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Detroit Lions projected to have easiest 2026 NFL schedule
TL;DR
The Detroit Lions are projected to have the easiest schedule in the NFL for the 2026 season, following a disappointing 2025 campaign. Fans are optimistic about a bounce-back year under coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff.
Key points
- Detroit Lions projected to have the easiest NFL schedule in 2026
- Lions finished 2025 with a 9-8 record and last in NFC North
- Team aims to bounce back after two consecutive division titles
Mentioned in this story
Dan CampbellJared Goff
Detroit Lions
Detroit Lions fans are hopeful that Dan Campbell, Jared Goff and Co. can author a bounce back 2026 campaign.
After addressing some of its key needs in the 2026 NFL Draft, the Lions enter offseason workouts with their sights set upon reentering the championship conversation.
After back-to-back NFC North crowns in 2023 and 2024, Detroit slumped to a 9-8 record and last-place finish in the division in 2025. But, that did bring one positive for 2026: The Lions are facing a fourth-place schedule.
And, after crunching some numbers, Warren Sharp says it's even better than that. Using Vegas oddsmakers' forecasted win totals, Sharp reports that the Lions have the easiest NFL schedule next season.
Sharp's strength of schedule rankings were ranked from easiest (No. 1) to hardest (No. 32). The rest of the NFC North's strength of schedule rankings shake out like this according to Warren Sharp:
- Minnesota Vikings: No. 16 strength of schedule
- Green Bay Packers: No. 17 strength of schedule
- Chicago Bears: No. 27 strength of schedule
Sharp notes that strength of schedule rankings are not based on teams' records from the previous season. Sharp argues that predicted win totals incorporate current information about team strength, including offseason acquisitions, injuries, and coaching changes and therefore are a better indicator of future performance.
Q&A
What makes the Detroit Lions' 2026 NFL schedule the easiest?
The Lions are facing a fourth-place schedule, which typically features weaker opponents, and projections indicate they have the lowest forecasted win totals among teams.
How did the Detroit Lions perform in the 2025 NFL season?
The Lions finished the 2025 season with a 9-8 record, placing them last in the NFC North after winning the division in the previous two years.
Who are the key players for the Detroit Lions in 2026?
Key players for the Lions in 2026 include head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff, who are expected to lead the team in their efforts to improve.
