Daily DLP: Comparing Week 1 Starting Lineups 2025 vs 2026

Today’s Daily DLP looks back at Week 1 of the 2025 season. We compare the Detroit Lions starting lineup in that game against the Green Bay Packers, a game we’d all rather forget, and the expected starting lineup for the Lions in Week 1, when Detroit hosts the Saints this coming Sunday.

Some things are constant. The exceptional talent at the skill positions, led by QB Jared Goff, WR Amon-Ra St. Brown and RB Jahmyr Gibbs, is back and arguably better than ever with the growth of WR Jameson Williams. The tight end room is deeper, and so is the overhauled offensive line. Trading out some starters up front opens some questions about just how good the line will be, but Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany should be better in their second year together as the starting guards.

Defensively, the Lions dramatically improved along the front four. It’s a deeper group and a more dynamic pass rush room. The days of Marcus Davenport starting across from All-Pro Aidan Hutchinson are a distant memory.

The biggest change on defense is at safety. Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph entered the 2025 season as the NFL’s best safety tandem. Neither will be on the field until at least Week 5. The Lions will rely on veteran newcomer Chuck Clark and a combination of Avonte Maddox and Thomas Harper to fill the void.

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