Which NFL teams are most likely to have a big turn...
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- Detroit Lions have a 38.2% probability of winning the NFC North in 2026 and a 68.4% chance of reaching the playoffs, according to ESPN’s Football Power Index.
- Detroit Lions' schedule ranks 27th in the league by average projected DVOA of opponents, giving them a relatively easier set of matchups.
- ESPN Football Power Index generates predictive ratings by blending betting‑market win totals with factors such as quarterback depth and special‑teams performance.
- Houston Texans moved from a 3‑13‑1 record in 2023 to a division‑winning season the following year, helped by rookie quarterback C.J. Stroud’s unexpectedly strong performance.
Why it matters: Fans and bettors of the Lions gain a realistic chance at a division title and playoff berth, while rival NFC North clubs face tougher competition; the high odds also shift betting markets and TV viewership.
