2026 Detroit Lions game-by-game record predictions

Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff claps during warmups ahead of the Cleveland Browns game at Ford Field in Detroit on Sunday, Sept. 28, 2025. | Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images The Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule has been released, and it’s once again time to make some way-too-early predictions for the season.

For the fifth season in a row, Jeremy Reisman and I have made our game-by-game predictions of the Lions’ schedule. And while their individual game predictions have not always been spot on, we have a pretty good track record when predicting the Lions’ overall record. 2025 game projections 2024 game projections 2023 game predictions 2022 game predictions On its surface, the Lions 2026 opponents looks less daunting than in the past few seasons— they’re projected to have the easiest schedule in the NFL —and that could be why, according to the folks over at FanDuel Sportsbook , the Lions are once again the favorites to win the NFC North (+145), make the playoffs (-215), and contend for a Super Bowl (+1700 to win).

So, what are we predicting in 2026? Here are our game-by-game predictions for the upcoming season. Week 1: Lions vs.

Saints Erik : The Saints aren’t as bad as they may appear on the surface, but the Lions will be motivated to start the season out on the right foot. Expect Detroit to kick off the season with a sense of urgency and take care of business. Lions win (1-0).