Following weeks of speculation, rumors, and leaks, the Detroit Lions finally know their schedule for the upcoming campaign. All in all, they shouldn't find much trouble getting back to the playoffs, at least on paper.
Of course, that doesn't mean head coach Dan Campbell will look down on anybody. If anything, he's well aware of what it takes to succeed in this league, and after last year's debacle, he won't take any game for granted.
Considering that, Campbell must have several matchups circled in his calendar. With that in mind, we'll take a look at the easiest and toughest games in the Lions' schedule for the pivotal 2026 NFL season.
Easiest Game - Week 3 vs. New York Jets
The Lions will face the New York Jets in Week 3 in a game they simply can't afford to lose. Early-season rust and jitters can't be an excuse, since they will have two games before that and will be fresh off a tough road matchup vs. the Buffalo Bills, so stepping down in class should be even easier.
The Jets added plenty of young talent in the NFL Draft, but their quarterback situation is still mediocre, and it might be a while before Aaron Glenn can turn that franchise around -- if ever. Campbell knows his former defensive coordinator pretty well, and this game shouldn't even be close.
These are the type of games that winning teams regret late in the season when they don't take them seriously. The Lions can't afford to have that, and they should make the most of this opportunity to make a statement and let the world know that they're back and mean business in 2026. This should be a blowout at home.
Toughest Game - Week 18 @ Green Bay Packers
The NFC North is absolutely brutal. Winning this game might be the difference between winning the division and not even making the playoffs, and every single year, the final standings go down to the wire and the very last game of the campaign.
The Lions will be on the road to take down the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field for their second matchup of the season. Both teams will have Super Bowl aspirations and should be quite alive in the playoff race by then.
The NFC is stacked, and it's highly unlikely that all four teams from a division make the playoffs. That means the Lions might be fighting for their lives in the very final game of the campaign. They might be trying to secure a first-round bye or trying to punch their postseason ticket. Doing so in Lambeau Field's blistering cold and hostile environment will be a major challenge.
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