Jared Goff is now firmly in the discussion as one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL, maybe even the best. Coming off a stellar 15-2 campaign that was cut short by the Washington Commanders in the Divisional Round, both Goff and the Detroit Lions are eager to bounce back and reignite their pursuit of a Super Bowl berth in 2025.

The catch? The NFL clearly shares the belief that Detroit has one of the elite QBs in the league — and they’ve laid out a ruthless early-season path for him. The recently released Lions schedule makes it obvious that Goff will face a relentless series of matchups — especially in the first stretch of the year.

One glance at the first half of their slate is enough to raise eyebrows. The competition is fierce — mostly away from home — and Goff, alongside Detroit’s revamped offense, will have to prove their mettle against several top-tier opponents from the 2024 season.

Kicking things off with a road matchup against NFC North foe Green Bay Packers, the Lions then hit the road again to take on the Cincinnati Bengals and Kansas City Chiefs in Weeks 5 and 6.

Sandwiched between those games are matchups with the Baltimore Ravens and Chicago Bears. The lone “breather” before Week 7 might be their home game against the Cleveland Browns.

Leading into their Week 8 BYE, the Lions play four of their first seven games away from home — and every one of those road matchups is against a legitimate contender. Goff will go head-to-head with stars like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, Lamar Jackson, Caleb Johnson, Jordan Love, Baker Mayfield, and whoever lines up under center for the Browns.

Oddly enough, this tough start might actually benefit Goff and the Lions later. For one, it reduces the number of outdoor games Goff has to play later in the year — which helps, considering his well-known difficulties in less-than-ideal weather. Post-BYE, they’ll enjoy more home games and better conditions.

But there’s a catch: their winter road games won’t be easy. Detroit still has to travel to face the Eagles, Commanders, and Bears — all in chilly, potentially messy conditions. These are not ideal weather spots for Goff, who struggles when games get sloppy.

That’s why it’s crucial the Lions capitalize early in the season. If they don’t take care of business in the first half, it could be rough sledding through the colder stretch — where the odds won’t be in Goff’s favor.