NFL analyst explains why Detroit Lions have more upside in 2024

The Detroit Lions started off their 2024 season exactly how fans had hoped they would: with a win.

Welcoming back former quarterback Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams , the Lions escaped with a 26-20 overtime victory. The Lions looked the part of a playoff team, and one NFL writer has high expectations for the team after that performance.

Cody Benjamin of CBS Sports published a piece detailing what he learned from each NFL team in Week 1. Regarding the Lions, Benjamin learned that the team has “even more upside” than the 2023 edition that went to the NFC Championship Game.

“They've got even more upside than during their 2023 NFC title bid. Why? Jameson Williams is moving like a No. 1 wideout,” Benjamin explained. “David Montgomery is running like Marshawn Lynch. The young defense is feisty.”

Benjamin certainly has a point about Williams. The speedy receiver appears to be on the verge of a breakout season after catching five passes for 121 yards and one touchdown in his 2024 debut.

The former Alabama wideout could form a deadly duo next to Amon-Ra St. Brown, making this dynamic Lions’ passing attack even more deadly when you consider it also sports a budding star tight end in Sam LaPorta.

As for Montgomery, the veteran looked like he hasn’t lost a step at all in Week 1. Montgomery rushed for 91 yards and one TD on 17 carries. Paired with Jahmyr Gibbs, the Lions appear to have a deadly RB and WR duo.

It will be interesting to see what else is learned about the Lions after a Week 2 matchup against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers .