The Detroit Lions are one of the early favorites to hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the next postseason. Coming off a 15-2 record and getting several injured key contributors back makes Detroit a popular pick to be the best team in 2025.

It was the last time for fans to watch football at Ford Field this season. With fun activities, but broken playoff dreams, the energy was bittersweet.

Here are my thoughts on why the Lions are not playing in Super Bowl 59. It's true. The injuries along the defense were piling up. What made it challenging for the front office to take a big swing at the deadline was the team was still competing and winning games.

"The Lions are not there. The teams who are there, I couldn't care less if they win or lose. ... I'll be doing laundry," one fan said.

In the week leading up to Super Bowl LIX, MLive conducted a survey of Lions fans to get their opinions on the showdown between the Eagles and Chiefs, and what the Lions need to do to reach the big game.

Four ex-Lions players are currently on the rosters of the teams that will appear in Super Bowl 59 from New Orleans, Louisiana.

Detroit Lions rookie Terrion Arnold made a big promise to Lions fans after watching the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl.

Aug 28, 2022; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Mitch Trubiski (10) is brought down by Detroit Lions defensive linemen Charles Harris (53) and Aidan Hutchinson (97) during the first quarter at Acrisure Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Philip G. Pavely-USA TODAY Sports