Attention Lions fans—the 2026 NFL schedule is almost here, and we've got all the leaks, rumors, and official announcements in one place. As the league builds hype for the big reveal, we'll keep you updated every step of the way.
Mark your calendars: The first major broadcast event drops on Wednesday, May 13, at 9 a.m. ET on NFL Network's "Good Morning Football," when the full international slate of 2026 games is announced. Detroit already knows it's headed to Germany—the date has leaked—but their opponent remains a mystery for now.
What we do know? The Lions' full 2026 opponent list is locked in, thanks to the NFL's rotating schedule formula. Detroit will face their NFC North rivals twice, take on the NFC South and AFC East, and play three last-place teams from 2025 after finishing fourth in their division. Here's the home-and-away breakdown:
Home games: Bears, Packers, Vikings, Patriots, Saints, Giants, Jets, Buccaneers, Titans
Away games: Bears, Packers, Vikings, Cardinals, Falcons, Bills, Panthers, Dolphins
On paper, this looks like Detroit's most manageable slate in years—in fact, they're projected to have the easiest schedule in the NFL. That optimism is already reflected in the odds: according to FanDuel Sportsbook, the Lions are favorites to win the NFC North (+145), make the playoffs (-215), and contend for a Super Bowl (+1700).
As new rumors surface, we'll keep this post updated—including a full list of announced games below. One early note: Lions team president Rod Wood said on April 1 that Detroit is "unlikely" to get a bye week after their Germany game, so expect a quick turnaround for that international trip.
(Primetime games are bolded, nationally-televised games are in italics)
Week 1 — Week 2 — Week 3 — Week 4 — Week 5 — Week 6 — Week 7 — Week 8 — Week 9 — Week 10 — Sunday, Nov. 15 — Lions vs. TBD in Germany — 9:30 a.m ET (FOX) — Week 11 — Week 12 (Thanksgiving)
Stay tuned, Detroit. The road to the Super Bowl starts here—and we'll have every detail as it drops.