As the NFL season kicks off, excitement is palpable in Detroit, with fans and analysts buzzing about the Lions’ prospects for the year. The Lions, who came agonizingly close to reaching the Super Bowl last season, are poised to make another deep run in 2024. Among the many predictions circulating, one stands out for its boldness and enthusiasm: Bill Simmons of The Ringer has predicted that the Detroit Lions will win the Super Bowl this year.

Just days before the season began, Simmons made waves by declaring that the Lions would hoist the Lombardi Trophy at the end of the season. He didn’t stop there; Simmons doubled down on his prediction with a graphic that added layers to his forecast. His detailed graphic suggests that the Lions will not only win the Super Bowl but also face some intriguing matchups along the way.

The graphic, shared on social media, hinted that the Lions might be up against either the Kansas City Chiefs or the Houston Texans in the big game. Both potential matchups promise high drama and fireworks, given the offensive prowess of the Chiefs and the surprising potential of the Texans.

But Simmons’ predictions don’t end with the Super Bowl. His graphic suggests a tantalizing NFC Championship Game between the Detroit Lions and the Green Bay Packers. This matchup would be a throwback to classic NFC North battles and add a new chapter to a storied rivalry. The last time an NFC Championship Game featured teams from the NFC North was in January 2011 when the Green Bay Packers faced the Chicago Bears—a game memorable for Jay Cutler’s injury and Caleb Hanie’s unexpected appearance.

For Lions fans, the thought of an NFC Championship Game against the Packers is both thrilling and nerve-wracking. The stakes would be incredibly high, with the chance to advance to the Super Bowl on the line. If the Lions were to face the Packers in this critical game, it would not only be a significant moment for Detroit but could also become one of the most-watched and talked-about games in recent NFL history.

As the season progresses, the anticipation around Simmons’ prediction will only grow. Lions fans will be watching closely to see if their team can live up to the hype and if Simmons’ bold forecast will come to fruition. If the Lions do make it to the Super Bowl, especially after a dramatic victory over the Packers in the NFC Championship, it would be a storybook ending to a season filled with high expectations and hope.

For now, the Lions’ journey to the Super Bowl begins with their opening game against Aaron Rodgers and the Green Bay Packers on Monday Night Football. How they perform in these early games will set the tone for the rest of their season and could turn Simmons’ prediction into reality.