Week 10: at Houston Texans (Nov. 10, 8:20 p.m. ET-Sunday Night Football)
The Lions can take a look at the Texans and see a lot of themselves a year ago at this time. A lot of hype, and people wondering if they can pay it off. The Lions of course did pay off their hype last season. The Texans look loaded on both sides of the ball, and their division is easily there for them to win again.
If the Texans were to beat the Lions in a prime time game, the rest of the league would take notice. In any case, this should be a very good, possibly high-scoring, game on the Sunday night stage.
Prediction: Lions 31, Texans 27
Week 11: vs. Jacksonville Jaguars (Nov. 17, 1 p.m. ET
With a 9-8 record in each of the last two seasons, the Jaguars are walking a fine line between either becoming really good or taking a downturn. By Week 11, mid-November, we may clearly know which it is for them this season.
The Lions should not have much trouble holding serve at home against the Jaguars. This one also falls into the "win the ones you're supposed to" category.
Prediction: Lions 27, Jaguars 17
Week 12: at Indianapolis Colts (Nov. 24, 1 p.m. ET)
The Colts seem to be on a good track again, and if quarterback Anthony Richardson is healthy his running ability makes him a bad matchup for the Lions' defense until Aaron Glenn's unit shows otherwise.
That being said, the Lions should beat a team like the Colts and even if it's close for a long time they'll finish the job like a good team should.
Prediction: Lions 30, Colts 21
Week 13: vs. Chicago Bears (Nov. 28, 12:30 p.m. ET-Thanksgiving Day)
The Bears, looking like a promising team with the No. 1 pick in the draft at quarterback (Caleb Williams), were easy to tab for a marquee game against the Lions one way or another. It'll be Thanksgiving Day at Ford Field, with the Bears making the holiday visit for the fourth time in the last seven years.
As improved and promising as the Bears look to be, the Lions are still the better team. A short week is always challenging, but the Lions get a win here.
Prediction: Lions 23, Bears 16
Week 14: vs. Green Bay Packers (Dec. 5; 8:15 p.m. ET-Thursday Night Football)
At least one Lions-Packers matchup seemed tailor-made for prime time this year, and it'll happen one week after Thanksgiving on Thursday Night Football in Detroit.
Some people see the Packers as the biggest threat to the Lions in the NFC North. If things come to fruition along that line come early December, this will be a huge game in the division and possibly the NFC as a whole.
Prediction: Lions 27, Packers 23