Wednesday, May 20, 2026

Lions Links for Wednesday 5-20-26

Articles:

Miller on working with Fraley, Lions' o-line: 'It's been amazing':  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/miller-on-working-with-fraley-lions-o-line-it-s-been-amazing


Detroit Lions Sign Former Saints, Dolphins Wide Receiver:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-sign-former-saints-dolphins-wide-receiver

Burning Question: Did Freddie McGee Earn Tryout With Detroit Lions?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/burning-question-did-freddie-mcgee-earn-tryout-with-detroit-lions

Lions Ability For Sustained Success May Hit Roadblock Soon:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-ability-for-sustained-success-may-hit-roadblock-soon

Calvin Johnson Gives Advice to Detroit Lions Rookies:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/calvin-johnson-gives-advice-detroit-lions-rookies

Pros and Cons of Lions Signing DT Daniel Ekuale:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/pros-cons-lions-signing-dt-daniel-ekuale




The Lions just sent a message to their young receivers with the latest signing of a veteran receiver:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-lions-just-sent-a-message-to-their-young-receivers-with-the-latest-signing-of-a-veteran-receiver/

Detroit Lions Mailbag: How much action does Isiah Pacheco see in 2026? Who is the best free agent to sign right now?:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-mailbag-how-much-action-does-isiah-pacheco-see-in-2026-who-is-the-best-free-agent-to-sign-right-now/

The NFL’s latest development could eventually see the Lions in a yearly Germany game:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-nfls-latest-development-could-eventually-see-the-lions-in-a-yearly-germany-game/

The Toughest Stretch in Every NFL Team's 2026 Schedule (Detroit Lions - Toughest part of schedule: Weeks 15 to 18 (at Vikings, vs. Giants, at Bears, at Packers).  It isn’t easy playing in the NFC North these days, especially at the end of the season with three divisional games on the schedule.  The Lions have a much kinder start to the season, beginning the year with matchups against the Saints, Bills, Jets, Panthers and Cardinals. They could easily be 4–1, or even better, by the time their Week 7 matchup against the Packers rolls around.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/toughest-stretch-every-team-schedule

These 9 NFL Draft Steals Could Embarrass Critics Very Quickly (Keith Abney, CB, Detroit Lions - The Detroit Lions signed Roger McCreary to a short-term contract to help them at nickel cornerback this season. They also drafted Keith Abney in the fifth round, who should develop into a future contributor there. Abney was feisty and aggressive enough to thrive as a college boundary corner despite measuring in at 5-foot-9 and 187 pounds. Size deficiencies will probably push him inside for the Lions, where instincts and rare ball skills will allow for a successful transition.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/late-round-expert/these-9-nfl-draft-steals-could-embarrass-critics-very-quickly

Ranking the 10 Best Quarterbacks in the NFL by PFSN’s QB Impact Scoring (8. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions - 2025 QB Impact Score: 81.7.  The Detroit Lions might have missed the playoffs in 2025, but it sure wasn’t because of their quarterback play. Among other categories, Jared Goff finished in the top six in the NFL in completion percentage, passing yards, passing touchdowns, passer rating, and net yards per attempt. Inconsistency on third downs was the only metric dropping him out of that top-six ranking.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/nfl-quarterback-rankings-2026/

2025 NFL Redraft: Does Cam Ward, Jaxson Dart, Or Tyler Shough Go No. 1 Overall? (28. Detroit Lions: Walter Nolen, DT, Ole Miss - Original Pick: Tyleik Williams.  The Detroit Lions originally addressed the defensive interior with the physical, run-stuffing Tyleik Williams, but Walter Nolen arguably offers more pass-rushing at defensive tackle in this scenario. They didn’t have the chance to select Nolen in real life, but with the rise of a few tight ends and running backs into Round 1, he slides right into their laps. Nolen didn’t qualify for PFSN DT Impact grading due to his only playing six games in 2025, but he was effective when he did play. He had two sacks in a short amount of time, and his 13.0% pass-rush win rate led all rookie defensive tackles who had at least 25 pass-rushing reps last season. In this hypothetical, the Lions would gladly bet on the flashes at No. 28 to acquire another interior pass-rushing threat to complement Aidan Hutchinson off the edge.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/2025-nfl-redraft-ward-dart-shough/

5 NFL teams one move away from Super Bowl contention (1. Detroit Lions - One move away: Add another lockdown cornerback.  The Detroit Lions look closer to a championship than almost any other team in football.  They already built one of the NFL’s best offensive lines, and Jared Goff continues playing efficient football within the system. The offense remains balanced, explosive, and difficult to stop.   The defense has also improved significantly over the last two seasons. The front seven now looks capable of controlling games and pressuring quarterbacks consistently.  The secondary, however, still feels like the roster’s biggest weakness.  In today’s NFL, elite playoff offenses attack weak cornerbacks immediately. Detroit already has the pass rush needed to pressure quarterbacks, but the team still needs another lockdown corner who can handle top receivers during postseason matchups.  The Lions clearly believe their championship window is open right now. They have veteran leadership, playoff experience, offensive firepower, and physical toughness on both sides of the ball.  One more elite cornerback could complete the roster and finally push Detroit into true Super Bowl contender status.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/5-nfl-teams-one-move-away-from-super-bowl-contention/

Which NFL QBs Have the Most Help? Ranking All 32 Supporting Casts (5. Detroit Lions:  Veteran QB Jared Goff has a trio of elite skill players, which is a great place to start. Amon-Ra St. Brown has become unstoppable, Jameson Williams is one of the best big-play receivers in the NFL. And Jahmyr Gibbs is a remarkable combination of power and elusiveness. But there are potential issues in Detroit. Gibbs and David Montgomery have made quite a combo in recent years, but the latter is now in Houston and was replaced by Isiah Pacheco. "He’s a good replacement," one scout told me, "but only if he’s healthy. That’s really a big risk."   Another risky bet is TE Sam LaPorta, who's coming off back surgery and hasn’t been able to duplicate his success as a rookie in 2023. The Lions also needed to fix some holes on their offensive line, which they hope they did by drafting RT Blake Miller and signing C Cade Mays. So the talent is there for new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing, who takes over an offense that was inconsistent last season yet still ranked fifth overall in scoring and total yards per game.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/which-nfl-qbs-have-most-help-ranking-all-32-supporting-casts

Podcast:


Video:

Calvin Johnson reflects on his career on 'The Insiders':  https://www.detroitlions.com/video/calvin-johnson-reflects-on-his-career-on-the-insiders

Posted by LionsFan at 8:32 PM 0 comments

Tuesday, May 19, 2026

Lions Links for Tuesday 5-19-26

Articles:




Colin Cowherd Has Bold Theory About Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Schedule:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/colin-cowherd-has-bold-theory-detroit-lions-2026-nfl-schedule

Detroit Lions Official 2026 Preseason Games, Dates, Times:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-official-2026-preseason-games-dates-times

Fact or Fiction: Germany Game Will Significantly Hurt Detroit Lions:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/fact-or-fiction-germany-game-will-significantly-hurt-detroit-lions

Lions TE Tyler Conklin: You Can 'Feel The Disappointment' From Last Year:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/ltyler-conklin-you-can-feel-disappointment-from-2025-season







2026 NFL offseason OTA, minicamp dates for all 32 teams (Detroit Lions

USC insider reveals the big reason Detroit Lions took a chance on Anthony Lucas:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/usc-insider-reveals-the-big-reason-detroit-lions-took-a-chance-on-anthony-lucas/

Recent Super Bowl history reveals one potential problem with the Lions’ 2026 schedule, and how they can get over it:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/recent-super-bowl-history-reveals-one-potential-problem-with-the-lions-2026-schedule-and-how-they-can-get-over-it/

Potential post-June 1st cuts that the Detroit Lions could be interested in grabbing ahead of training camp:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/potential-post-june-1st-cuts-that-the-detroit-lions-could-be-interested-in-grabbing-ahead-of-training-camp/

Ranking the 8 NFL teams that can go worst-to-first in 2026 (2. Detroit Lions:  In 2025, the Lions slid down the NFC North totem pole after two years in first place. Now, they could find themselves right back atop that perch.  Even though Detroit missed the playoffs for the first time since 2022, Dan Campbell’s team still notched the third-best overall PFF grade (93.3) while placing eighth in offensive success rate. The Lions’ offense will be typically potent with a core of Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown and Penei Sewell, and its injury-plagued defense should fare better with the returns of Brian Branch, Kerby Joseph and D.J. Reed.  As usual, the NFC North figures to be competitive with each of the Packers, Bears and Vikings eyeing playoff spots. But it’s tough to bet against Detroit’s talented, young nucleus — which mitigated some worries by drafting Blake Miller and Derrick Moore.):  https://www.pff.com/news/ranking-the-8-nfl-teams-that-can-go-worst-to-first-in-2026

2026 NFL Schedule: Predicting every game, final record for each NFC team (Tom's take on the Lions' season:
If the initial five weeks play out like I've predicted, we will know more about the Panthers' legitimacy (via a win over Detroit on Sunday night in Week 4) than we will about how close the Lions are to being NFC front-runners once more in 2026. That Dan Campbell feeling truly returns after the bye, when his squad prevails in consecutive dates with NFC North opponents for the first time since 2024. If not for some extraordinary circumstances in Weeks 10 (traveling to Munich) and 12 (facing the Bears on short rest), I might have given Detroit a nine-game winning streak bridging October to December. Beating the teams they should defeat is key to the Lions' success -- which does, I must admit, make me a little nervous, given how little that word means in the NFL, especially before Memorial Day.  Toughest game to call: Week 18 at Packers.  I find myself believing on some level in basically every NFC North team, and I realize something is going to have to give here. With the Bears and Vikings close on their heels, the Lions sweep the Packers to clinch a worst-to-first leap within their division -- something they haven't done since 1993.  Will the Lions make the playoffs?

Regrading 2023 NFL Draft: Seahawks, Rams rise to perfection (Detroit Lions - 2023 grade: A.  The skinny: The Lions killed this draft. It started by taking running back Jahmyr Gibbs in the first and he has proven to be a star in this league. They followed that up by taking linebacker Jack Campbell in the first, tight end Sam LaPorta in the second and safety Brian Branch in the second. All four have been outstanding when on the field, but injuries have limited Branch and LaPorta some. The only other player still on the roster is sixth-round offensive lineman Colby Sorsdal. They missed on third-round quarterback Hendon Hooker and third-round defensive tackle Brodric Martin.  How I did: My favorite pick was LaPorta in the second. I liked Gibbs as a true air back, but questioned taking him so high. That has proven to be a wrong assessment on my part. I liked the pick of Martin in the third, which didn't play out. He never developed.  New grade: A):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/regrading-2023-nfl-draft/

‘He Was Caught Off Guard’ — Sean McVay Condemns His ‘Lack of Courage’ in Controversial Handling of Jared Goff Trade:  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/sean-mcvay-controversial-handling-jared-goff-trade/

Posted by LionsFan at 7:41 PM 0 comments

Monday, May 18, 2026

Lions Links for Monday 5-18-26

Articles:







Detroit Lions Listed as Best Game of the Week Early in 2026 NFL Season:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-listed-best-game-of-week-early-2026-nfl-season

Most Concerning Question Mark Lions Face With Rookie Derrick Moore:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/most-concerning-question-mark-lions-face-with-rookie-derrick-moore


Lions Listed as Best Current Fit For Former First-Round Defensive End:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-listed-best-current-fit-former-first-round-defensive-end-2026

Here's Why Each Lions Rookie Could Start, and Why They Won't:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/why-each-lions-rookie-could-start-why-they-will-not-2026




The 4 best undrafted rookies who are still out there and can help the Detroit Lions this summer, including one who was expected to be a day 2 pick:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-4-best-undrafted-rookies-who-are-still-out-there-and-can-help-the-detroit-lions-this-summer-including-one-who-was-expected-to-be-a-day-2-pick/

NFL projection guru predicts huge breakout year for several Detroit Lions offensive players, but somehow a huge step back for Jared Goff:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/nfl-projection-guru-predicts-huge-breakout-year-for-several-detroit-lions-offensive-players-but-somehow-a-huge-step-back-for-jared-goff/

The Lions’ hidden big problem at one position could lead to a total reset at the spot in 2027

The Detroit Lions may have just learned what Jahmyr Gibbs is really going to cost and how they’re now in a race against time:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/the-detroit-lions-may-have-just-learned-what-jahmyr-gibbs-is-really-going-to-cost-and-how-theyre-now-in-a-race-against-time/

It turns out the Lions should be taking the blame themselves for not having a bye week after Germany, but they did work to have a bit of a counterplan:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/it-turns-out-the-lions-should-be-taking-the-blame-themselves-for-not-having-a-bye-week-after-germany-but-they-did-work-to-have-a-bit-of-a-counterplan/

The worst thing Dan Campbell has ever publicly said has ruined how fans think about the Lions, Pistons, Tigers, and Red Wings:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/the-worst-thing-dan-campbell-has-ever-publicly-said-has-ruined-how-fans-think-about-the-lions-pistons-tigers-and-red-wings/

2026 NFL offseason: Best NFL team fits for 14 free agents (Jadeveon Clowney, Edge - Best team fit: Detroit Lions:  Detroit drafted edge rusher Derrick Moore in the second round to play opposite Aidan Hutchinson on pass-rushing downs, but Clowney would provide more depth up front. He had 8.5 sacks and 32 pressures last season in 13 games for the Cowboys, winning late in the down to get to the quarterback. Clowney would provide rotational value for coordinator Kelvin Sheppard's unit.):  https://www.espn.com/nfl/story/_/id/48751416/2026-nfl-best-team-fits-remaining-free-agents-samuel-bosa-diggs

The Best Game of Every Week Throughout the 2026 NFL Season (Week 2: Lions vs. Bills - The Bills will christen their brand new Highmark Stadium in Week 2 when they welcome the Lions to Orchard Park, N.Y., for a marquee, cross-conference matchup on Thursday Night Football.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/best-game-of-every-week-2026-nfl-season
Posted by LionsFan at 8:12 PM 0 comments

Sunday, May 17, 2026

Lions Links for Sunday 5-17-26

Articles:


Detroit Lions rookie contract details: NFL draft pick LB Jimmy Rolder:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2026/05/17/detroit-lions-nfl-draft-jimmy-rolder-contract-details/90038014007/




Detroit Lions UDFA: OL Melvin Priestly injury report:  https://lionswire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/lions/2026/05/17/detroit-lions-udfa-ol-melvin-priestly-injury-report/89944498007/


Roundtable: Easiest, Most Challenging Lions Games on Schedule:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/roundtable-easiest-most-challenging-lions-games-on-schedule

4 Reasons Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Schedule Is Very Promising:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/reasons-detroit-lions-2026-nfl-schedule-very-promising

Lions Ticket Inflation: How Expensive Are Tickets and Did Prices Increase?:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-ticket-inflation-how-expensive-are-tickets-did-prices-increase-2026



2026 NFL Schedule Release: Ranking the International Games (2. New England Patriots vs. Detroit Lions in Munich - (Week 10, Sunday, Nov. 15, 9:30 a.m. ET, NFL Network).  The NFL couldn’t get the Super Bowl champs for an international game this season, but getting the AFC champ Patriots is worthy. And while fans in Germany will be excited to see New England quarterback Drake Maye, they also get to see one of the NFL’s biggest stars in Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs.):  https://athlonsports.com/nfl/2026-nfl-schedule-release-international-games-ranking

NFL's 2026 QB1s ranked worst to best: Is Aaron Rodgers in top half? (7. Jared Goff, Detroit Lions:  The Lions weren’t great in 2025. Don’t blame Goff, his 4,564 yards and 34 TDs through the air last year second only to league MVP Matthew Stafford, and his 105.5 passer rating trailing only Stafford and MVP runner-up Drake Maye. Remarkably consistent, if not flashy, Goff mostly needs a little more help from Detroit’s D.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/columnist/nate-davis/2026/05/17/ranking-nfl-starting-quarterbacks-worst-to-best-aaron-rodgers-steelers/89983676007/

10 NFL games we can't wait to see after 2026 schedule release (Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions:  The Bills will be playing their first home game at the new Highmark Stadium on "Thursday Night Football" in Week 2. The NFL tapped the Detroit Lions to be their opponent, which should guarantee a high-scoring offensive showcase.  The Bills and Lions have been among the NFL's best offenses over the last few seasons. Allen should have a good matchup against a Detroit secondary that has long been leaky, while Jahmyr Gibbs could run wild on what was a shaky Buffalo run defense last season.  This game figures to be particularly important for the Lions, as it is one of the few non-divisional tests they will get as part of having the NFL's easiest schedule. If Dan Campbell's squad can win in what figures to be a raucous environment, that could help Detroit show its mettle as a playoff contender after missing the postseason last year.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/05/17/best-nfl-games-schedule-release-bills-chiefs/90118107007/

Video:


TE Tyler Conklin reflects on his career on 'The Insiders':   https://www.detroitlions.com/video/te-tyler-conklin-reflects-on-his-career-on-the-insiders
Posted by LionsFan at 8:01 PM 0 comments

Saturday, May 16, 2026

Lions Links for Saturday 5-16-26

Articles:

Detroit Lions Are Early Betting Favorites in Majority of 2026 Games:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-early-betting-favorites-majority-2026-nfl-games

3 Lions Schedule Factors That Will Actually Matter (And 2 That Won't):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-schedule-factors-that-will-actually-matter-two-will-not

Ranking Opponents Referencing Detroit Lions in 2026 Schedule Videos:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/ranking-opponents-referencing-detroit-lions-2026-schedule-videos


Most Important Detroit Lions Revenge Games on 2026 Schedule:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/most-important-detroit-lions-revenge-games-2026-nfl-schedule

Detroit Lions Listed as Team 'Screwed' by 2026 NFL Schedule:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-listed-team-screwed-2026-nfl-schedule

NFL Week 1 weirdness? Examining which opening game could be this year's big upset (New Orleans Saints at Detroit Lions - Coming off a disappointing 9-8 campaign, the Lions have the look - and favorable schedule setup - of a team poised to make a postseason return. But there's plenty for Detroit to sort out in the early going. A reshuffled offensive line will flip All-Pro offensive tackle Penei Sewell to Jared Goff's blind side, allowing first-round rookie Blake Miller to step in at right tackle. There's also a new play-caller coming from the outside in offensive coordinator Drew Petzing.  The Saints, who won four of their final five games last season, could capitalize on any early friction. Brandon Staley's defense made significant strides over the course of last year, finishing the season sixth in yards allowed per play. With sizable investments in running back Travis Etienne Jr. and offensive guard David Edwards, a languishing ground game could come to life. And with first-round receiver Jordyn Tyson in tow, an aerial attack helmed by promising second-year signal-caller Tyler Shough should be a good deal more threatening to opposing defenses.  Upset potential: 5. Detroit faceplanted in its opener last season, with issues along both lines coming to the forefront. New Orleans isn't nearly as formidable on either side as the Green Bay Packers were last September, but the Lions still might require some time to coalesce. The Saints would need several elements to break their way to pull off the upset, including an advantage in the turnover battle to offset issues with the pass rush and secondary. But Kellen Moore's team could be a bit overlooked heading into the coach's second year, and this group could have enough to keep pace with the Lions.):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/05/16/nfl-week-1-games-2026-schedule-upset/90096886007/

Why Panthers-Lions on SNF is Important For Carolina Early On:  https://www.si.com/nfl/panthers/onsi/why-panthers-lions-on-snf-is-important-for-carolina-early-on

Posted by LionsFan at 7:27 PM 0 comments

Friday, May 15, 2026

Lions Links for Friday 5-15-26

Articles:





Ranking Every Game on Detroit Lions 2026 Schedule From Easiest to Hardest:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/ranking-every-game-detroit-lions-2026-schedule-easiest-to-hardest

Lions Fans React to 2026 NFL Schedule: Final Stretch Is 'Nasty':  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/lions-fans-react-2026-nfl-schedule-final-stretch-nasty


Predicting Every Lions 2026 Game Score Even Though It's Way Too Early:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/predicting-every-lions-2026-game-score-way-too-early





Detroit Lions Schedule Release: The cost of watching the Lions on TV just took a surprising turn:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-schedule-release-the-cost-of-watching-the-lions-on-tv-just-took-a-surprising-turn/

2026 NFL schedule: Top 10 prime-time games (8.
Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills - Week 2: Thursday, Sept. 17 at 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video. This matchup would have hit different two years ago, when the Lions and Bills were both on the rise, coming off division titles and galvanizing their long-pained fan bases. But it's even more interesting now, with Detroit and Buffalo having to get off the mat. The Lions broke a two-year streak in 2025 of making the postseason and winning the division, while the Bills entered the playoffs as a wild card for the first time since 2019 and got knocked out in the Divisional Round. That loss to the Broncos brought about the firing of Sean McDermott and elevation of Joe Brady. But that's not the only change that will be on display during the first official Thursday Night Football game of the season. The Bills will open the new Highmark Stadium in this one, an open-air behemoth, built just a Labatt's throw away from the Ralph, where Buffalo had played since 1973. The upgrade is serious, but can the Bills play to their new arena's standards, while also carrying the magic of the old place? Detroit, similarly, hopes the spark that inspired its brief turnaround hasn't left the building. For these two Rust Belt cities, their Week 2 meeting will be an early indicator as to whether either club has rediscovered its shine.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-schedule-top-10-prime-time-games

2026 NFL schedule: Broncos, Browns among 5 teams with most favorable 17-game slates (2.  Detroit Lions - Strength of schedule: .467 (27th).  Prime-time games: 2.  The Lions are aiming to bounce back from their disappointing finish to the 2025 season and will have a very promising on-ramp toward that goal. Their first five games in 2026 include only one team that won a playoff game last season (Buffalo), a prime-time contest that also serves as the official regular-season opening of new Highmark Stadium. If there's a time to face the Bills and new coach Joe Brady -- even if it has to be on the road -- it's in Week 2, when Buffalo will still be settling in under a new coaching staff. The first two divisional games will both take place at Ford Field in Weeks 7 and 8. The road slate isn't exactly daunting. Business trips outside of the NFC North include visits to Miami, Atlanta, Carolina and Arizona, and Detroit faces reigning AFC champion New England in Munich. Outside of a brutal final month (including road games against Minnesota, Chicago and Green Bay), the slate looks promising for the Lions.):  https://www.nfl.com/news/2026-nfl-schedule-broncos-browns-among-5-teams-with-most-favorable-17-game-slates

Ranking every 2026 NFL “Sunday Night Football” matchup (9. Lions at Panthers (Week 4) - Two playoff candidates meeting in an early-season litmus test is traditionally a worthwhile primetime game.  The Lions were one of the biggest underachieving teams of 2025, although they still earned the third-best overall PFF grade. Culprits included an injured defense that fell to 18th in EPA per play, plus an offensive line that regressed to 11th in overall PFF grade. First-round pick Blake Miller, Cade Mays and other new presences will hope to mend those weaknesses.  Carolina ended last year ahead of schedule, playing a competitive wild-card round with the Rams after winning the NFC South. The Panthers ended an inconsistent year 23rd in overall grade, but the team looks better after making two free-agent splashes in Devin Lloyd and Jaelan Phillips.  It’s still unknown just how good either of these squads will turn out to be next year, but this game should provide some clarity.  10. Vikings at Lions (Week 15) - The Lions’ second “Sunday Night Football” matchup is another with few concretes going in, other than what’s often a good rivalry.  Minnesota declined last season, placing 19th in overall PFF grade behind a quarterback room that posted the second-worst PFF passing grade. The Vikings addressed that by tabbing Kyler Murray in free agency, and they introduce other new contributors like Caleb Banks, Jauan Jennings and James Pierre.  In 2025, Kevin O’Connell’s group swept the Lions, including downing them 23-10 on Christmas in a coal-stuffed showing for Detroit. In the last two seasons, this NFC North rivalry is split at 2-2. The stakes will be elevated this late in the year for teams that look at least solid, although the question is which (if either) side will be among the league’s best.):  https://www.pff.com/news/ranking-every-2026-nfl-sunday-night-football-matchup

Ranking every NFL Week 1 game in 2026: Super Bowl rematch, NFC West battle kick season off in style (13. Saints at Lions.  The New Orleans Saints will be a popular breakout pick. Tyler Shough won four of his final five starts as a rookie quarterback, and Travis Etienne arrived in free agency as a terrific running mate in the backfield. If they are to take a leap forward, a road date with the Detroit Lions is the kind of litmus test they ought to pass. And for Dan Campbell, he needs to stack wins against non-playoff teams like New Orleans in order to get the Lions back to the postseason. It is an important one straight away for both playoff hopefuls, albeit not the flashiest matchup.):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/nfl-week-1-schedule-2026-ranked/

'Thursday Night Football' schedule: Ranking all 15 TNF matchups from worst to best (1. Lions at Bills (Week 2).  Not only does the first "Thursday Night Football" game of the year feature two contenders from opposing conferences, but it's also the first game at the new Highmark Stadium in Orchard Park! The emotion from Bills Mafia will be enough to lift this new building from its foundation. It should be the most expensive ticket all year for a Thursday night game.  The Lions have lost five straight against the Bills, and the last time these two teams faced off, we were treated to a ridiculous 48-42 shootout at Ford Field. Buffalo and Detroit combined for more than 1,000 yards of total offense, and Jared Goff threw for 494 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions in the loss! This could be the game of the year -- and maybe even a Super Bowl preview. Who knows?):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-thursday-night-football-schedule/

2026 NFL schedule overreactions: 49ers a sleeper NFC West pick? (Lions will return to the playoffs - VERDICT: REALITY.  Despite playing in the uber-competitive NFC North, the Lions face the easiest strength of schedule based on Vegas forecasted wins, per Sharp Football Analysis. Detroit faces the Saints, Jets, Panthers and Cardinals as four of their first five games and later get the Dolphins, Falcons, Titans and Giants. Are those automatic wins? No. Those don't exist in the NFL. But that's a good draw thanks to finishing last in the NFC North last year. We should note Detroit was just 3-5 in one-score games en route to that disappointing finish, and this is still a very talented roster.  The other factor working in the Lions' favor is where these games are played. From Weeks 5-16, the Lions play outdoors just twice, and one of them is in sunny Miami. (The other one is in Germany.)):  https://www.cbssports.com/nfl/news/2026-nfl-schedule-reality-or-overreaction/

2026 NFL Schedule Release: 5 Storylines To Watch In Patriots-Lions Game In Munich On FOX:  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-schedule-release-5-storylines-watch-patriots-lions-game-munich-fox

2026 NFL Schedule Release: What Are The Top 10 Games For The Upcoming Season? (9. Week 10: Patriots Vs. Lions In Munich (On FOX).  Can Jared Goff help the Lions rebound in 2026? (Photo by Patrick McDermott/Getty Images)The Detroit Lions look to rebound from a disappointing season after missing the playoffs last year. They have an easier schedule this season and face a New England Patriots squad that has a much more difficult schedule after reaching the Super Bowl in Mike Vrabel’s first year leading that team.  The Patriots play in Germany for the second time in franchise history, while it’s the first time the Lions will play there. This game also pits two potential MVP candidates against each other in Drake Maye and Jared Goff.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-schedule-release-what-top-10-games-upcoming-season

2026 NFL Schedule Release: The 7 Biggest Winners — And 7 Biggest Losers (Losers  Detroit Lions:  The schedule looked like it was going to line up so easy for them. They have the easiest slate in the NFL based on projected win totals, and sixth easiest based on last year’s records. But the NFL didn’t do the Lions any favors with the way they arranged it. Their first road trip will be to Buffalo, where they'll be the Bills’ first opponent in their new stadium. And then they end the season with three road division games in the last four weeks, including at Chicago and at Green Bay in the final two weeks. The Lions do have a chance to fatten up on some bad teams before their Week 6 bye. But they better, because they’re looking at a really tough finish.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-schedule-release-7-biggest-winners-7-biggest-losers

Eight Teams That Got Screwed by the 2026 NFL Schedule (Detroit Lions:  I suppose I cannot complain too much about this one, given that the NFL has done almost precisely what I asked it to do: punish teams that have a very easy strength of schedule in other ways. However, my rub with the Detroit schedule is incredibly specific. Just like I despise that both Rams-Seahawks games are within a three-week stretch to end the season, I really dislike all of Detroit’s road divisional games coming between Weeks 15 and 18. The Lions travel to Minnesota, Green Bay and Chicago all within the stretch of a month, creating a frantic period just before the playoffs in which the entire NFC North could change in complexion. From a viewing perspective, that’s what we would want, though the league fails to see the forest through the trees here. By creating such stretches, there’s a higher chance Detroit punches itself out as it did during the disappointing 2024 run that finished with the Lions getting waxed by the Commanders in the playoffs. This reminds me a little bit of Pittsburgh’s schedule from a year ago, which felt purposely easy in the front half to buoy Aaron Rodgers for a playoff run, only to shove literally every single divisional game in a 12-week stretch after the bye. Again, the joke is on me because that schedule created one of the great win-and-in moments of the past 10 years, with Pittsburgh edging Baltimore on a missed field goal to make the playoffs, irreversibly altering the course of both franchises. Still, the goal here should be to pace these games more evenly.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/eight-teams-screwed-2026-nfl-schedule

6 First-Round NFL Draft Picks Who Walked Into Dream Scenarios Overnight (Blake Miller, OT, Detroit Lions
Blake Miller, OT, Detroit Lions:  The Detroit Lions needed to replace Taylor Decker after the veteran offensive tackle requested his release. Drafting Blake Miller with their first-round pick should easily do that. With Penei Sewell moving to left tackle, Miller will flawlessly slot in at right tackle, where he made more than 55 career starts for Clemson. Dan Campbell is going to love his new blocker, who has the rugged run-first mentality that fits the new offensive identity like a glove.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/draft/onsi/news/6-first-round-nfl-draft-picks-who-walked-into-dream-scenarios-overnight

Three Losers From the 2026 NFL Schedule Release (Detroit Lions:  Like the Colts, the Detroit Lions face a quick trip to Europe and back, with next to no time to find their feet or recover from any jetlag. Dan Campbell’s men travel to Miami in Week 9, then face the Patriots in Munich seven days later, before facing the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at home the following Sunday.  Despite this, the Lions will still be looking to regain their NFC North crown, but even their crucial divisional games have landed awkwardly for them this year. The Lions finish the season with trips to the Chicago Bears and the Green Bay Packers in Weeks 17 and 18, respectively.  If there’s a time to visit Lambeau Field and Soldier Field, especially as an indoor team, with a renowned indoor quarterback, January is not the time to do it. Those road games are two that Detroit would take in September every year, but they’ll no doubt relish the challenge.):  https://www.profootballnetwork.com/biggest-winners-and-losers-of-the-2026-nfl-schedule-release/

5 most expensive NFL games for 2026 season (Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills – Median ticket price: $1,230
Two heavyweight contenders from the NFC and AFC will clash in Buffalo’s brand-new stadium on the shores of Lake Erie. The Lions and Bills project as one of the marquee matchups of the season.  Buffalo’s new stadium has already driven massive ticket demand, and adding a high-profile opponent like Detroit only pushes prices even higher.):  https://www.thebiglead.com/5-most-expensive-nfl-games-for-2026-season/

Every NFL team’s net rest differential after 2026 schedule release:  https://www.thebiglead.com/every-nfl-teams-net-rest-differential-2026-schedule-release/

Prediction:

Posted by LionsFan at 8:46 PM 0 comments

Lions Links for Thursday 5-14-26

Articles:  

TWENTYMAN: Breaking down the Lions' 2026 schedule:  https://www.detroitlions.com/news/breaking-down-detroit-lions-2026-schedule-nfl






Why Lions Fans Are Mad About 2026 Bye Week Timing:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/why-lions-fans-are-mad-2026-bye-week-timing

Detroit Lions 2026 Schedule: First Opponent, MNF Game Week 16:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-2026-schedule-first-opponent-mnf-game-week-16

NFL Analyst Believes Jared Goff Is Still Best NFC North Quarterback:  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/nfl-analyst-believes-jared-goff-still-best-nfc-north-quarterback-2026







See it: Detroit Lions' 2026 schedule, with instant analysis:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/detroit-lions-2026-schedule

Lions GM Brad Holmes: "What really did it for me" with Derrick Moore:  https://www.audacy.com/971theticket/sports/detroit-lions/derrick-moore-brad-holmes-lions

Detroit Lions Schedule Release: Top 5 biggest takeaways from the Lions’ 2026 schedule -despite the strength of schedule, everything is against the Lions this year:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-schedule-release-top-5-biggest-takeaways-from-the-lions-2026-schedule-despite-the-strength-of-schedule-everything-is-against-the-lions-this-year/

Detroit Lions Schedule Release: Game-by-game and final record predictions for the Lions after their full schedule has dropped:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-schedule-release-game-by-game-and-final-record-predictions-for-the-lions-after-their-full-schedule-has-dropped/

Detroit Lions Schedule Release: The Lions’ 2026 schedule just dropped, and it’s loaded with storylines:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-schedule-release-the-lions-2026-schedule-just-dropped-and-its-loaded-with-storylines/

Detroit Lions Schedule Release: The NFL is doing the Lions, their fans, and local media a major favor this coming season:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-schedule-release-the-nfl-is-doing-the-lions-their-fans-and-local-media-a-major-favor-this-coming-season/

Detroit Lions Schedule Release: The Lions will play against a former Detroit defensive lineman who had some not-so-nice words for Lions fans on Monday Night Football:  https://atozsports.com/nfl/detroit-lions-news/detroit-lions-schedule-release-the-lions-will-play-against-a-former-defensive-lineman-who-had-some-not-so-nice-worlds-for-lions-fans-on-monday-night-football/

5 best primetime games of the 2026 NFL schedule, including a rematch of the best game ever (Week 2, Thursday night: Detroit Lions at Buffalo Bills - Which team will snap back from their 2025 malaise? The Lions slipped from Super Bowl contender to outside the playoffs. The Bills relinquished their claim to the top of the AFC East and fired head coach Sean McDermott even after he led the team to the Divisional Round.  Detroit returns a healthy lineup in a season that will likely be a proving ground for the stars on the brink of contract extensions. The Lions are loaded with young talent but can't afford to keep everyone while paying them what they're worth. There will be more motivation for Dan Campbell's team than simply bouncing back from a difficult season.  Buffalo will have its own motivation. This will be the first game played in the new Highmark Stadium, providing a new backdrop for some of the most passionate fans in football. New head coach Joe Brady has to prove his worth after being promoted from offensive coordinator despite last year's relative swoon. Josh Allen will work to restore his MVP status even with a still-underwhelming receiving corps.  A win in Week 2 will be a major morale boost to whichever contender comes out on top.):  https://ftw.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/05/14/nfl-schedule-5-best-primetime-games-super-bowl-what-if-chiefs-rams/90082038007/

2026 NFL Thanksgiving Odds: Lines, Spreads, What to Know for All 4 Games (Bears at Lions - What to know: A classic NFC North rivalry game. Despite the Bears winning the division last season (11-6), and the Lions finishing last (9-8) and missing the playoffs, Detroit did sweep Chicago. The Lions smashed the Bears in Week 2 (52-21) and then closed the regular season with a 19-16 win over Chicago.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-thanksgiving-odds-lines-spreads-what-know-all-4-games

2026 NFL Schedule Release: What We're Watching For In Every America's Game Of The Week (Week 7: Green Bay Packers At Detroit Lions.  A healthy part of the Lions' slide from 15-2 in 2024 to 9-8 in 2025 was going from sweeping the Lions to being swept. Detroit's defense dropped from seventh in points allowed in 2024 to 22nd, and the Packers averaged 29 points in the wins over the Lions. Can a retooled offensive line get Detroit back into playoff form? New Packers defensive coordinator Jonathan Gannon should have Micah Parsons back healthy by this game, though starting the season without him could get Green Bay out to a slow start. Detroit's health is a key, and you'll see how they're better with defensive tackle Levi Onwuzurike back after missing all of last season.  Week 17: Detroit Lions At Chicago Bears.  The Ben Johnson Bowl is back. Chicago went 11-6 and won the division last year despite Johnson getting swept by his old team, including a 52-21 drubbing in Week 2 in Detroit. This is a game that could have major playoff implications, in the division and the conference. Watch for Chicago's two second-year pass-catchers to shine, with tight end Colston Loveland leading the team in receptions as a rookie last year and receiver Luther Bolden emerging in the final month of his first season. Which quarterback will throw more touchdown passes in 2026? It's a close call between Detroit's Jared Goff (who threw 34 last year) and Chicago's Caleb Williams, who threw for 27 himself.):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2026-nfl-schedule-release-what-were-watching-every-americas-game-week

Top-10 NFL QBs: Josh Allen or Patrick Mahomes at No. 1? Colin Cowherd Shares List (9. Jared Goff - Cowherd's thoughts: "The most disrespected guy in the league. All he does is win. Four straight seasons with 4,000-plus passing yards. And, strangely, never misses a start. He and Caleb Williams, they don't get hurt."):  https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/top-10-nfl-qbs-josh-allen-patrick-mahomes-no-1-colin-cowherd-shares-list

Conor Orr’s Best 11 Games of the 2026 NFL Season (Week 2: Lions at Bills, Thursday at 8:15 p.m. ET.  I am not normally a new stadium guy. The other day, an aggregation outlet posted a list of the 10 most “iconic” NFL stadiums, and they almost all sounded like some corporate insurance partner rebranding, and one of the stadiums listed was MetLife—a gigantic cheese grater that swallows up one of the most beautiful skylines in the world. Most of them were built after 1990 and had all the characteristics of fake barnwood. But the Bills deserved a new stadium. The original Highmark had opened in 1973 (as Rich Stadium), during that hideous era of stadium construction that made everything look like an unsafe spaceship. Seeing the Bills open their new place in a stand-alone Monday night game against the Lions will, at the very least, be incredibly aesthetically pleasing. This is the one spot on this list that I’ll allow the matchup to be secondary (though in this case it is a pair of teams that have been contenders who have failed in recent years to get over the hump and into the Super Bowl). Football is great because it’s perfectly suited for television, and some newer stadiums manage to give the broadcast experience a theatrical feel. I’d expect as much for the opening of the new stadium, though I will likely plan on muting a large segment of the broadcast in which I’m sure the commentators will make the whole thing seem like a benevolent gift from ownership when a significant amount of it was funded by the state of New York. Week 10: Lions vs. Patriots (Munich), Sunday at 9:30 a.m. ET.  My working theory is that even preseason strength of schedule, which people often calculate based on the previous season’s records, matters to some degree. The 49ers and Patriots had the two easiest strengths of schedule going into last year, and San Francisco was able to weather some horrendous luck on the injury front, while the Patriots were able to glide to a wholly unexpected Super Bowl berth in Mike Vrabel’s first season.  This year, it’s the Lions who own the best theoretical strength of schedule, while also boasting a new offensive coordinator (Drew Petzing) and a renovated offensive line. Last season, much of Detroit’s struggles were blamed on brain drain, as Ben Johnson took a job within the division and Aaron Glenn left to become the head coach of the Jets. However, less is said about the fact that Detroit went into the season with the league’s third-hardest schedule in terms of carryover win percentage and took on a slate of games that offered very little in terms of respite. Seeing the Lions against a team that represented the AFC in the Super Bowl can and should offer a kind of recalibration of optics—even if that game is in Germany on what amounts to a neutral field. Here is a team that probably benefited too much from a schedule and got overrated versus a team whose theoretical window was obliterated by a difficult schedule, but may not be nearly as bad as we think. Vegas seems to agree, with the Lions’ season win total set at 10.5 and the Patriots’ at 9.5.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/conor-orr-best-games-2026-nfl-season

Predictions:

2026 Detroit Lions game-by-game record predictions (Erik - Lions win (13-4).  Jeremy - Lions win (12-5)):  https://www.prideofdetroit.com/detroit-lions-schedule/164183/2026-nfl-schedule-detroit-lions-game-by-game-predictions

Predicting Every NFC Team’s Record Based on the 2026 Schedule (Detroit Lions: 12–5.  I tend not to put too much stock into strength of schedule because so much changes year to year in the NFL. But this stacked roster, which probably needed a reset year after the departures of Ben Johnson and Aaron Glenn, should take advantage of having the easiest schedule, according to data from Sharp Football Analysis.   The Lions will face the Saints, Bills, Jets, Panthers and Cardinals to open the year. Don’t be surprised if they start 4–1. Also, coach Dan Campbell’s team got better on the offensive line with first-round rookie tackle Blake Miller and newcomer center Cade Mays.):  https://www.si.com/nfl/predicting-every-nfc-team-record-2026-schedule

Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Schedule Revealed: Game-by-Game Predictions (Final record prediction: 11-6):  https://www.si.com/nfl/lions/onsi/detroit-lions-2026-nfl-schedule-revealed-game-by-game-predictions

Way-too-early record predictions before 2026 NFL schedule release (NFC North - Detroit Lions: 11-6.  Helped by the sixth-easiest strength of schedule entering the season, the Lions have a great opportunity to get back on track in 2026. Detroit’s offense should be prolific with quarterback Jared Goff, running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown leading the way. The Lions must do a much better job up front; they ranked 31st in pass-block win rate and 26th in pass-rush win rate last year, per ESPN. The Lions used their first two draft picks on tackle Blake Miller and edge Derrick Moore as they try to strengthen both areas. Tackle Penei Sewell was by far the team’s best O-lineman. Aidan Hutchinson was the Lions' only reliable edge rusher last year. Sewell and Hutchinson will need more assistance if the Lions want to roar back into contention in the NFC North. - Tyler Dragon):  https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/nfl/2026/05/14/2026-nfl-record-predictions-every-team/89984996007/

Detroit Lions schedule 2026: Dates & times for all 17 games, strength of schedule and predictions (Detroit Lions record prediction - Over/under win total: 10.5 (per Caesars).  Bottom line: The Lions are an excellent bounce-back candidate if they take care of business against those other last-place teams. Drew Petzing – who spent last season with the Arizona Cardinals – is the new offensive coordinator. Kelvin Sheppard returns as defensive coordinator, and Campbell has a talented roster that has ranked in the top five in scoring offense each of the last four seasons.  Detroit had a 2-4 record against NFC North opponents last season, but those two victories were against the Bears. That rivalry should heat up even more this season. The rivalry with the Packers has already done that – and Green Bay swept both meetings last year. Detroit should be favored against the Vikings. Detroit also is 13-7 against AFC opponents the last four years – a good track record that should hold up against the AFC East.  The Lions will return to the NFC playoffs, and it will be in the mix for the NFC North title – a race that will likely be decided by just one game. Record prediction: 11-6):  https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/detroit-lions-schedule-2026-dates-times-prediction/413ec7782ab3163e95c4fb3d

Video:

NFC North Offseason To Do List | 'The Insiders':  https://www.nfl.com/videos/nfc-north-offseason-to-do-list-the-insiders




Posted by LionsFan at 7:52 PM 0 comments
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