Game week has finally arrived for the Detroit Lions. Following a 9-8 season, the Lions are on a quest to reclaim their crown as NFC North champions and return to the playoffs. That quest begins on Sunday, Sept. 13, at Ford Field when the Lions take on the New Orleans Saints.
While a win is expected, anything can happen on any given Sunday in the NFL, and the Lions look to avoid the Week 1 upset by getting off to a strong start against the Saints at Ford Field on Sunday.
Last year, the Lions dropped a few games that some weren’t expecting them to lose. The most notable one was last year’s 27-24 Week 9 home loss to the Minnesota Vikings. This season, a few games on the Lions' schedule could cause them to slip up. Here’s a look at the three potential upsets brewing on the Lions' 2026 schedule.
Week 4: at Carolina Panthers (Oct. 4)
After games this season against the New Orleans Saints, Buffalo Bills, and New York Jets, the Lions will travel to Charlotte for a Week 4 road challenge against the Carolina Panthers.
In a lackluster NFC South last season, the Carolina Panthers won the division with an 8-9 overall record and even almost pulled off the upset against the Los Angeles Rams in the Wild Card Round.
The Panthers' upset win against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field last season also played a pivotal role in helping them reach the postseason. Panthers quarterback Bryce Young continues to improve, one of the main reasons why the Lions could be on upset alert in Week 4 in Charlotte.
Week 13: at Atlanta Falcons (Dec. 6)
Following their Thanksgiving Day rivalry matchup against the Chicago Bears, the Lions will travel down south to face the Atlanta Falcons on Dec. 6 in Week 13. The Falcons recently named Tua Tagovailoa as their starting quarterback for their Week 1 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, and it’ll be interesting to see how long he remains the starter with Michael Penix Jr. on the bench.
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Given that the Lions will have 10 days of rest between their Thanksgiving matchup against the Bears and the Falcons game, the Lions should be able to secure a win, but it's one they shouldn’t overlook after what could be a season-defining win over Chicago.
Week 16: vs. New York Giants (Dec. 28)
Last season, the Lions needed overtime and a remarkable performance from Jahmyr Gibbs to beat Jameis Winston and the New York Giants 34-27 in overtime. Now, in Week 16 on Dec. 28 at Ford Field, the Lions will face the Giants and an improved roster led by Jaxson Dart.
The result of this game, especially so late in the season, could be pivotal to the Lions securing a playoff spot and winning the NFC North despite facing an out-of-division opponent.
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