Detroit Lions fans now have their 2026 calendar set. The Lions will kick off the season on September 13 against the New Orleans Saints and wrap up on the road against the Green Bay Packers in Week 18.

Complete 2026 Schedule

• Week 1: Sept. 13 vs. New Orleans Saints
• Week 2: Sept. 17 (Thursday) at Buffalo Bills
• Week 3: Sept. 27 vs. New York Jets
• Week 4: Oct. 4 at Carolina Panthers
• Week 5: Oct. 11 at Arizona Cardinals
• Week 6: BYE
• Week 7: Oct. 25 vs. Green Bay Packers
• Week 8: Nov. 1 vs. Minnesota Vikings
• Week 9: Nov. 8 at Miami Dolphins
• Week 10: Nov. 15 vs. New England Patriots (in Munich)
• Week 11: Nov. 22 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Week 12: Nov. 26 vs. Chicago Bears (Thanksgiving)
• Week 13: Dec. 6 at Atlanta Falcons
• Week 14: Dec. 13 vs. Tennessee Titans
• Week 15: Dec. 20 at Minnesota Vikings
• Week 16: Dec. 28 (Monday) vs. New York Giants
• Week 17: Jan. 3 at Chicago Bears
• Week 18: TBD at Green Bay Packers

Analysts Predict 10-Win Bounce-Back Season

Analysts expect Detroit to rebound in 2026, despite significant personnel changes. The Lions are projected to win 10 games, bolstered by a fourth-place strength-of-schedule.

"On paper, the Detroit Lions' offense is worse off. Standout RB2 David Montgomery is out of the picture. There are shuffling parts on an O-line that struggled in 2025. But with a fourth-place schedule, Detroit is poised to have a bounce-back year," Ben Arthur wrote.

"The Lions clearly have a path to double-digit victories. It remains to be seen, though, if they can get back into the NFC's elite with all the personnel changes."

FanDuel Sportsbook lists the Lions' projected win total at 10.5 wins. Their Super Bowl odds sit at +1700, while playoff odds stand at -215.

Quiet Offseason Emphasizes Trenches

Detroit made modest moves this offseason. The Lions traded running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans and signed former Kansas City Chiefs back Isiah Pacheco to replace him. Their biggest free-agent investment went to former Carolina Panthers center Cade Mays, a three-year, $25 million deal.

In the draft, the Lions prioritized line play and defense. They selected Clemson offensive tackle Blake Miller in the first round, followed by Michigan edge rusher Derrick Moore in Round 2 and Michigan linebacker Jimmy Rolder as they work to strengthen their defense.

Draft Class Earns Strong Marks

Ralph Vacchiano ranked the Lions at No. 15 in his post-draft power rankings, praising Detroit's focus on the trenches.

"Dan Campbell is all about the trenches, and he got help on both sides with OT Blake Miller (Round 1) and edge rusher Derrick Moore (Round 2)," Vacchiano wrote.

Draft analyst Rob Rang awarded the Lions a B-plus grade for their 2026 draft class.

"Campbell's fiery coaching style has made him a favorite for many NFL fans, but [general manager Brad] Holmes and his scouts also deserve a lot of credit for turning the Lions into a contender," Rang wrote.