The Detroit Lions, once a perennial afterthought in the NFL, have started to earn prime-time visibility, achieving a significant turnaround in their scheduling. Over the previous decade, they ranked 26th in prime-time appearances with just 25 games, averaging less than three each season. However, with a marked improvement in their performance, they’re poised for their best years yet, showcasing five prime-time games in 2023 and six in 2024, a stark contrast to their past.

This shift can be attributed to several factors, including the leadership of head coach Dan Campbell and star talents like Aidan Hutchinson and Amon-Ra St. Brown, who have emerged as captivating personalities in the league. The Lions' metropolitan area, home to approximately 4.3 million people, also positions them favorably, yet it’s their competitive edge that has ignited interest, placing them on par with more storied franchises.