It’s been almost a week since the Detroit Lions unveiled their full 2026 season schedule, and there are many notable matchups fans will be excited about as the team aims to return to the NFL playoffs after finishing 2025 with a 9-8 record.
With the full NFL 2026 schedule out, The Athletic recently put together its best games for each team, and the Lions' Week 18 game at Lambeau Field against the Green Bay Packers is considered Detroit’s best game of the season.
The last time the Lions faced the Packers at Lambeau, it did not go well as Detroit opened the season with a 27-13 loss to Green Bay. The Lions also lost to the Packers on Thanksgiving at Ford Field, falling 31-24. The Lions are looking for sweet revenge against the Packers and their other division rivals.
Lions week 18 matchup vs. Packers could be for NFC North title
Depending on how both teams fare leading up to their Week 18 matchup, an NFC North title could be on the line between the Lions and Packers at Lambeau Field. The Bears and Vikings are also in the running for a division title, and both will likely be fighting for a playoff spot when Week 18 arrives.
After winning two consecutive divisional titles, the Lions finished last in the division in 2025 and aim to reclaim their crown in 2026. It’s hard to believe, but the Packers haven’t won an NFC North title since 2021, and Green Bay fans are hoping that 2026 is the season they finally win the division.
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There is a lot of pressure on the Packers entering the 2026 season, especially on coach Matt LaFleur. The Packers collapsed in the NFC Wild Card Round against the Chicago Bears, blowing an 18-point lead to lose 31-27 at Soldier Field, a brutal end to their 2025 season.
NFC North outlook entering 2026 season
The NFC North has the potential to be one of the best divisions in football this upcoming season, as in addition to the Lions and Packers, the defending division champs, the Chicago Bears, look to take another step forward in their second season under coach Ben Johnson.
The Minnesota Vikings, with new quarterback Kyler Murray expected to be the starter, have the potential to be an underrated team in the NFC North next season as they aim to take a step forward after finishing 2025 strong with a 9-8 record.
Before the Lions conclude the regular season against the Packers in Week 18, they will go through a brutal stretch playing both the Bears and Vikings, with a Monday night football home matchup against the New York Giants at Ford Field in the middle. The Lions' results against both the Vikings and Bears on the road could be pivotal to Detroit's chances of winning the NFC North.
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