Top 5 quarterbacks on the Detroit Lions schedule in 2022

No. 5: Mac Jones, New England Patriots

In Week 5 the Lions will head to Foxborough to take on the New England Patriots, and former head coach/new Patriots play caller Matt Patricia.

Mac Jones had a solid rookie season in 2021 (3,801 yards, 67.6 percent completion rate), as the Patriots made the playoffs. But the young quarterback was naturally protected with a conservative offensive approach, and the shackles may have to come off a little in his second season.

No. 4: Kirk Cousins, Minnesota Vikings

In Week 3 and Week 14, the Lions will be facing the division rival Minnesota Vikings and quarterback Kirk Cousins. Cousins has been a model of empty numbers with little team success, but that’s overlooking how good and consistent he actually is. Having an offensive-minded head coach in Kevin O’Connell, who he has history with from their days together in Washington, could unlock a new level.

Cousins put up his typical good numbers against the Lions last year, but Detroit also almost won both games against the Vikings. Minnesota is likely to have a more pass-oriented approach offensively, testing a young Lions’ secondary.

No. 3: Dak Prescott, Dallas Cowboys

Coming in at No. 3 is Dak Prescott, who leads another explosive Cowboys’ offense. Like Cousins, a big question with Prescott is if he can lead a team to a significant playoff run. He was also never quite right physically last year, coming off a major leg injury in 2020 and dealing with shoulder and calf issues.

Prescott lost wide receiver Amari Cooper to an offseason trade. But there are still plenty of weapons around him (CeeDee Lamb, Dalton Schultz, Ezekiel Elliott, Tony Pollard, eventually Michael Gallup). The Lions defense will face one of its stiffest challenges of the season in Week 7.