While currently sitting on the top of the NFC, the Lions next 10 weeks are the second toughest in the league. The combined record of Detroit’s remaining opponents sits at 47- 30, and only Chicago’s opponents have a higher win total.
Green Bay Packers (5-2) – Nov. 3 and Dec. 5
The division rivals have not met yet in the 2024 season and are fighting for the number one spot in the division. For the Packers, it has not been announced if starting quarterback Jordan Love will be able to play on Nov. 3 as he suffered a groin injury in last week’s game against the Jacksonville Jaguars. Along with that, Green Bay is coming off of their worst defensive performance of the year and are about to face the hottest offense in the league after a 52-point showing. That being said, the Packers can never be counted out and have been a scrappy team all season.
Houston Texans (6-2) – Nov. 10
The Texans had a monster offseason, bringing in offensive weapons such as Stefon Diggs and Joe Mixon for the sophomore quarterback sensation C.J. Stroud. That being said, so far Houston’s offense has been underwhelming, causing the Texans to find themselves in tight games all season. Luckily, their defense has been on the rise and will prove a very tall task for the Lions. If the Houston defense holds, an offense that has had no problems might be in trouble.
Jacksonville Jaguars (2-6)- Nov. 17
The only team the Lions have left to face who currently have a losing record. The Jaguars have had a rough season but are starting to rebound, almost beating Green Bay last week. That being said, Jacksonville has one of the worst defenses in football, as throughout the season the Jaguars have allowed 26 touchdowns, the second-worst in the league. With Detroit’s offense on fire and a struggling defense, it might get ugly at Ford Field.
Indianapolis Colts (4-4)- Nov. 24
The Lions will travel to Indianapolis to take on another AFC South opponent in the Indianapolis Colts. The big question for the game is who will be playing quarterback for Indianapolis, as the young Anthony Richardson has been benched for the veteran Joe Flacco. The move will hopefully help a struggling offense that will be needed to beat the Lions. One thing Detroit will also have to keep in mind is that despite the struggles, the Colts find a way to keep games close as none of their games have been separated by more than 6 points.
Chicago Bears (4-3)- Nov. 28 and Dec. 22
Detroit still has not seen the new and improved Bears team and they will have to do it twice near the end of the season. Rookie quarterback Caleb Williams and a stellar defense has made them into a competitor in the toughest division in football. The biggest thing to watch in both of the matchups is which side of the ball was better. If its defense, Chicago gets the upper hand, while if its offense, the Lions do.
Buffalo Bills (6-2)- Dec. 15
If there is one game the Lions defense needs to circle on their schedule it’s against the Buffalo Bills. Buffalo’s lowest point total for a game throughout the year has been 20, while their highest has been 47. The matchup has the chance to become a shootout between two of the NFL’s best offenses and quarterbacks, but if the Lions stop them with their defense, they may just become the undisputed Superbowl favorites.
San Francisco 49ers (4-4)- Dec. 30
The NFC Championship game rematch may look a little different for the 49ers, as they have been plagued by injuries all season long. Notable injured players include the current NFL Offensive Player of the Year, Christian McCaffrey, who has not played a game so far throughout the season, and star wide receiver Brandon Aiyuk, who tore his ACL two weeks ago. Due to the injuries, San Francisco has not looked like themselves. Mix in a Detroit team hungry to get revenge, and the 49ers have a large challenge ahead.
Minnesota Vikings (5-2)- Jan. 5
Last time the two teams played, the Vikings came into the game undefeated and walked out with their first loss of the season by two points. For the final game of the season, Minnesota looks to bounce back. The Vikings have now seen how the Lions play and will have to patch up what killed them the first time around, the passing game. The game may also become the NFC North championship, depending on how both teams’ records turn out. Overall, the matchup between the two division rivals is always a toss-up, and it does not change here.
