Top 5 quarterbacks on the Detroit Lions schedule in 2022

No. 2: Aaron Rodgers, Green Bay Packers

Rodgers has haunted the Lions for years, and will until he calls it a career. The Packers traded Davante Adams this offseason, but even with question marks at wide receiver there’s plenty of talent around Rodgers.

Detroit will take on the Packers in Week 9 (at home) and Week 18 (on the road). It’s possible that regular season finale won’t mean anything for playoff seeding to Green Bay, and Rodgers will thus be rested. But let’s assume that won’t be the case right now, and he will play.

There’s only one quarterback on the Lions’ 2022 schedule who’s better than the back-to-back reigning league MVP.

No. 1: Josh Allen, Buffalo Bills

That quarterback is Josh Allen, who leads one of the favorites to reach, if not win, the Super Bowl. The Bills visit the Lions in Week 12 on Nov. 24, Thanksgiving Day. It’s the one currently scheduled national television game for the Lions, naturally on the holiday where they play the first game.

Allen is among the favorites, if not the favorite, to win league MVP this season. Over the last couple seasons he has become a more refined and prolific passer to go with his running ability, and Buffalo’s offense has become one of the best in the league.

It’s easy to predict the Lions to be blown out by the Bills on Thanksgiving. Keeping Allen in check (if only relatively) will parallel with their ability to keep the game competitive. As long as he’s healthy and on the field on Thankgiving, Allen will be the top quarterback the Lions face this season.