In the Spotlight: Detroit Lions Look to Roar Back in 2026

The Detroit Lions enter the 2026 NFL season looking to rebound after a disappointing 9-8 campaign in 2025. Detroit finished last in the NFC North one year after its franchise-record 15-win season, but the offense remained among the league’s best, ranking fourth in scoring at 28.3 points per game and fifth in total offense. The core of that attack remains intact. Jared Goff threw for 4,564 yards and 34 touchdowns last season, while Jahmyr Gibbs produced 1,839 yards from scrimmage and Amon-Ra St. Brown caught 117 passes for 1,401 yards and 11 touchdowns.

What to Watch

Detroit’s biggest question may be whether the defense can improve enough to complement that explosive offense. The Lions allowed 24.3 points per game in 2025, ranking 22nd in the NFL. They responded by adding defensive end D.J. Wonnum and cornerback Roger McCreary, among several defensive additions. The offensive line also received considerable attention. Detroit added Cade Mays and Larry Borom and selected tackle Blake Miller in the first round. Keeping Goff upright will be particularly important after he was sacked a career-high 38 times last season. Injuries are another early concern. Safeties Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph will begin the season on the reserve/PUP list and miss at least the first four games. The schedule offers plenty of intrigue as well. Detroit has eight nationally televised games and will face New England in Munich on Nov. 15. The Lions also close the season with three NFC North road games over the final four weeks.

Betting Outlook

Despite last year’s regression, oddsmakers remain bullish on Detroit. Sportsbooks like Caesars and DraftKings lists the Lions as the +170 favorite to win the NFC North, ahead of a competitive divisional field. Detroit is also +930 to win the NFC and +1900 to capture its first Super Bowl. The regular-season win total sits at 10.5, with Over 10.5 priced at -115 and Under 10.5 at -105. Detroit is also -220 to reach the playoffs. Those numbers suggest sportsbooks expect a substantial rebound from last year’s nine-win campaign.

Key Team Details

• 2025 record: 9-8, fourth in NFC North.
• Key players to watch: Jared Goff, Jahmyr Gibbs, Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson Williams, Aidan Hutchinson, Penei Sewell and Isaac TeSlaa.
• Expected starting QB: Jared Goff.
• Key signings and additions for 2026-27 season: Isiah Pacheco, Cade Mays, Larry Borom, D.J. Wonnum, Roger McCreary, Christian Izien, Chuck Clark, Payton Turner and first-round tackle Blake Miller.
• Betting odds to win NFC North: +170.
• Betting odds to win NFC: +930.
• Betting odds to win Super Bowl: +1900.
• Win totals over/under: 10.5 wins — Over -115 / Under -105.

2026-27 Detroit Lions Schedule

Week	Date	Opponent	Time (ET)	TV
1	Sept. 13	vs. New Orleans Saints	1:00 p.m.	FOX
2	Sept. 17	at Buffalo Bills	8:15 p.m.	Prime Video
3	Sept. 27	vs. New York Jets	1:00 p.m.	FOX
4	Oct. 4	at Carolina Panthers	8:20 p.m.	NBC
5	Oct. 11	at Arizona Cardinals	4:25 p.m.	FOX
6	—	BYE	—	—
7	Oct. 25	vs. Green Bay Packers	4:25 p.m.	FOX
8	Nov. 1	vs. Minnesota Vikings	1:00 p.m.	FOX
9	Nov. 8	at Miami Dolphins	1:00 p.m.	FOX
10	Nov. 15	vs. New England Patriots (Munich)	9:30 a.m.	FOX
11	Nov. 22	vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers	1:00 p.m.	CBS
12	Nov. 26	vs. Chicago Bears	1:00 p.m.	CBS
13	Dec. 6	at Atlanta Falcons	1:00 p.m.	CBS
14	Dec. 13	vs. Tennessee Titans	1:00 p.m.	FOX
15	Dec. 20	at Minnesota Vikings	8:20 p.m.	NBC
16	Dec. 28	vs. New York Giants	8:15 p.m.	ESPN
17	Jan. 3	at Chicago Bears	4:25 p.m.	FOX
18	TBD	at Green Bay Packers	TBD	TBD

The complete schedule includes Detroit’s international matchup against New England in Munich as well as a Week 18 divisional game at Green Bay with the date and kickoff time still to be determined.