The Detroit Lions' 2026 season is expected to be a big one. The team didn't change up much with regard to the makeup of their roster, but they did bring on some depth pieces by way of free agency and the draft who can contribute immediately.
Inter-divisional competition should be stiff this year, with the Minnesota Vikings landing a playable quarterback in Kyler Murray this offseason, in addition to the Green Bay Packers and Chicago Bears more or less running it back with their 2025 rosters. The Lions are also keeping consistent with most starters returning, save for some reshuffling on their offensive line and in their secondary.
This season already looks to be a tough one for the Lions and their quest to reach the Super Bowl for the first time in franchise history, However, a 4th-place schedule should help them to at least gain some favorable footing in the NFC North and ahead of the postseason.
Last updated: Wednesday, May 14, 3:20 PM EST
Lions 2026 opponents
Home:
Chicago Bears
Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay Packers
New Orleans Saints
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
New York Giants
New York Jets
New England Patriots
Tennessee Titans
Away:
Chicago Bears
Minnesota Vikings
Green Bay Packers
Atlanta Falcons
Carolina Panthers
Arizona Cardinals
Buffalo Bills
Miami Dolphins
Lions 2026 schedule rumors
There are only two games we know the Lions will be taking part in: one is the NFL's Munich game. It was confirmed by FOX's Lachlan Murdoch that the Lions would be partaking in this contest on November 15th at 9:30 AM EST as part of a triple-header on the network.
The other, announced by ESPN's Adam Schefter, is the Lions' Week 2 away game against the Buffalo Bills. That'll be a Thursday Night Football game.
Per OzzyNFL and NerdingOnNFL, the Lions' Munich opponent is rumored to be the New England Patriots. That makes it Carlton Davis III's first shot at some sort of revenge against the Lions after they wouldn't meet him where he was at contractually during 2025 free agency.
Per NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Lions are set to host the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving day. This would mark Ben Johnson's third attempt at getting a win over his former team, although we don't yet know if Detroit will be traveling to Chicago prior to this contest for their road game against them.
Per NerdingOnNFL, the Lions will also be traveling to face off against the Carolina Panthers for Sunday Night Football in Week 4. That could be a fun clash between Cade Mays and his former team, and a fun one between two high-flying offenses. Also according to NerdingOnNFL, the Lions will travel to Chicago for a Week 17 game. It's likely not a Christmas day match.
OzzyNFL also has the Lions traveling to take on the Minnesota Vikings in Week 15 for yet another Sunday Night Football game.
It's rumored that the Lions will be going to Atlanta to face the Falcons in Week 13, per Lions Royalty. A Vikings fan page has also posted that the Lions will face the Vikings at home in Week 8.
Lions 2026 schedule leaks
Detroit is confirmed to be participating in a Thursday Night Football bout on the road against Buffalo in Week 2.
They're also confirmed to be hosting the Patriots in Munich in Week 10, on November 15th at 9:30 AM EST.
The Lions confirmed that they'd be hosting the Bears for Thanksgiving one day after that information was leaked. Nick Underhill, a reporter for for New Orleans Football, is reporting that the Lions will be hosting the Saints in Week 1. Bobby Skinner, a podcast host for Giants Nation, is reporting that Detroit will host the Giants for a Monday Night Football game on December 28.
OzzyNFL and NerdingOnNFL have the Packers traveling to Detroit for a regular season, inter-division finale.
Lions 2026 schedule
Week 1: Lions vs. New Orleans Saints, September 13, 1:00 PM EST
Week 2: Lions at Buffalo Bills, September 17, 8:15 PM EST (TNF)
Week 3: Lions vs. New York Jets, September 27, 1:00 PM EST
Week 4: Lions at Carolina Panthers, October 4, 8:20 PM (SNF)
Week 5: Lions at Arizona Cardinals, October 11, 4:35pm
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Lions vs. Green Bay Packers, October 25, 4:25pm EST
Week 8: Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings, November 1, 1:00pm EST
Week 9: Lions at Miami Dolphins, November 8, 1:00pm EST
Week 10: Lions vs. New England Patriots, Munich, Germany, November 15, 9:30 AM EST
Week 11: Lions vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, November 22, 1:00pm EST
Week 12: Lions vs. Chicago Bears, November 26, 1:00pm EST (THANKSGIVING)
Week 13: Lions at Atlanta Falcons, December 6, 1:00pm EST
Week 14: Lions vs. Tennessee Titans, December 13, 1:00pm EST
Week 15: Lions at Minnesota Vikings, December 20 (SNF)
Week 16: Lions vs. New York Giants, December 28 (MNF)
Week 17: Lions at Chicago Bears, January 3
Week 18: Lions at Green Bay Packers, January 10, Time TBD
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