Why the timing of the Munich game is bad luck for the Lions

TL;DR

The Detroit Lions will play in Munich on November 15, just 11 days before their Thanksgiving game. This scheduling could lead to a challenging stretch of three games in 11 days without a bye week.

Key points

Lions play in Munich on November 15, 2024
Game is 11 days before Thanksgiving matchup
Lions likely won't have a bye week after the international game
Three games in 11 days could be challenging for the team
NFL scheduling may affect the Lions' performance

Mentioned in this story

Munich

Detroit LionsNew York GiantsCarolina Panthers

Munich, Germany - November 10: The Allianz Arena general view outside the stadium during the NFL Munich Game 2024 between New York Giants and Carolina Panthers at Allianz Arena on November 10, 2024 in Munich, Germany. (Photo by Mario Hommes/DeFodi Images via Getty Images) | DeFodi Images via Getty Images The 2026 NFL schedule will be released in full on Thursday, May 14 around 8 p.m. ET. We’ve already seen the Lions awarded the Munich, Germany game in Week 10, and a “Thursday Night Football” trip to Buffalo in Week 2. But what more awaits the Lions’ 2026 schedule? On this week’s PODcast, we make predictions about what we may seen, give our hopes and dreams for which games are in primetime and who Detroit plays on Thanksgiving. We also discuss whether we believe the Lions will actually have the easiest schedule in the NFL. But let’s back up to the Germany game for a second. Earlier this week, it was leaked that the date of the Detroit Lions’ game in Munich is set for November 15—just a mere 11 days before Detroit’s Thanksgiving Day matchup. Earlier this offseason, Lions team president Rod Wood said it was unlikely the team was going to get a bye week after their international game, which means Detroit is likely headed for three games in 11 days. While that isn’t all that uncommon for the Lions during this stretch, having an international game in the midst of that gauntlet is certainly new for them. At the time of Wood’s statement, it wasn’t clear why the Lions wouldn’t be getting a normally customary bye week following their international game. But with the specific date now set, it’s a little less surprising. The NFL wouldn’t likely give Detroit a 10-day break between games only to have them face off against a Thanksgiving opponent who only had three days’ rest. That said, it’s not set in stone that the Lions won’t get that Week 11 bye. If, for example, their Thanksgiving opponent also had a Week 11 bye, that would seemingly get rid of the disadvantage for each team while giving Detroit the rest they deserve after an international trip. On the PODcast, we discuss whether the Lions are getting screwed, where we’d prefer the team’s bye to land, and close out the show with a complete shift in topic. Our final segment overlooks all of the team’s offseason moves on defense and grades how Brad Holmes and company did at each position. Check out the podcast below or on whatever podcasting platform you prefer. Don’t forget to leave us a review on Apple Podcasts or a comment on Spotify. Remember that you can always catch the PODcast via video on a few platforms. This week’s episode is available over on our and our .

Q&A

Why is the Lions' game in Munich considered bad luck?

The Lions play in Munich on November 15, only 11 days before their Thanksgiving Day game, which could strain their schedule.

Will the Lions get a bye week after their international game in Munich?

It is unlikely the Lions will receive a bye week after the Munich game, as stated by team president Rod Wood.

What are the implications of the Lions playing three games in 11 days?

Playing three games in 11 days, including an international game, could lead to fatigue and impact the Lions' performance during that stretch.

Why the timing of the Munich game is bad luck for the Lions

TL;DR

Key points

Q&A

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