The Detroit Lions had the best record in the NFC last season and clinched home field throughout the playoffs before losing to Washington in the first round.
The Lions' playoff and injury troubles obscured what was otherwise arguably the best team in football for much of the season, tempering expectations heading into 2025-26.
On Friday, the latest Madden 26 video game beta rankings came out, causing a stir on social media as fans began to accuse EA Sports of underrating Detroit's favorite professional football franchise.
Dan Campbell and John Morton.
Lions coach Dan Campbell (L) and John Morton (R, top) during the Lions' OTAs in Allen Park, Michigan on June 5, 2025.
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
"The Lions are an 88 overall according to the Madden 26 beta," the Woodward Sports network wrote on X Friday, causing dozens of reactions from fans.
"The San Francisco 49ers are a 92??? And they have the Lions tied at 88 with the Cowboys," another person said with three sideways laughing and crying emojis.
"Yeah I won't be getting Madden 26 unless they correct that (expletive)."
"This can't be real," another person said.
"Fair enough," another added.
"Literally week 1 ratings from Madden 25," another said. "They don't show the real ratings in the beta."
"Beta uses last year's roster so Terrion Arnold and such still has beginning of last season rating," another added.
"Can't be the end results. Lots of wild takes here," another fan added.
"That's mid right? You want to be like 93-95" another said.
"It's beta y'all just stupid," another person chimed in.
The Lions added Tyleik Williams of Ohio State to bolster the defensive line in the first round of the 2025 NFL draft and is hoping to atone for last season's late season collapse with a healthier defense and a similar attack on offense.