Detroit Lions Preseason Schedule Released
By Matt Urben
The NFL announced their preseason schedule today, giving the Detroit Lions four AFC opponents to prepare for the regular season. Let’s take a look at the team’s exhibition schedule.
Preseason Week 1: @ Indianapolis Colts
Date: TBD August 10-14
The Lions will open up on the road in Indianapolis, playing last season’s week one regular season opponent in the Colts. Detroit squeaked out a last-second Matt Prater field goal in 2016 to kick off their season with a 1-0 start. This likely won’t be Andrew Luck vs Matthew Stafford: round three, but the Colts are a talented team that has played Detroit tough the past two times.
Preseason Week 2: New York Jets
Date: TBD August 17-21
The Jets come to Ford Field for the second game of the preseason. A talented defensive team, the Jets have been hindered by an inability to find their franchise quarterback. The Lions could very well be seeing yet another new starter for a team that’s selected quarterbacks Bryce Petty and Christian Hackenberg in recent years. Don’t expect to see the starters much in this one either.
Preseason Week 3: New England Patriots
Date: TBD August 24-27
Circle this one on your calendar, as it’s about the most exciting preseason game Detroit has played in years. Michigan hero, Tom Brady, will make what could be his last trip to Detroit, fresh off of last season’s Super Bowl championship. Expect to see Stafford and Brady going at it for nearly all of the first half. Teams generally treat this game as the dress rehearsal for the regular season. We should get a good idea of where Detroit is at and what to expect based off of how they play in this one.
Preseason Week 4: @ Buffalo Bills
Date: TBD August 31- September 1
The Lions wrap up their exhibition schedule with another potentially ugly game at Buffalo. This is the one to really avoid if you are a Lions fan. Teams generally play guys in an audition for their practice squad. Last season, Jace Billingsley and Jake Rudock played well but still didn’t make the final roster. It is a great opportunity to see what kind of young talent the Lions have.
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