2026 Detroit Lions Season Preview: Playoff Hopes and Favorable Schedule
The Detroit Lions are gearing up for the 2026 season with hopes of returning to the playoffs after falling short last year. General manager Brad Holmes has been busy bolstering the team's depth by adding key players like offensive linemen Cade Mays and Blake Miller, as well as EDGE defenders D.J. Wonnum and Derrick Moore. With a strengthened roster and a favorable schedule ahead, many fans and experts are optimistic about the Lions' chances of making a playoff run.
CBS Sports' Carter Bahns recently highlighted the Lions as one of the teams with a promising path to the postseason. Bahns pointed out that Detroit will face several opponents ranked lower in the post-NFL Draft power rankings, giving them an advantage in multiple matchups throughout the season. The Lions will have opportunities to gain momentum early on and finish strong with strategically placed games against teams expected to have losing records.
In addition to facing favorable matchups, the Lions will benefit from having the sixth-easiest schedule in the league based on last year's win-loss records. Despite playing against seven playoff teams from the previous season and eight teams with winning records in 2025, Detroit's opponents collectively had a win-loss percentage of just .467. This sets the stage for the Lions to capitalize on their strengths and make a push for the playoffs in 2026.