DETROIT – The Detroit Lions' 2026 schedule was released Thursday, giving fans a clearer picture of a franchise entering the season with high expectations after a turbulent but closely contested 2025 campaign.
The NFL unveiled its full 2026 slate leaguewide, setting the stage for a season in which Detroit will once again play a central role in the NFC North race.
The Lions finished 2025 at 9-8, placing fourth in the division in a tight standings battle that included the Minnesota Vikings, Green Bay Packers, and division champion Chicago Bears.
Step back after dominant 2024 run
That finish marked a step back from Detroit’s dominant 2024 season, when the Lions went 15-2 to finish atop the NFC before being eliminated in the NFC Divisional Round at Ford Field by the Washington Commanders.
Despite the uneven finish, Detroit enters 2026 with roster continuity and key contract decisions already shaping its future.
Gibbs’ option exercised, Campbell’s declined
The team exercised the fifth-year option on running back Jahmyr Gibbs but declined the option for linebacker Jack Campbell.
Gibbs’ option is valued at $14.29 million for the 2027 season. Campbell’s option was projected at $21.925 million, a figure that would have ranked among the league’s highest salaries for off-ball linebackers.
Backfield reshuffled after Montgomery trade
Gibbs is expected to carry a larger role in 2026 following the offseason trade of running back David Montgomery to the Houston Texans.
In return, Detroit received offensive lineman Juice Scruggs and draft assets that were later involved in additional roster moves.
The Lions also traded up in the 2026 draft, sending picks to the New York Jets to select former Michigan Wolverines star, Derrick Moore.
Detroit used its first-round selection on offensive tackle Blake Miller, further investing in an offensive line expected to support Gibbs and the team’s quarterback.
The Lions also signed Super Bowl champion running back Isiah Pacheco to add depth in the backfield.
→ Detroit Lions trade up to select Michigan football star Derrick Moore with No. 44 pick in NFL draft
Gibbs chasing history
Through three NFL seasons, Gibbs, a former Alabama Crimson Tide standout, has totaled 49 touchdowns, the most by any player through their first three seasons in league history.
In 2025, he rushed for 1,223 yards and 13 touchdowns while adding 616 receiving yards and five scores.
Campbell’s future still in focus
Campbell, 25, is coming off a standout 2025 season in which he earned first-team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection.
He led the team with 176 total tackles while adding nine tackles for loss, five sacks, and four passes defended.
Campbell earns All-Pro honors despite uncertain future
Linebacker Campbell is coming off a standout 2025 campaign, earning first-team All-Pro honors and his first Pro Bowl selection.
He led Detroit with 176 tackles while adding nine tackles for loss, five sacks, and four passes defended.
General Manager Brad Holmes said after the draft that discussions continue regarding a long-term extension for Campbell, even after the team declined his fifth-year option.
The Lions are also working on potential extensions for other members of their 2023 draft class, including tight end Sam LaPorta and defensive back Brian Branch.
The team is also pursuing extensions for other members of its 2023 draft class, including tight end Sam LaPorta and defensive back Brian Branch.
→ Detroit Lions General Manager Brad Holmes explains trading up for Michigan football’s Derrick Moore
Favorable schedule sets stage for deep run
Head coach Dan Campbell enters the season with what is projected to be one of the NFL’s most favorable schedules, based on opponent win projections.
Detroit will also benefit from an additional home game at Ford Field under the league’s 17-game schedule format.
| Home | AWAY |
|---|---|
| New Orleans Saints | Buffalo Bills |
| Green Bay Packers | Green Bay Packers |
| Minnesota Vikings | Minnesota Vikings |
| Chicago Bears | Chicago Bears |
| New York Jets | Miami Dolphins |
| New York Giants | Carolina Panthers |
| New Endland Patriots (Germany) | Arizona Cardinals |
| Tennessee Titans | Atlanta Falcons |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | NFC has an extra home game this season |
Here’s what the full 2026 season looks like for Detroit:
- Week 1, Sept.13: vs. New Orleans Saints -- 1 p.m. -- FOX
- Week 2: Sept. 17: @ Buffalo Bills-- 8:15 p.m. -- TNF -- Prime
- Week 3: Sept. 27: vs. New York Jets -- 1 p.m. -- Fox
- Week 4: Oct 4: @ Carolina Panthers -- 8:20 p.m. -- SNF -- NBC
- Week 5: Oct. 11: @Arizona Cardinals 4:25 p.m. -- FOX
- Week 6: Bye Week
- Week 7: Oct. 25: vs. Green Bay Packers -- 4:25 p.m. -- FOX
- Week 8: Nov. 1: Minnesota Vikings -- 1 p.m. -- FOX
- Week 9: Nov. 8: vs. Miami Dolphins -- 1 p.m. -- FOX
- Week 10: Nov. 15: vs. New England Patriots in Munich, Germany -- 9:30 a.m. -- FOX
- Week 11: Nov. 22: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers -- 1 p.m. -- CBS
- Week 12: Nov. 26: vs. Chicago Bears (Thanksgiving) -- 1 p.m. -- FOX
- Week 13: Dec. 6: @ Atlanta Falcons -- 1 p.m. -- CBS
- Week 14: Dec. 13: vs. Tennessee Titans -- 1 p.m. -- FOX
- Week 15: Dec. 20: @Minnesota Vikings -- 8:20 p.m. -- NBC
- Week 16: Dec. 28: vs. New York Giants -- 8:15 p.m. -- ESPN
- Week 17: Jan. 3: Chicago Bears -- 4:25 p.m.-- FOX
- Week 18: Green Bay Packers -- TBD
Mark your calendars pic.twitter.com/uZP6ECbXYr
— Detroit Lions (@Lions) May 14, 2026
This season, the Lions will play two Monday Night Football games, two Sunday Night Football games, one Thursday Night Football game, a game on Christmas, and their annual Thanksgiving Day games.
🚨 THE FULL MONDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL AND NFL NETWORK SCHEDULE IS HERE 🚨@nflnetwork pic.twitter.com/JktF4FtRbq
— ESPN (@espn) May 15, 2026
Here’s a quick look back at the Lions’ 2025 schedule and outcomes:
- Week 1: @ Green Bay Packers Loss 13-27
- Week 2: vs. Chicago Bears Won 52-21
- Week 3: at Baltimore Ravens (MNF) Won 38-30
- Week 4: vs. Cleveland Browns Won 34-10
- Week 5: @ Cincinnati Bengals Won 37-24
- Week 6: at Kansas City Chiefs (SNF) Loss 17-30
- Week 7: vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers Won 24-9
- Week 8: Bye
- Week 9: vs. Minnesota Vikings Loss 24-27
- Week 10: at Washington Commanders Won 44-22
- Week 11: @ Philadelphia Eagles (SNF) Won 9-16
- Week 12: vs. New York Giants Won 34-27
- Week 13: vs. Green Bay Packers (Thanksgiving) Loss 24-31
- Week 14: vs. Dallas Cowboys (TNF) Won 44-30
- Week 15: @ Los Angeles Rams Loss 34-41
- Week 16: vs. Pittsburgh Steelers Loss 24-29
- Week 17: at Minnesota Vikings (Christmas) Loss 10-23
- Week 18: @ Chicago Bears Won 19-16