The Detroit Lions entered the season with goals of making the playoffs, winning the division and seeing what happens from there. It was the first time leadership has openly declared the Lions were ready to compete, ready to push for the playoffs and ready to emerge from their rebuild.

“It’s about raising the expectations, you know?” coach Dan Campbell said at the owners’ meetings in March. “We need to be thinking that way. Everything about what we do has to have that type of purpose. Our standard has always been about winning, man. You’re trying to win every game. But ultimately, I think, to take the next step, you’re shooting for the division.

Through eight games, the Lions have positioned themselves to accomplish those goals. They’re 6-2 and atop a struggling NFC North division. They have the second-best record in the NFC, an offense that can score with anyone, a much-improved defense and a team of budding young talent. It’s a good spot to be in.

At the midway point, we’ve seen enough to determine the Lions are a good football team. But what will the second half bring?

Here are some predictions.

Three Lions players will make All-Rookie teams

Detroit’s 2023 NFL Draft was about adding impact players who could contribute right away and help the team win. GM Brad Holmes said as much on the final day of the draft, and his vision is clear given the success of the team and its rookies.

Ultimately, the Lions left draft weekend with eight draft picks. Seven of them have already played this season. The only one who hasn’t is quarterback Hendon Hooker, who’s still on IR as he works his way back from a torn ACL.

Brian Branch began his career with a pick six of Patrick Mahomes and has been one of the better rookie defenders — and one of the league’s best nickels period — when healthy. Sam LaPorta has played like one of the best tight ends in football, a remarkable feat considering the position he plays. And Jahmyr Gibbs, perhaps a little late to the party, had a breakout game against the Raiders with 189 scrimmage yards, demonstrating all the reasons why the Lions drafted him 12th overall. Those three look like locks for All-Rookie teams if health permits, and it’s not too late for linebacker Jack Campbell to join them as the game continues to slow down for him.