The NFL schedule is officially out, and the Detroit Lions now know the road ahead for the 2026 season. Detroit is scheduled for four primetime games and six standalone matchups overall, including an international showdown against the New England Patriots in Germany.

One of the more surprising developments is the timing of the Lions’ bye week. Detroit will be off in Week 6 rather than after the Germany trip later in the season, a scheduling decision that could become a challenge down the stretch.

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Here’s a breakdown of the Lions’ first four games and where Detroit could stand heading into Week 5.

Week 1: Lions vs. Saints

For only the second time in the Dan Campbell era, Detroit will face Campbell’s former team, the New Orleans Saints. The Saints are expected to start second-year quarterback Tyler Shough, who emerged late last season as a Rookie of the Year contender before finishing behind Carolina wide receiver Tetairoa McMillan.

New Orleans finished 6-11 last season and placed last in the NFC South under first-year coach Kellen Moore. The Saints added playmakers this offseason, signing running back Travis Etienne in free agency and drafting wide receiver Jordan Tyson with the No. 8 overall pick.

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Still, this feels like a favorable matchup for Detroit, especially with the game serving as the home opener at Ford Field. The Lions should have the advantage on both sides of the ball and begin the season with momentum.

Score prediction: Lions 31, Saints 17

Week 2: Lions at Bills

Detroit will head to Buffalo for one of its toughest games of the season. The Bills are coming off a divisional-round playoff loss after finishing 12-5 last year and will open their new Highmark Stadium against the Lions on Thursday Night Football.

Buffalo made a major offseason move by acquiring former Chicago Bears wide receiver DJ Moore, giving quarterback Josh Allen a legitimate No. 1 target for the first time since Stefon Diggs.

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The Bills have historically given Detroit problems. The Lions have lost five straight meetings against Buffalo and have not beaten the Bills since 2006. Despite the losing streak, the games have been extremely competitive. Detroit has lost the last five matchups by a combined 15 points, with four losses coming by three points or fewer.

This matchup could serve as an early measuring stick for a Lions team with Super Bowl aspirations. If Detroit can escape Buffalo with a win, it would immediately strengthen its position in the NFC.

Score prediction: Lions 24, Bills 21

Week 3: Lions vs Jets

The biggest storyline entering this game will be the return of former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, who is now the head coach of the New York Jets.

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Detroit handled a similar situation well last season against former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears, sweeping the season series.

The Jets finished a disappointing 3-14 last season, struggling defensively throughout the year. New York addressed the quarterback position by trading for Geno Smith, who is coming off one of the weaker seasons of his career.

The Jets still feature dangerous offensive talent, including running back Breece Hall and wide receiver Garrett Wilson. Hall recently signed a three-year extension, while Wilson had posted three consecutive 1,000-yard seasons before injuries limited him to seven games in 2025.

Even with those weapons, this looks like a matchup Detroit should control at home.

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Score prediction: Lions 38, Jets 10

Week 4: Lions at Panthers

Detroit closes the opening stretch with a Sunday Night Football matchup in Carolina against Bryce Young and the Panthers.

Carolina reached the playoffs last season for the first time in years after winning the NFC South. Young also enjoyed the best season of his career, setting personal highs in passing yards and touchdowns.

Still, the Panthers do not appear to be on Detroit’s level entering the season. The Lions should have advantages in roster depth, offensive firepower and overall experience in big games.

If Detroit plays to its standard, this is another game the Lions should win comfortably.

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Score prediction: Lions 28, Panthers 13

Overall outlook

The Lions have a realistic path to a 4-0 start. Outside of the road matchup in Buffalo, Detroit’s opening schedule is manageable and gives the team an opportunity to build early momentum.

If the Lions can defeat the Bills in Week 2, they could quickly place themselves in the driver’s seat to reclaim the NFC North and establish themselves as one of the league’s top contenders once again.