One other day, one other alternative to incorporate an entry in our superlative collection on the Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule. Over the course of this week, we’ve damaged down a distinct angle of Detroit’s schedule day-after-day, with every of us on employees providing our distinctive perspective on what the schedule makers have put collectively for the Lions. And in the present day, we attain the conclusion of this collection.
Right here’s a have a look at our earlier entries up to now:
At the moment’s superlative has us every choosing the sport on the schedule we’re most satisfied is a win for the Lions in 2026.
Recreation we’re most satisfied is a win
Al Karsten: Week 5 @ Arizona Cardinals
Week 5 within the desert in opposition to the woebegone Cardinals looks like Detroit’s most secure win on paper.
Coming off a Sunday Evening Soccer matchup in Carolina and heading into the bye week, this might simply grow to be a entice recreation for some groups. However Dan Campbell has persistently stored his crew targeted in these conditions, and the Lions ought to deal with enterprise in opposition to an overmatched Arizona squad. It can additionally mark Drew Petzing’s return to Arizona in opposition to his former defensive coordinator counterpart, Nick Rallis, whereas the Lions get their first matchup of the season in opposition to one of many LaFleur brothers.
Brandon Knapp: Week 5 @ Arizona Cardinals
The beginning QB for the Cardinals at present is Jacoby Brissett, or is it? Brissett is at present sitting out attributable to his contract, so the quarterback may very well be rookie Carson Beck. It gained’t matter who’s at quarterback; this crew isn’t that good total. Lions’ new OC Drew Petzing can defeat his former crew with ease, understanding the employees and gamers. The Cardinals additionally play three playoff groups earlier than this matchup, so they might nonetheless be trying to find their first win of the season.
Erik Schlitt: Week 3 vs. New York Jets
There are in all probability six video games on the Lions’ schedule the place I very a lot count on them to safe a win, however getting the Jets early within the season looks like a major benefit. Sorry, Aaron Glenn, however you might get the identical therapy Ben Johnson did when he returned to Ford Area.
Jeremy Reisman: Week 3 vs. New York Jets
I’m sorry, however the Jets are horrible. They nonetheless lack a playable roster, and by Week 3, they gained’t have gotten their act collectively. I like Aaron Glenn, and I’m not counting out an eventual turnaround of the Jets, however that was a full foundational rebuild, and that’s going to take a minimum of one other half-season earlier than it begins trying good once more.
John Whiticar: Week 3 vs. New York Jets
If Detroit loses this recreation, there will probably be justifiable panic. There’s frankly no means that Detroit ought to lose this recreation. That Jets offense is horrible on paper, whereas the protection has jettisoned most of their stars. Irrespective of how acquainted Aaron Glenn is with Detroit’s scheme, that ought to not offset the huge expertise distinction.
Morgan Cannon: Week 1 vs. New Orleans Saints
I feel Dan Campbell has his guys juiced up for the season-opener in opposition to his former house as a coach. Add in the truth that the Lions are at house, and the betting line might get fairly lopsided when it’s all mentioned and completed.
Ryan Mathews: Week 1 vs. New Orleans Saints
The large strikes made by the Saints this offseason included paying $146 million to protect David Edwards, working again Travis Etienne Jr., and linebacker Kaden Ellis. It’s onerous to see how the Saints improved a lot since final season, and this roster nonetheless feels very very similar to a below-average soccer crew.
Getting them in Week 1 at Ford Area is a chance for the Lions to be comfortably examined, however this recreation ought to find yourself in Detroit beginning the season 1-0.
