2026 Detroit Lions preseason schedule: 3 opponents announced
A look at the three opponents on the Detroit Lions’ 2026 preseason schedule.
DETROIT, MICHIGAN - AUGUST 23: Hendon Hooker #2 of the Detroit Lions plays against the Houston Texans during a pre season game at Ford Field on August 23, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images) | Getty Images In addition to announcing their regular season schedule, the Detroit Lions also announced on Thursday their three-game preseason schedule, although without the dates. This year’s schedule, as usual, features a couple of nearby opponents to minimize travel.
It’s also worth noting that Lions coach Dan Campbell already expressed that he doesn’t want to do any joint practices this year. So Detroit’s interaction with these three teams will just be on gameday. That said, it could mean these preseason games carry a little more weight.
Campbell suggested that because of the lack of joint practices, he may be more willing to play starters in the preseason more than he has in the past. “Maybe we play some of these guys in the preseason more than we have, that’s where they get some of it,” Campbell said during the annual league meetings. Detroit’s preseason kicks off with a trip down to Ohio for a battle against the Cincinnati Bengals.
Then they return home for their sole preseason matchup—a game against the Washington Commanders. The close out the preseason by heading down to Indiana for their preseason finale against the Indianapolis Colts. Or, in shorter terms: Preseason Week 1: at Bengals Preseason Week 2: vs.