Detroit Lions Schedule Release: The 2026 Lions games that scream primetime

The Lions will likely play fewer primetime games in 2026, but they should still have some bangers lined up

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

We’re just a few days away from the Detroit Lions’ 2026 schedule being released Thursday night. Before that, we’re making some predictions as to what that is going to look like. We started with our predictions for Germany, and who they would start and end the season against. Now it’s time to talk about primetime and what that schedule is likely to look like. Here’s every team we think the Lions play in primetime in 2026:

The Bills

I mean, this one writes itself, right? The Lions have played the Bills twice in the Dan Campbell era, and both games were highlight reel shootouts. The NFL is likely going to be looking to make this thing a trilogy. It’s got Monday Night Football written all over it. We’re guessing it’s also earlier in the season.

The Bears

The NFL loves storylines, and this game has them. As long as both of these head coaches are here, the storylines will always be there, and so will the primetime games. Dan Campbell vs Ben Johnson, part three, is the one we’re going with on primetime, and while I predicted Lions vs Jets in Week 1, this is my backup prediction for that. Still, I think this is going to be something like a Week 3 game.

The Panthers

The Panthers are an up-and-coming team who are pretty fun. They made the playoffs last year and should be the favorites in the NFC South ahead of the season. Because of that, you have to go with the usual Thursday Night Football setup of an up-and-coming team versus a contender.

The Buccaneers

We have the Lions starting the season against the Bucs, and it’s probably not the Sunday night football or Monday night football matchup, we’re going with America’s Game of the Week on this one. That 4:25 slot on Sunday. Not necessarily primetime, but in that nationally televised category. Hopefully, it’s the only one, and they get it out of the way.

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