Detroit Lions Writers Predict 12-5 and 13-4 Records on 2026 Schedule Release
Updated
Updated · Pride Of Detroit · May 14
Detroit Lions Writers Predict 12-5 and 13-4 Records on 2026 Schedule Release
3 articles · Updated · Pride Of Detroit · May 14
Pride of Detroit’s Erik Schlitt and Jeremy Reisman projected Detroit to finish 13-4 and 12-5, respectively, after making game-by-game picks for the newly released 2026 schedule.
The optimism rests on a schedule they describe as the NFL’s easiest on paper, with FanDuel listing the Lions at +145 to win the NFC North, -215 to make the playoffs and +1700 to win the Super Bowl.
Both writers still flagged early hurdles, unanimously picking a Week 2 loss at Buffalo and splitting on several swing games, including Green Bay after the Week 6 bye, New England in Germany and Tampa Bay after that overseas trip.
They agreed Detroit should handle much of the softer middle slate—beating New Orleans, the Jets, Panthers, Cardinals, Dolphins, Bears, Falcons and Titans—before a closing stretch that includes road games at Minnesota, Chicago and Green Bay.
Both forecasts end with a Week 18 win at Lambeau, with Reisman saying the finale could decide the division and Schlitt projecting it as the game that seals another NFC North title.
Is the Lions' schedule an easy path to glory or a deceptive trap ranked among the league's toughest?
With their former coordinator now leading the rival Bears, will Detroit's high-powered offense face its ultimate test?