Detroit Lions 2017 Regular Season Schedule Released

Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass as head coach Jim Caldwell looks on before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 26, 2016; Arlington, TX, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws a pass as head coach Jim Caldwell looks on before the game against the Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports /
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The NFL released their official 2017 regular season schedule tonight. Let’s take a look at what the Detroit Lions are in for now that their path for the season is set in stone.

Week 1: Arizona Cardinals

Sept. 10th, 1:00 pm, FOX

Week 2: At New York Giants

Sept. 18th, 8:30 pm, ESPN, MNF

Week 3: Atlanta Falcons

Sept. 24th, 1:00 pm, FOX

Week 4: At Minnesota Vikings

Oct. 1st, 1:00 pm, FOX

Week 5: Carolina Panthers

Oct. 8th, 1:00 pm, FOX

Week 6: At New Orleans Saints

Oct. 15th, 1:00 pm, FOX

Week 7: BYE

Week 8: Pittsburgh Steelers

Oct. 29th, 8:30 pm, NBC, SNF

Week 9: At Green Bay Packers

Nov. 6th, 8:30 pm, ESPN, MNF

Week 10: Cleveland Browns

Nov. 12th, 1:00 pm, CBS

Week 11: At Chicago Bears

Nov. 19th, 1:00 pm, FOX

 Week 12: Minnesota Vikings

Nov. 23rd, 1:00 pm, FOX, Thanksgiving

Week 13: At Baltimore Ravens

Dec. 3rd, 1:00 pm, FOX

Week 14: At Tampa Bay Buccaneers

Dec. 10th, 1:00 pm, FOX

Week 15: Chicago Bears

Dec. 16th, 4:30 pm, NFL Network

Week 16: At Cincinnati Bengals

Dec. 24th, 1:00 pm, FOX

Week 17: Green Bay Packers

Dec. 31st, 1:00 pm, FOX

Matthew Stafford
Jan 1, 2017; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws the ball during the first quarter against the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Raj Mehta-USA TODAY Sports /

Analysis: The Lions get three prime-time games, including a Week Two, Monday Night Football matchup with the New York Giants. On paper, this looks like one of the toughest schedules in the NFL. Detroit already plays in an ultra-competitive NFC North, but goes on the road against Cincinnati, Baltimore, New Orleans and New York.

Detroit also faces the tough prospect of taking on the Super Bowl participant Atlanta Falcons in week three.  A quick start is a necessity for a schedule that doesn’t really have many breaks except for a home game against the Cleveland Browns. With prime-time stages against the Steelers and Packers, it will be an exciting season for fans at the very least.

Pre-Draft Prediction:(9-7) – I can’t pick Detroit to win more than nine games prior to the draft, with so many defensive holes to fill. Detroit takes on Cam Newton, Aaron Rodgers, Drew Brees and Eli Manning. They are another great draft from being a very good team, but until that draft, it’s hard to know how tough this schedule is.

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Next: Trading Back Would Make Sense For Lions in 2017 Draft