Detroit Lions schedule 2025: Dates & times for all 17 games, strength of schedule and predictions

The Lions have a tough task in front of them. Detroit had such a successful season in 2024 that its coordinators were among the top head coaching candidates in this year's cycle.

Former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson stayed in the division and will now face the Lions twice per season as the Bears' head coach. Former defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn switched conferences and now leads the Jets in the AFC. Both coordinators were applauded for their creative play calling and their ability to execute their schemes while getting their players to buy in.

It will be interesting if head coach Dan Campbell can keep the Lions on top of the NFC North. The Packers are improving and beefed up its receiving corps in the draft. The Vikings let Sam Darnold walk in free agency but are hoping that JJ McCarthy can step right in and fill his shoes. The Bears are continuing their rebuild with Johnson at the helm and project to be better in 2025. 

Here is a complete breakdown of the Lions' 2025 schedule, including dates, start times, and analysis for all 17 games.

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Detroit Lions schedule 2025

• Home opponents: Vikings, Packers, Bears, Browns, Cowboys, Giants, Steelers, Buccaneers
• Away opponents: Vikings, Packers, Bears, Ravens, Bengals, Eagles, Commanders, Chiefs, Rams

Every NFL team's 2025 opponents are predetermined. The Lions' full 2025 NFL schedule with dates, times, and TV networks will be updated below when the NFL schedule is announced at 8 p.m. ET on Wednesday, March 14.

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Lions strength of schedule

Detroit finished the 2024 season with a 15-2 record. The luck from the regular season ran out quickly, though, as Washington pulled off a surprise upset in the first round of the playoffs. Detroit came into the 2024 season with the 11th-toughest strength of schedule. 

Heading into the 2025 season, the Lions have the second-toughest strength of schedule. The NFC North is arguably the best division in the NFC and maybe in all of the NFL. Detroit's opponents this year had a .571 win percentage in 2024. A lot can happen in a year, but the deck is stacked against the Lions on paper. 

Toughest tests: The problems for the Lions start in the division. Two games each against the Packers, Vikings, and Bears aren't going to be easy. Chicago is likely the worst team out of the group, but pairing Johnson's creative mind with Caleb Williams could be a game-changer. Detroit went 6-0 in the division last year, and that feat will be tough to replicate. 

The Lions also have to take on the Cowboys, Buccaneers, Ravens, Bengals, Eagles, Commanders and Chiefs. That is an absolutely brutal out-of-division schedule. Even if you don't think Tampa Bay belongs on this list, one of Detroit's two regular season losses in 2024 was to the Buccaneers when the Lions were at home. 

Biggest breaks: There are not many breaks on the Detroit schedule. If the Bears take a step back, or at least don't take a step forward, that would certainly help out the Lions' outlook. Otherwise, when you look at the schedule, the only breaks they have are against the Browns and Giants. Both teams are rebuilding, but Detroit can't afford to look past them. The Steelers also still have QB issues after free agency, so that could also be a break if they don't have a formidable passer under center by the time they play the Lions. 

Lions record prediction

• Over/under win total: 10.5 (per BetMGM)

Bottom line: Detroit is one of the best teams in the NFC but has to play in the toughest division in the conference. We haven't seen the effect that losing Johnson and Glenn will have on the team. Johnson, theoretically, could be the bigger loss since he seemed to unlock Goff. A split with the Packers and Vikings and taking both games against the rebuilding Bears would be a solid outcome this season.

Outside of the division, things are going to get tough. Having to face the AFC North and the NFC East is brutal, as games against the Eagles, Cowboys, Commanders, Ravens, and Bengals will not be easy. The Lions should expect to have a winning season and a shot at the playoffs, but a step back from their dominant 2024 regular season is almost assured. 

Record prediction: 10-7

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