The Game That Matters Most
The schedule is out. The dates are set. And somewhere in Allen Park, Dan Campbell is already thinking about the games that could define this season. Our staff broke down the most anticipated matchups on the Lions schedule, and let me tell you something — there are some spicy takes in here.
But first, let’s address the elephant in Ford Field. Getting swept by Green Bay stung, and Week 7 will be the Lions’ first opportunity to get back to their winning ways in the NFC North.
The Revenge Tour Starts in Buffalo
Four of our six writers picked the same game: Week 2 at Buffalo Bills on Thursday Night Football. And honestly? Smart money.
The Lions haven’t beaten Buffalo in two decades. Two decades. That’s not a typo, that’s just Detroit Lions football in all its masochistic glory. The Bills have humbled Dan Campbell’s squad twice already, and Josh Allen has turned into our personal nightmare fuel.
But here’s the thing — this feels different. This feels like a chance to prove yourself against a top AFC team. Except this time, it’s primetime. It’s the debut of Buffalo’s new stadium at Highmark Stadium. It’s early enough in the season that injuries haven’t decimated the roster yet.
If Detroit can spoil that stadium opening party, it sends a message. Not just to Buffalo, but to the entire league. The Lions aren’t here to make up the numbers anymore.
Thanksgiving With Extra Seasoning
Morgan Cannon went with Thanksgiving against Chicago, and you know what? Fair point. The Bears are feeling themselves right now as defending NFC North champions, and rightfully so. The whole world will be watching Ford Field, and there’s something poetic about the Lions seizing that moment to remind everyone who actually runs the North.
Plus, it’s Thanksgiving. In Detroit. Against a division rival that thinks they’ve figured us out. The football gods couldn’t script it any better.
The Green Bay Redemption Game
Erik Schlitt picked Week 7 versus the Packers as FOX’s game of the week, and honestly, Ford Field is going to be absolutely electric for that one. First NFC North game of the season. National television. And a chance to prove that the sweep was a fluke, not a pattern.
The Packers are still the Packers. They’re still going to show up thinking they own this division. Time to remind them otherwise.
The Wild Card Pick
Ryan Mathews went completely off script with Week 9 at Miami, and I’m not even mad about it. The Dolphins signed Malik Willis, and apparently everything they’ve done since has been baffling at best. Sounds like a perfect trap game for a Lions team that’s supposed to be better than that now.
Which game has you marking your calendar and practicing your stress-eating techniques? Are we finally beating Buffalo, or are we just gluttons for punishment? Drop your take below.
