Opening on the road within the division is a tough assignment, but the Lions have had the Packers number of late. Detroit’s offense is too much for Green Bay to handle.
Projection: Win
Ben Johnson brings his Bears to Ford Field. Chicago projects to be a lot better in 2025, and Johnson will desperately want this one.
Projection: Loss
The Ravens have been a tough draw for the Lions for years, including the last visit to Baltimore. Detroit’s defense will be the difference-maker here.
Projection: Win
The Browns might not know who will be playing quarterback for them on any given week. That saves the Lions from what might be schematically the worst matchup for Detroit’s offense all season in a very good Cleveland defense.
Projection: Win
Cincinnati is one of those teams that can win or lose every single game on its schedule. The Bengals are coming off a Monday Night Football date on the road in Denver, which gives the Lions a slight bump.
Projection: Win
Week 6: at Kansas City Chiefs
Sunday night in Kansas City marks the second straight week the Lions play on the road against a team coming off Monday Night Football. The Chiefs at home are always tough.
Projection: Loss
Week 7: Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Monday night in Ford Field will be a tough one, though the Lions defense does match up nicely against Baker Mayfield and the Bucs offense. Going into a bye is a difficult variable to judge this far ahead of time.
Projection: Win
Week 8: Bye week
The Lions hit the bye with a projected 5-2 record.
Week 9: Minnesota Vikings
Coming out of the bye, the Lions lose some advantage with the Vikings playing on Thursday night in Week 8. The extra rest helps Detroit at home.
Projection: Win
Week 10: at Washington Commanders
It’s a playoff rematch with a trip to Washington, hopefully with a much healthier Detroit defense. Even so, Washington has a very impressive roster and a mobile passing QB that has been Lions kryptonite.
Projection: Loss
Week 11: at Philadelphia Eagles
Prime time in Philly will draw all kinds of attention. The Eagles hit this game after an MNF trip to Green Bay in Week 10. Tough place to rebound for Detroit.
Projection: Loss
Week 12: New York Giants
With zero disrespect intended toward an improved New York team, on paper and in May, this is probably the easiest game on Detroit’s schedule.
Projection: Win
Week 13: Green Bay Packers
Thanksgiving against a Green Bay team that has repeatedly wilted in big games for years. Hopefully the Lions rise to the test.
Projection: Win
Week 14: Dallas Cowboys
This has the feel of one of those games the Lions will be expected to win but inexplicably drop.
Projection: Loss
Week 15: at Los Angeles Rams
Playing the Rams, a veteran-heavy team low on proven depth in many spots, late in the year is a good thing.
Projection: Win
Week 16: Pittsburgh Steelers
The Steelers could be 4-10 or 10-4 entering this game, and neither would be a surprise. As long as the Lions lines are healthy, this is a W.
Projection: Win
Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings
Road game on Christmas, and the Vikings could very well need this one more than the Lions do for potential playoff positioning.
Projection: Loss
Week 18: at Chicago Bears
The Lions take advantage of the extra rest and being a more physical team to take it to the Bears in the cold Chicago finale.
Projection: Win
Projected Lions record from the schedule release in May: 11-6
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