). If you’re wondering where the Vikings fall, they’re tied for 25th with just a 27 % confidence level. Had J.J. McCarthy not suffered a season-ending injury, that number would likely be a bit higher.
Regardless, the Lions have clearly garnered a lot of good faith ever since general manager Brad Holmes and coach Dan Campbell took over a short three-and-a-half years ago. It’s why agents want their players to land in Detroit, and it’s why Holmes wasn’t afraid to say the obvious when asked about the team’s goals this year.
“Win the Super Bowl.”
The Panthers have gotten hammered twice to open Canales' tenure. After a Week 1 blowout loss in New Orleans, Carolina took it on the chin in the home open
Jared C. Tilton/Getty ImagesThe Carolina Panthers are reportedly benching former No. 1 overall pick, quarterback Bryce Young, in favor of Andy Dalton, according
The Green Bay Packers beat the Indianapolis Colts 16-10 in Week 2 with Malik Willis under center in place of injured starter Jordan Love. Anthony Richardson sta
Taylor Swift Supports Travis Kelce at Chiefs Game After Her Historic Win at the MTV VMAsIt looks like Travis Kelce said, “Give me a photograph to hang on my