Divisional Matchups Will Determine Lions’ Fate

Week 2 vs. Chicago

Ben Johnson, now a public enemy of most Lions fans, will return to Detroit with his brand-new Bears.

Johnson was not the only addition to the team. The Bears were quite productive during the draft with offensive moves like Colston Loveland as a TE. They also added free agent linemen on both sides of the ball, backing it with experience and talent. These back-to-back divisional matchups will surely get the Lions battle-tested for the season and ensure they are ready from the start. 

Week 7 vs. Tampa Bay

The NFC South champs return to Detroit for the second year in a row and will want to play spoiler again.

Last season, the Bucs had notable early wins against the Lions and Eagles, but then seemed to fall out of the picture near the end of the season. With fewer injuries to deal with this year, this Monday Night game will be a good mid-season battle. The impact will not be immediate, but it will be a good way to enter their mid-season break and analyze the state of the team.

Week 11 @ Washington 

The revenge tour.

The Lions travel to Washington with a lot of spite toward the team that ended their Super Bowl dreams. With a new defense, hopefully fewer injuries, and a more careful offense, the Lions will be looking to prove themselves in this matchup. 

Week 17 @ Minnesota 

In their third-ever Christmas Day game, the Lions are looking for their first win on the holiday. They travel to Minnesota, where there will be less holiday cheer on this two-week end-of-season road trip. Both games between the Lions and Vikings were movies. The first game had a nail-biting ending. The second was a battle for the NFC North. Similarly, this postseason will likely not be decided until Week 18, relying heavily on the results of this game.

Week 18 @ Chicago 

The end of the season may be looking pretty tight for the NFC. It’s uncertain who, if anyone, will be the dominant top dog (or cat) like the Lions were last year. Much chatter makes it seem like this game will be a final decision in the NFC postseason.

This is not a complete list of the games to watch, and some would argue that there are 17 important games this season. The divisional matchups will be crucial games if the Lions want another chance at a Super Bowl.