Lions looking to take another step to reach the Super Bowl for 1st time in franchise history
Associated PressDETROIT LIONS EXPECTATIONS: The Detroit Lions are a popular pick to reach their first Super Bowl this season. Detroit fell one win short last season, losing a 17-point, third-quarter lead at San Francisco in a 34-31 setback to the 49ers in the NFC championship game. STRENGTHS: The NFL’s best offensive line may be in Detroit with All-Pro Penei Sewell, Pro Bowlers Frank Ragnow and Zeitler along with veterans Taylor Decker and Graham Glasgow. Bates made UFL-record 64-yard field goal in last season’s opener and finished the year 3 for 4 on field goals from 60-plus yards. 12 overall by Detroit in 2022, was suspended at the start of last season for violating the NFL’s gambling policy after he had only one catch in six games during his injury-shortened rookie season.