Opponent writers predict the Detroit Lions' 2026 schedule: A fascinating insight into the opposing teams' perspectives and potential biases. Here's a breakdown of their predictions, with my commentary and analysis:
Week 1 vs. Saints
The Saints are predicted to lose, and the Lions to win 1-0. This is a reasonable prediction, as the Saints have had their struggles in recent seasons. However, I think the Lions might face a tougher challenge than expected, as the Saints could surprise with a strong performance.
Week 2 at Bills
The Bills are favored to win their home opener, and the writer highlights the importance of the new stadium and the Bills' fan base. While the Bills are a strong team, I believe the Lions could pull off an upset, especially if they can maintain their chaotic and unpredictable style of play.
Week 3 vs. Jets
The writer predicts a Lions win, 34-17. This is based on the Lions' strong home record and the Jets' defensive additions. I agree with this prediction, as the Lions' offense is explosive and could dominate the Jets, despite the Jets' recent improvements.
Week 4 at Panthers
The Panthers are expected to lose, with the Lions winning 27-23. This prediction assumes the Lions' defense will struggle, but I think the Panthers' home crowd will be a significant factor. The Lions' new offensive coordinator and the loss of Anzalone in free agency could impact their performance.
Week 5 at Cardinals
The Cardinals are predicted to lose, and the Lions to win, either 4-1 or 3-2. This is a reasonable prediction, as the Cardinals had a disappointing 2025 season. However, the Lions' recent struggles against the Cardinals could make this a closer game than expected.
Week 7 vs. Packers
The Packers are expected to lose, with the Lions winning 27-24. This prediction highlights the Packers' struggles at Ford Field and the Lions' desire for revenge. I think the Lions will be motivated to perform well, but the Packers could surprise with a strong showing.
Week 8 vs. Vikings
The Vikings are predicted to lose, and the Lions to win, either 6-1 or 5-2. This prediction assumes the Vikings' bye week will impact their performance. However, the Vikings could be a tough opponent, and the Lions' recent struggles against them could make this a close game.
Week 9 at Dolphins
The Dolphins are expected to win, with the Lions losing, 7-1 or 6-2. This prediction highlights the Dolphins' recent success and the Lions' struggles on the road. However, the Lions' offense could surprise with a strong performance.
Week 10 vs. Patriots (in Munich)
The Patriots are predicted to win, despite the Lions' home field advantage. This prediction assumes the Patriots will adapt to the new environment and slow down the Lions' offense. I think the Patriots will perform well, but the Lions could still put up a fight.
Week 11 vs. Buccaneers
The Buccaneers are expected to lose, and the Lions to win. This prediction highlights the Buccaneers' recent struggles against the Lions and their poor record in head-to-head matchups. The Lions' recent success against the Buccaneers could continue.
Week 12 vs. Bears (Thanksgiving)
The Bears are predicted to win, and the Lions to lose, 8-3 or 7-4. This prediction assumes the Bears' recent improvements and the Lions' struggles on Thanksgiving. However, the Lions' strong home record could impact the outcome.
Week 13 at Falcons
The Falcons are expected to lose, and the Lions to win, either 9-3 or 8-4. This prediction highlights the Lions' recent success and the Falcons' struggles. The Lions' new offensive coordinator and the Falcons' recent setbacks could impact the game.
Week 14 vs. Titans
The Titans are expected to lose, and the Lions to win, 31-17. This prediction assumes the Titans' recent struggles and the Lions' motivation to perform well after missing the playoffs. The Lions' offense could dominate the Titans.
Week 15 at Vikings
The Vikings are predicted to lose, and the Lions to win, either 11-3 or 10-4. This prediction highlights the Vikings' recent setbacks and the Lions' recent success. The Vikings' bye week could impact their performance.
Week 16 vs. Giants (MNF)
The Giants are expected to win, and the Lions to lose, 11-4 or 10-5. This prediction assumes the Giants' recent improvements and the Lions' struggles in December. The Giants' strong performance against the Lions last year could continue.
Week 17 at Bears
The Bears are expected to lose, and the Lions to win, 12-4 or 11-5. This prediction highlights the Bears' recent setbacks and the Lions' recent success. The Lions' strong away record could continue.
Week 18 at Packers
The Packers are expected to lose, and the Lions to win, 27-23. This prediction assumes the Packers' recent setbacks and the Lions' motivation to perform well. The Lions' desire for revenge could impact the outcome.
Overall, the opponent writers' predictions suggest a strong season for the Detroit Lions, with double-digit wins. However, there are some close games predicted, and the Lions' recent struggles against certain opponents could impact their performance. It's fascinating to see how the opposing teams' perspectives and biases influence their predictions, and it highlights the unpredictability of the NFL season.
