Lions suffer a setback before 2026 season even begins

The Detroit Lions are making moves in the offseason and looking to come back from their last place showing in the NFC North in 2025 with new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing and a fresh approach.

Heading into the new season, it appeared the Lions were going to catch a break. According to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis, which analyzes each roster's schedule and the win total predictions by sportsbooks, Detroit has the easiest schedule in 2026.

But, it just got harder for the Lions in the upcoming season. Here's why.

The Lions' schedule is more difficult than expected in 2026

The full schedule for the 2026 season dropped on Thursday. One of the biggest takeaways is that the Lions play three games in 12 days.

Yes, you read that right. Three games in just 12 days.

It starts with the Lions' Week 10 flight to FC Bayern Munich Stadium in Germany to take on the current AFC champion, the New England Patriots. Then, they have home games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in Week 11 and Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving. That makes for three games in 12 days against strong teams. It doesn't help that both the Bears and Patriots were No. 1 in their divisions last season.