Breaking down the Detroit Lions’ 2025 schedule and ranking each game from 17 to 1 based on entertainment potential.

It’s already been well established that the Detroit Lions’ 2025 schedule is one of the most difficult slate of games in the league.

But that also means it may be one of the most entertaining.

With premier matchups against both NFC and AFC contenders, there will rarely be a dull moment throughout Detroit’s 17-game campaign.

So I went and ranked the Lions’ schedule from worst to best.

In general, this is a ranking of what I expect to be the least and most entertaining games of the season, although “best” and “worst” are obviously very subjective.

17. vs. Giants (Week 12)

Not only are the Giants one of the worst teams on the Lions’ schedule, but there is also no intriguing storylines here. Maybe you could squeeze out a Kayvon Thibodeaux vs. Aidan Hutchinson narrative here, but, mostly, this is a bore.

16. vs. Browns (Week 4)

I thought about placing this higher because it’ll have that “can’t look away car crash” type of feel to it.

But in reality, this is going to be one of those 35-14 type of games that get the single-highlight treatment on SportsCenter the next day.

15. vs. Steelers (Week 16)

The Steelers will somehow be around .500 at this point in the year because they always are, but they’re still a bad team.

Pittsburgh travels well, so the energy in Ford Field could be elevated for this one—and there’s a serious chance Aaron Rodgers plays in this game. But, otherwise, this could be a forgettable game.

14. vs Cowboys (TNF, Week 14)

I’m certain people will take offense to this game being too low on the list, but quite frankly, I’m over the Cowboys “rivalry.”

They’re below the Lions at this point, and we don’t have to pretend that beating them is some sort of huge accomplishment.

Also, these teams have played against other in each of the past three seasons. I’m bored of it.

13. vs. Vikings (Week 9)

I am definitely not bored of driving Vikings fans crazy.

They have a serious complex about the Lions right now, and I’m here for it.

It’s a shame this is a 1 p.m. ET game because I’d love the national audience to witness this game.

But with the Lions coming off a bye prior to this game, I think it should be a solid divisional game from Detroit.

12. at Bengals (Week 5)

The Lions and Bengals have only played 13 times in history, and it’s been four years since their last matchup.

Detroit has lost seven in a row against Cincinnati, dating all the way back to 1992, so this is an opportunity to knock down another embarrassing, long-standing drought.

The fact that this game is so far down the list tells you just how entertaining this schedule is.

11. at Rams (Week 15)

Yes, I’m as tired of the Matthew Stafford storylines as you are these days, but this could be the final time he faces off against the team that drafted him.

On top of that, a Week 15 matchup between these two teams could have huge playoff implications.

Don’t be surprised if this gets flexed to Sunday night (currently Vikings vs. Cowboys).

10. at Bears (Week 18)

It’s been 10 years since the Lions and Bears faced off in the season finale.

While I’m not as high on the Bears as some other analysts, I do think they’re going to have figured a lot of things out by Week 18. The question is whether this game will mean anything for Chicago.

9. at Packers (Week 1)

Opening the season against your biggest rivals? Yes, please.

The Lions and Packers are considered the two favorites to win the division, so this game will have huge implications, and both teams are likely to be the healthiest they’ll be all season. Couldn’t ask for more in Week 1.

8. at Vikings (Week 17, Christmas on Netflix)

I hate the Lions playing on Christmas, but I can’t ignore how big this game could be. Two years ago, the Lions clinched the NFC North in Minnesota on Christmas Eve.

They could theoretically do the exact same thing a day later on Christmas.

7. vs. Buccaneers (Monday Night Football)

I think some may be sleeping on this matchup.

Lions vs. Bucs has been a low-key rivalry over the last two years, with some really entertaining games along the way. In 2023, the Lions beat Tampa twice—once in the regular season (20-6) in a defensive battle and another in an electric Divisional Round playoff game. Last year, the Buccaneers were one of just two teams to beat the Lions in the regular season.

Putting this on “Monday Night Football” is a great decision, and I’ve got this one circled.

6. vs. Packers (Thanksgiving)

I’m bored of NFC North matchups on Thanksgiving, but I do still want some revenge for when Jordan Love and the Packers came into Detroit in 2023 and handled the Lions pretty thoroughly on Thanksgiving.

The yams taste that much sweeter when creamed Packers is the appetizer.

5. vs. Bears (Week 2)

The Lions’ 2025 home opener is against the Chicago Bears and Benedict Ben Johnson.

I think that’s the perfect matchup to get the Ford Field crowd as rowdy as possible.

Not to mention, it’s probably best for the Lions to face the Bears as early as possible, while they’re still figuring things out.

4. at Ravens (Week 3, Monday Night Football)

Detroit has never beaten the Ravens in Baltimore, and they’ve only beaten them once out of seven tries (2005). Lamar Jackson is nearly unbeatable against NFC foes (24-2). But, man, a win here would feel nice.

The Ravens have been responsible for some of the most painful Lions losses as of late, and to finally gain the upper hand on national television would be amazing.

3. at Chiefs (Week 6, Sunday Night Football)

Not that the Lions need any sort of validation from others, but there’s a certain sense of legitimacy a team gets when they defeat the Chiefs.

This is a franchise that hasn’t lost more than six games in a single season since 2014 and has had a winning season in each of Andy Reid’s 12 seasons in Kansas City.

We all remember how epic Detroit’s season opening win in Kansas City was in 2023, and while a win here wouldn’t be as monumental, it would be a huge accomplishment.

2. at Commanders (Week 10)

Revenge.

1. at Eagles (Week 11, Sunday Night Football)

Beating the defending champion is always a huge accomplishment, but it’s more than that here. It’s a nationally televised game. It’s a huge NFC showdown.

And it’s a glimpse into the NFC Championship game we should have had last year. When healthy, these were the two best teams in football last year, and there’s a good chance they are again in 2025.