Do the Green Bay Packers division rivals have a brighter future?

The Detroit Lions feel good about their future.

The Lions did not make the playoffs despite going 9-8. They also made sure the Green Bay Packers did not go to the postseason either by beating the Pack in the final game of the season.

Detroit hopes to take another step forward in 2023.

Their defense struggled as they finished 28th in points allowed and dead last in total yards allowed. The Lions still feel positive about the future of their defense, which is anchored by Aiden Hutchinson. He made a huge impact, especially toward the end of the season.

Rookie James Houston registered eight sacks in just seven games. That means the Lions have two up-and-coming pass rushers to build a potentially scary defense around.

The Lions should feel good about their offense going forward.

Jared Goff threw for over 4,000 yards and nearly had 30 touchdown passes (something a Chicago Bears quarterback has never done). The offensive line did an excellent job of protecting him, as he was sacked only 23 times.

Detroit was fifth in the league in scoring and fourth in total yards.

Amon-Ra St. Brown caught 106 passes for 1161 yards and six touchdowns on his way to making the Pro Bowl.

Tight ends Brock Wright, James Mitchell, and Shane Zylstra combined for nine touchdowns. Jamaal Williams rushed for over 1,000 yards. Williams, along with wide receiver DJ Chark, are set to be free agents.

The Lions head into the offseason with not a lot of salary cap space, but they have four draft picks in the top-75, including two first-round picks with one in the top 10.

That means Detroit has a chance to add some more impact players. Now the Lions have had hope and top picks before, only to see everything fizzle out. This is still the Lions we are talking about here. This is the first franchise to not win a game in a 16-game season and they have not won a playoff game since 1991.

Goff has shown he can turn in a good season only to follow it up with a poor one. Still, Detroit has reason to be hopeful with their offensive line and two potential superstars on defense.

If Aaron Rodgers does return, the Green Bay Packers still might have enough talent around them to stave off the possible emergence of the Bears and Lions. Some tinkering to the roster might allow the Green Bay Packers to take the division back from the Vikings.

Then again, if the positive forecast regarding the Bears and Lions comes to fruition, there might be a fight for a place on top of the NFC North that does not include the Packers.