The Detroit Lions' season opener is just 10 days away. The Lions will officially kick off the season on Sept. 13 at Ford Field against the New Orleans Saints at 1 p.m. ET on FOX.
The Lions are looking to bounce back from a 2025 season that saw them take a step back following two consecutive NFC North division titles, finishing with a 9-8 overall record. While several games on the Lions' 2026 schedule will determine whether they reclaim their crown as NFC North champions, here are the five matchups that’ll be most exciting for fans this season.
5. New England Patriots (Nov. 15)
International games are always special occasions for NFL teams and their fans overseas. In Week 10, the Lions will take on the defending AFC Champions, the New England Patriots, in the NFL Munich Game on Nov. 15.
It’ll be the Lions' first international game since 2015, when they lost to the Kansas City Chiefs 45-10 in London. Obviously, this time around the Lions are hoping for a better result against a Patriots squad that again looks to be among the best in the AFC this season.
4. Green Bay Packers (Oct. 25)
In Week 7, the Lions will face the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field in their first of two meetings this season. Revenge will certainly be on the Lions' minds when they face their NFC North rivals this season.
Last season, the Lions' two losses to the Packers, including a Thanksgiving loss, were among the biggest factors in Detroit missing the postseason. This season, the two matchups against the Packers will dictate playoff positioning and who claims the NFC North crown. A win against the Packers at Ford Field could help set the tone for the middle stretch of the Lions' season.
3. Green Bay Packers (Week 18 Flex Game)
The Week 18 matchup at Lambeau Field holds similar importance. A FLEX game currently on the schedule, depending on how the Chicago Bears and Minnesota Vikings fare this season, the Week 18 matchup could be for the NFC North title or one of the last playoff spots.
The last time the Lions and Packers played in Week 18 at Lambeau Field, Detroit secured one of the most memorable wins of the Dan Campbell era, denying Green Bay a playoff spot in Aaron Rodgers' final game with a 20-16 win on Jan. 8, 2023.
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2. Chicago Bears (Thanksgiving Day)
Thanksgiving could be another instant classic between the Lions and Bears, but this time with Ben Johnson on the opposing sidelines. The Lions may have swept the Bears last season, but that didn’t stop fans from having a sour taste in their mouths watching Chicago win the NFC North while Detroit stayed home.
Much like Johnson’s return to Ford Field last season, which featured a dominating 52-21 victory by Detroit and the recreation of the “Stumble Bum” play, expect the energy at Ford Field for the Lions' annual Thanksgiving game to be electric.
1. Buffalo Bills (Sept. 17)
In Week 2, the Lions will travel on the road for the first time during the regular season, where they’ll look to spoil the Buffalo Bills' debut in their multi-billion-dollar new Highmark Stadium on Sept. 17.
Two of the NFL’s best offenses will face off in a game that again provides fireworks. The last time the Lions and Bills met at Ford Field in December of 2024, Josh Allen’s 362 passing yards and two touchdowns led Buffalo to a 48-42 win. Goff was also spectacular, throwing for 494 yards and five touchdowns. Will the Week 2 matchup provide similar excitement for fans? That remains to be seen.
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