The Detroit Lions are already preparing for the 2026 NFL season, with draft evaluations and free-agency planning underway at the Meijer Performance Center as they aim to reclaim the NFC North title they won in 2023 and 2024.

Head coach Dan Campbell made a major staff change by parting ways with offensive coordinator John Morton and hiring former Arizona Cardinals OC Drew Petzing.

While the NFL will release the full 2026 schedule in the spring, Detroit’s 17 opponents are already known.

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How the Lions’ 2026 Schedule Was Determined

Detroit will play:

NFC North rivals (Bears, Packers, Vikings) twice each

All teams from the NFC South and AFC East

Fourth-place finish matchups vs:

AFC South: Tennessee Titans

NFC East: New York Giants

NFC West: Arizona Cardinals

Notably, six of Detroit’s opponents changed head coaches following the 2025 season.

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Detroit Lions 2026 Home Games

Chicago Bears

Green Bay Packers

Minnesota Vikings

New Orleans Saints

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

New England Patriots

New York Jets

Tennessee Titans

New York Giants

Detroit Lions 2026 Road Games

Chicago Bears

Green Bay Packers

Minnesota Vikings

Atlanta Falcons

Buffalo Bills

Carolina Panthers

Miami Dolphins

Arizona Cardinals

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2026 Opponent Breakdown

Chicago Bears

2025 record: 11-6 (NFC North champions)
Key changes: Coaching leadership remains intact, but Chicago lost multiple assistants, including OC Declan Doyle.
Draft picks: Rounds 1-7
Impact free agents: Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, Andrew Billings, Nahshon Wright

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Green Bay Packers

2025 record: 9-7-1
Key changes: Jonathan Gannon hired as defensive coordinator after major staff departures.
Draft picks: Rounds 2-7
Impact free agents: Rasheed Walker, Quay Walker, Malik Willis, Romeo Doubs

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Minnesota Vikings

2025 record: 9-8
Key changes: GM Kwesi Adofo-Mensah dismissed; Brian Flores retained as DC.
Draft picks: Rounds 1-7
Impact free agents: Eric Wilson, Jalen Nailor, Carson Wentz

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New Orleans Saints

2025 record: 6-11
Key changes: Coaching staff returns intact under Kellen Moore.
Draft picks: Rounds 1-6
Impact free agents: Cameron Jordan, Demario Davis, Alontae Taylor, Luke Fortner

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Tampa Bay Buccaneers

2025 record: 8-9
Key changes: Multiple coaching changes, including new OC Zac Robinson.
Draft picks: Rounds 1-7
Impact free agents: Mike Evans, Jamel Dean, Lavonte David, Rachaad White, Cade Otton

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New England Patriots

2025 record: 14-3
Key changes: Mike Vrabel led Patriots to Super Bowl XL in first season.
Draft picks: Multiple picks in every round
Impact free agents: K’Lavon Chaisson, Jaylinn Hawkins, Austin Hooper

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New York Jets

2025 record: 3-14
Key changes: Aaron Glenn overhauled his coaching staff, hiring Brian Duker as DC.
Draft picks: Two first-round picks plus 11 total selections
Impact free agents: Alijah Vera-Tucker, Breece Hall, Quincy Williams, John Simpson

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New York Giants

2025 record: 4-13
Key changes: John Harbaugh hired as head coach; Matt Nagy named OC.
Draft picks: Rounds 1-6
Impact free agents: Wan’Dale Robinson, Cordale Flott, Jermaine Eluemunor, Dane Belton

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Tennessee Titans

2025 record: 3-14
Key changes: Robert Saleh hired as head coach; Brian Daboll becomes OC.
Draft picks: Rounds 1-7
Impact free agents: Kevin Zeitler, Arden Key, Sebastian Joseph-Day, Chig Okonkwo

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Atlanta Falcons

2025 record: 8-9
Key changes: Matt Ryan becomes President of Football Ops; Kevin Stefanski hired as HC.
Draft picks: Rounds 2-7
Impact free agents: Kyle Pitts, David Onyemata, Leonard Floyd, Tyler Allgeier

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Buffalo Bills

2025 record: 12-5
Key changes: Joe Brady promoted to head coach after Sean McDermott departure.
Draft picks: Rounds 1-7
Impact free agents: Joey Bosa, Connor McGovern, David Edwards, A.J. Epenesa

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Carolina Panthers

2025 record: 8-9
Key changes: Coaching staff returns intact under Dave Canales.
Draft picks: Rounds 1-7
Impact free agents: Cade Mays, Rico Dowdle, D.J. Wonnum

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Miami Dolphins

2025 record: 7-10
Key changes: Jeff Hafley hired as head coach after front-office overhaul.
Draft picks: Three third-round selections
Impact free agents: Darren Waller, Rasul Douglas, Ifeatu Melifonwu

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Arizona Cardinals

2025 record: 3-14
Key changes: Mike LaFleur hired as head coach with offensive emphasis.
Draft picks: Rounds 1-7
Impact free agents: Jonah Williams, Jalen Thompson, Calais Campbell

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Outlook for the Detroit Lions in 2026

With a mix of division rivals, playoff teams, and rebuilding franchises, the Lions’ 2026 schedule presents both opportunity and challenge. Detroit will face six teams with new head coaches, which could create early-season matchup advantages if the Lions maintain continuity under Dan Campbell.

Detroit’s offseason moves, draft performance, and development under new offensive coordinator Drew Petzing will determine whether the franchise can return to the top of the NFC North.