The Detroit Lions managed to pull a 4th-place schedule for the 2026 season, so it shouldn't come as a surprise to see so many potentially tanking and rebuilding teams on their docket.
After the schedule release hit the Lions' social media officially on Thursday night, fans have to be thinking big about the Lions' chances at finally climbing the summit and gaining a Super Bowl appearance.
Their schedule features eight games against teams that finished below .500 in 2025, and a fairly light start to the year overall before a grueling stretch post-Thanksgiving. Compared to the rest of the division, the Lions got a huge break - and, that could really help Detroit towards their goal of reaching the postseason once again, as well as reaching the Super Bowl.
Lions set up for major success with 2026 schedule
Of course, we're not going to know how well the Lions will do until we see the on-field product. But, we can guess that an opener against the New Orleans Saints at Ford Field followed by Week 3 against the New York Jets, Week 4 against the Carolina Panthers, and Week 5 against the Arizona Cardinals will lead to a pretty favorable record prior to their Week 6 bye.
Right after that bye is a huge game against the Green Bay Packers at home, which will be their first against a divisional opponent of the season. Getting that rest prior to hosting Green Bay is a major advantage for the Lions, which helps them even more amidst an easy stretch of games.
As of now, we could be looking at a 4-1 record prior to the Lions' Packers game, which would be excellent momentum to carry into such a huge game. Home field advantage should also be on Detroit side and, health-willing, the Lions will be able to redeem themselves from their 0-2 record against Matt LaFleur in 2025.
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We saw how greatly beneficial an "easier" schedule could be for a talented squad in 2025, with the New England Patriots earning some punches last year for...simply beating the teams that were laid out in front of them, which led to favorable postseason seeding and an eventual Super Bowl appearance.
The difference between New England and Detroit is that the Lions have proven in 2023 and 2024 - but especially in 2023 - that they have what it takes to battle it out in the postseason with some of the strongest competition. That experience matters.
They also have a roster chock full of All-Pro talent coupled with a seasoned quarterback, and they hope to have found a long-term offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing to help steer their loaded roster.
The Lions might not have a better shot at the Super Bowl than they do in 2026.
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