The Detroit Lions were the best team in the NFL for most of the 2024 season. Their dominant offense was paired with a defense that overcame injury after injury.

"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.

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.

Detroit Lions head coach Dan Campbell smiles on the sideline during the first half of the NFL Divisional Round game on Saturday, Jan. 18, 2025 at Ford Field in Detroit. The Washington Commanders defeated the Detroit Lions 45-31. Jake May | MLive.com

No team with a returning coach and two new coordinators has won a Super Bowl since the 2009 New Orleans Saints

The Detroit Lions are among the early betting favorites to win Super Bowl LX next season. After the Philadelphia Eagles defeated the Kansas City Chiefs, 40-22, in Super Bowl LIX, the opening odds were released for next season. Understandably, Dan Campbell's squad is still considered among the favorite's to win the Lombardi Trophy next season.

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

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.

Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown said Kendrick Lamar's Super Bowl halftime show as well as thegame was whack.