The Detroit Lions are once again in prime position to claim the NFC North, starting the 2024 season with an impressive 9-1 record.
However, their path to the division title is anything but easy, as other teams in the division remain firmly in the hunt.
Currently, the Lions hold a narrow one-game lead over the 8-2 Minnesota Vikings, with the Green Bay Packers also looming at 7-3.
To maintain their edge, quarterback Jared Goff will need to continue his strong performance as Detroit fends off tough competition for the division crown.
Speaking during his weekly interview on 97.1 The Ticket, Goff acknowledged the challenge posed by their rivals and emphasized the need for constant improvement, even with their strong record.
“We know what’s going on with those teams right behind us, and we might need to win every game to lock it up.
They’re both good teams, and Chicago is tough, too, even in fourth place. There’s no easy game in this division,” Goff said.
Detroit remains the team to beat in the NFC North after winning the title last year.
So far, they’ve proven their strength with road victories over both Minnesota and Green Bay.
However, four of their final seven games are against division rivals, including two against Chicago, a home matchup with Green Bay, and a home game against Minnesota.
Additionally, the Lions face significant non-division tests, with games against Buffalo and San Francisco still on the schedule.
Goff has been instrumental in the Lions’ success, throwing for 2,492 yards, 20 touchdowns, and nine interceptions through 10 games.
His only major misstep was a five-interception game against Houston, but he’s otherwise delivered elite performances, including a historic outing against Jacksonville with 400 passing yards, four touchdowns, and a perfect passer rating of 158.3.
“There’s always something to improve on,” Goff said, reflecting on his growth. “Whether it’s ball placement, footwork, or reads, you can find ways to get better every play.
The best players and teams keep improving, and that’s our goal—to be at our peak when the playoffs begin”