As the 2025 NFL season has concluded, Detroit Lions fans are already looking ahead to future matchups as we prepare for the 2026 NFL season. We have the Detroit Lions future opponents and schedules here for you. Thanks to the NFL’s fixed scheduling rotation, we know the Lions’ opponents for upcoming seasons well in advance. The formula ensures each team plays their division rivals twice (home and away), full divisions from the NFC and AFC on a rotating basis, and additional inter-conference games based on the previous year’s standings.
Detroit Lions Future Schedule: Quick Facts
Last updated: July 8, 2026
- Team: Detroit Lions (NFC North)
- Seasons covered: 2026, 2027, and 2028
- 2026 schedule: Complete – 9 home games, 8 away games (17 total)
- 2027 and 2028 opponents: Set by the NFL division-rotation formula; dates and home/away finalized at each release
- Schedule release: NFL regular-season schedules are typically announced in May
Detroit Lions Future Opponents and Schedules
We break down the Detroit Lions future opponents and schedules starting with 2026, including clear home/away designations. Note that some matchups in later years (especially the “17th game” based on standings) are still TBD and will be finalized after the prior season ends. Opponents are subject to minor changes, but the rotation is locked in. Now, if and when we go to an 18 game season, we’ll come back and add the appropriate game to the given year for you.
| Year | Detroit Lions Schedule |
|---|---|
| 2026 | 2026 Detroit Lions Schedule |
| 2027 | 2027 Detroit Lions Schedule |
| 2028 | 2028 Detroit Lions Schedule |
| 2029 | Coming Soon |
| 2030 | Coming Soon |
2026 Detroit Lions Opponents & Schedule
The 2026 season is highlighted by Detroit’s international game in Munich, Germany. Because the Lions finished 4th in the NFC North in 2025, they face the 4th-place finishers from the NFC West, NFC East, and AFC South. For full kickoff times and TV networks, see our Printable 2026 Detroit Lions Schedule.
| Home (9 games) | Away (8 games) |
| Chicago Bears | Chicago Bears |
| Green Bay Packers | Green Bay Packers |
| Minnesota Vikings | Minnesota Vikings |
| New Orleans Saints | Atlanta Falcons |
| Tampa Bay Buccaneers | Carolina Panthers |
| New England Patriots | Buffalo Bills |
| New York Jets | Miami Dolphins |
| New York Giants (Same Place) | Arizona Cardinals (Same Place) |
| Tennessee Titans (17th Game) |
2027 Detroit Lions Opponents & Schedule
In 2027, the rotation brings the NFC West and AFC West to Ford Field. Since 2027 is an odd-numbered year, the AFC hosts the extra 17th game, giving Detroit 9 road games. You can view the 2027 Detroit Lions schedule here.
| Home (8 games) | Away (9 games) |
| Chicago Bears | Chicago Bears |
| Green Bay Packers | Green Bay Packers |
| Minnesota Vikings | Minnesota Vikings |
| Arizona Cardinals | Los Angeles Rams |
| San Francisco 49ers | Seattle Seahawks |
| Kansas City Chiefs | Denver Broncos |
| Los Angeles Chargers | Las Vegas Raiders |
| NFC East TBD (Same Place) | NFC South TBD (Same Place) |
| AFC North TBD (17th Game) |
2028 Detroit Lions Opponents & Schedule
Here are the 2028 Detroit Lions opponents & schedule for you.
| Home (9 games) | Away (8 games) |
| Chicago Bears | Chicago Bears |
| Green Bay Packers | Dallas Cowboys |
| Minnesota Vikings | Green Bay Packers |
| Philadelphia Eagles | Jacksonville Jaguars |
| Washington Commanders | Minnesota Vikings |
| Houston Texans | New York Giants |
| Indianapolis Colts | Tennessee Titans |
| NFC West TBD (same place) | NFC South TBD (same place) |
| AFC East TBD (same place) |
2029 Detroit Lions Opponents & Schedule
The 2029 season brings a reset with the NFC South and a cross-conference clash with the AFC North.
| Home (8 games) | Away (9 games) |
| Chicago Bears | Chicago Bears |
| Green Bay Packers | Green Bay Packers |
| Minnesota Vikings | Minnesota Vikings |
| Atlanta Falcons | New Orleans Saints |
| Carolina Panthers | Tampa Bay Buccaneers |
| Cleveland Browns | Baltimore Ravens |
| Pittsburgh Steelers | Cincinnati Bengals |
| NFC West TBD (Same Place) | NFC East TBD (Same Place) |
| AFC West TBD (17th Game) |
2030 Detroit Lions Opponents & Schedule
In 2030, the Lions rotate back to the NFC West and AFC East. Detroit will host 9 games at Ford Field this season.
| Home (9 games) | Away (8 games) |
| Chicago Bears | Chicago Bears |
| Green Bay Packers | Green Bay Packers |
| Minnesota Vikings | Minnesota Vikings |
| Los Angeles Rams | Arizona Cardinals |
| Seattle Seahawks | San Francisco 49ers |
| Buffalo Bills | New England Patriots |
| Miami Dolphins | New York Jets |
| NFC South TBD (Same Place) | NFC East TBD (Same Place) |
| AFC South TBD (17th Game) |
These future opponent lists are based on the official NFL scheduling formula and reliable sources. We’ll update this page as more details (like exact TBD matchups) are confirmed after each season. You can also check out all of the other future NFL schedules here.
Detroit Lions Future Opponents FAQ
When will the exact dates for the 2026 Lions schedule be released? The NFL is expected to release the full week-by-week schedule, including the Munich game date and Thanksgiving opponent, on Wednesday, May 13, 2026.
Which team will the Lions play in Munich, Germany? As the designated home team for the 2026 Munich game, the Lions will play one of their scheduled home opponents (likely a non-division foe like the Jets or Saints) at the FC Bayern Munich Stadium.
How is the “17th Game” determined for Detroit? The 17th game is an inter-conference matchup against an AFC team that finished in the same divisional rank as the Lions the previous year. For 2026, the Lions (4th in NFC North) host the Titans (4th in AFC South).
Frequently Asked Questions: Detroit Lions Future Schedule
How are the Detroit Lions future opponents determined?
Each NFL team’s yearly opponents are set by a fixed formula: six games against division rivals (home and away), four against every team in one other division in the same conference, four against a division in the other conference, two against same-place finishers in the remaining same-conference divisions, and a 17th game against a same-place finisher from the other conference. That is why the Detroit Lions matchups are known years in advance, even before dates are assigned.
Do we know the Detroit Lions 2027 and 2028 opponents yet?
Yes. The 2027 and 2028 opponents are already determined by the rotation formula and are listed on this page by year. What is not yet set is the exact week, date, kickoff time, and home or away designation for the rotating games, which the NFL confirms when each schedule is released.
When will the Detroit Lions 2027 schedule be released?
The NFL typically releases its full regular-season schedule in May. The Detroit Lions 2027 schedule, with dates and kickoff times, is expected in May 2027.
How many home and away games do the Detroit Lions have in 2026?
The Detroit Lions play 9 home games and 8 away games in the 2026 regular season, for 17 total across the 18-week schedule, which includes one bye week.
