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Any Lions excuses ahead of pivotal 2026 season just flew out the window

The Lions path to the NFL playoffs next season could be smooth sailing.
ByCaden Handwork|
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Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images
Feb 24, 2026; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions coach Dan Campbell speaks at the NFL Scouting Combine at the Indiana Convention Center. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images | Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

After going from first to worst in the NFC North and finishing at 9-8 overall in 2025, the Detroit Lions are looking to benefit from a last-place schedule next season. Every NFL season, there is always that one team that makes the playoffs following finishing last in their division the previous year.

Last year, it was the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots. With the easiest schedule in the NFL next season, according to Sharp Football Analysis, the Lions are hoping to be one of those last-place teams from 2025 to reach the NFL playoffs. 

Every season, the NFL is always unpredictable, and even with a last-place schedule, there’s no guarantee that the Lions will benefit from it. However, given how last season went, Lions fans are desperate for Detroit to reclaim its crown as the NFC North champions, and given their schedule, there should be no excuses for coming up short. 

Lions 2026 season opponenets

The full schedule for the Lions' 2026 season has yet to be announced, but we do know their opponents. Notable opponents on the Lions' 2026 schedule that should favor Detroit include home matchups against the New Orleans Saints, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and New York Giants. 

The Lions' road games against the Miami Dolphins and Arizona Cardinals are also favorable matchups for Detroit next season.

READ MORE: Analyst says Taylor Decker's next team is crystal clear (but it'll never happen)

The NFL teams that round out the top five in terms of the easiest schedule for the 2026 season include the New Orleans Saints (No. 2), Cincinnati Bengals (No. 3), Cleveland Browns (No. 4), and the New York Jets (No. 5). 

What led to the Lions downfall last season

Last season, the Lions started the year with one of the most difficult schedules in the eyes of the NFL, but, as it turned out, Detroit’s three losses were to teams that failed to qualify for the playoffs. 

The Lions being swept by the Minnesota Vikings and falling to the Kansas City Chiefs ultimately proved to be crucial losses for Detroit last season. Given how last season ended for the Lions, fans are hoping that an easier schedule will be smooth sailing for Detroit.

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