Previewing the Detroit Lions' 2026 Season: Schedule, Opponents, and Predictions
The Detroit Lions had a disappointing 2025 season, finishing with a 9-8 record and in fourth place in the NFC North. Despite high expectations, they fell short of their goals. Looking ahead to the 2026 season, the team has the sixth-easiest schedule in the NFL based on last year's win-loss records. They will face seven playoff teams and eight teams with winning records from 2025. The Lions will play their division rivals both at home and on the road, as well as teams from the NFC South and AFC East.
Due to their last-place finish in the NFC North, the Lions will also face teams from the AFC South, NFC East, and NFC West in 2026. The week-by-week matchups have not been released yet but the home and away opponents are known. The Lions will play at Ford Field against teams like New Orleans, Tampa Bay, and New England, while they will travel to face Atlanta, Buffalo, and Carolina, among others.
While the schedule is not overly challenging, divisional games and matchups against strong teams like Tampa Bay and Buffalo will be tough tests for the Lions. The team has a solid core of players, including All-Pro talents and Pro Bowlers drafted by general manager Brad Holmes. However, the free agency additions may not be enough to elevate the team to Super Bowl contention.
With the current roster and schedule, it is predicted that the Lions will once again finish with a 9-8 record in the 2026 season.