If you were expecting another dominant run to the top of the NFC North, the 2025 season probably felt like a bit of a cold shower. After the highs of the previous year, watching the Detroit Lions football schedule unfold this time around was a rollercoaster that eventually stopped just short of the station. They finished 9-8. It sounds respectable on paper, but for a team with Super Bowl aspirations, missing the playoffs entirely is a tough pill to swallow.
Honestly, the schedule was brutal from the jump.
It started at Lambeau Field in September. A 27-13 loss to the Packers isn't exactly how you want to kick things off, especially with the hype surrounding Dan Campbell's squad. But they bounced back fast. People forget they actually went on a tear right after that, crushing the Bears 52-21 and even taking down the Ravens in Baltimore. For a minute there, it looked like the Lions were the juggernaut we all thought they were.
The Mid-Season Slide and the Playoff Dream
The turning point? Probably that Week 6 trip to Kansas City. Facing the Chiefs at Arrowhead is never easy, but that 30-17 loss seemed to expose some cracks in the secondary that hadn't been fixed. Even with Aidan Hutchinson playing like a man possessed, the defense just couldn't hold up against the elite signal-callers.
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They had some bright spots, sure.
Beating Dallas 44-30 in early December felt like a statement. It was a high-scoring shootout where Jared Goff looked like he could do no wrong. But then came the collapse. They lost three in a row to the Rams, Steelers, and Vikings. That Christmas Day loss to Minnesota was the final nail in the coffin.
Why the 2025 Results Matter for 2026
The Lions ended up finishing 4th in the NFC North. That’s a bit of a shocker when you consider they had All-Pros like Jack Campbell and Penei Sewell leading the way. But because of that fourth-place finish, the upcoming schedule for 2026 looks significantly different than it would have if they’d won the division again.
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Here is the thing: the NFL schedule isn't random.
Because they finished last in the North, they now have to play the other fourth-place finishers across the league. That means matchups against the Arizona Cardinals, the New York Giants, and the Tennessee Titans. It's weirdly a silver lining. You miss the playoffs, but you get a "easier" path the following year. Sorta.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Detroit Lions Opponents
We don't have the exact dates yet—the NFL usually drops that bombshell in May—but we know exactly who is coming to Ford Field. The home slate is actually pretty exciting. You’ve got the usual divisional rivals, but then you add the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and the Tampa Bay Buccaneers into the mix.
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- Home Games: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, New England, New York Jets, Tennessee, and the Giants.
- Road Trips: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Atlanta, Buffalo, Carolina, Miami, and Arizona.
That road schedule looks like a nightmare. Traveling to Buffalo and Miami in the same year is a lot of miles. Plus, a trip to Arizona to face a potentially healthy Kyler Murray isn't the "gimme" it might have been a few years ago.
Key Factors for the Next Cycle
Basically, the 2025 season was plagued by injuries and some "complacent drafting," if you listen to the local beat writers. Brad Holmes has his work cut out for him with the No. 17 pick in the upcoming draft. They need depth. You can't survive a 17-game gauntlet when your offensive line starts thinning out in November.
It's also worth noting that the NFC North is becoming a powerhouse. The Vikings and Bears both look like legitimate threats now, and Green Bay is... well, Green Bay. The Lions went 2-4 in the division this past year. You can't do that and expect to play in January.
Actionable Steps for Lions Fans
If you're already looking to plan your trips for the 2026 season, keep these milestones on your radar:
- Monitor the NFL Draft: The Lions hold the 17th overall pick. Watch for them to target secondary help or interior defensive line depth to help Hutchinson.
- Schedule Release: Expect the full calendar with times and TV networks to drop in mid-May 2026. This is when you book those flights to Miami or Buffalo.
- Roster Movements: Free agency starts in March. Keep an eye on how they handle the "coordinator turnover" issues that bit them in 2025.
The Detroit Lions football schedule might have been a source of frustration lately, but the 4th place finish gives them a unique opportunity to reset against a different tier of competition next fall.