This time last year, the Detroit Lions were gearing up for a playoff run at a shot to go to Super Bowl 59 in New Orleans, Louisiana. Fast forward to 2025, and the Lions will not be going to the playoffs, as they’re playing out the string in Week 18.
For many Lions fans, they’re looking ahead to the offseason and the 2026 season, which they hope will be better than what they saw this season. Before the scoreboard hit 0:00 in Chicago on Sunday evening, the Lions already got a better idea of who they’ll be playing next season.
Detroit officially clinched last place in the NFC North after the Minnesota Vikings easily handled the Green Bay Packers, 16-3, on Sunday afternoon. This gives Dan Campbell and co. a massive advantage once play kicks off again next September.
Lions Get Massive Favor from Packers Laying an Egg in Week 18
Before their game against the Bears kicked off, the Lions’ 2026 opponents were already set in stone, outside of three games.
When it comes to their home schedule, the Lions are set to play the three other teams in the NFC North, the New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, and New York Jets.
As for their two remaining home games, it was up in the air. However, with the Lions cementing themselves in fourth place, they’ll play the Tennessee Titans, who finished with a 3-14 record in the AFC North. Their other home game at Ford Field will be against the New York Giants, who earned last place in the NFC East with a 4-13 record.
As for the Lions’ road slate, they will face the Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Carolina Panthers, Miami Dolphins, and last-place finisher in the NFC West, the Arizona Cardinals.
Based on how things have gone for the Lions in 2025, a softer schedule on paper could be a blessing in disguise for them. If they’re healthy and upgrade in the trenches, there’s no reason why Detroit can’t get back to double-digit wins and compete for a top spot in the NFC. Finishing fourth thanks to Sunday's results and getting dates with the Titans, Giants and Cardinals should only help the mission to get back to the top of the division.
Now we know that things can change in the NFL with free agency, trades, and the draft. But this is a good schedule, and it's all because the Vikings took care of business against the Packers.