Predictions for Lions' 2023 Schedule
As an offseason of much anticipation rolls on, the Detroit Lions have officially learned their 2023 schedule.
The NFL rolled out the entire slate for the upcoming season Thursday. As a result, teams now know their path for the new campaign.
Detroit enters the year with high expectations as the favorites in the NFC North. The Lions play the 20th-most difficult schedule, based on their opponents' combined winning percentage.
Here's an early look at how the Lions could fare in 2023.
Week 1 — Thursday, Sept. 7 at Chiefs
There's no bigger way for the Lions to open the season. On a national stage and facing the reigning champions, expect head coach Dan Campbell and company to empty the bag of tricks.
This game has all the makings of a shootout, and the Lions will play up to their competition. However, they're breaking in a brand-new secondary, and Patrick Mahomes is at his best under the bright lights.
Kansas City is unbeaten in openers since 2014, while the Lions have lost each of theirs since 2017. Those trends will continue, despite this game going down to the wire. (Score: 37-31 loss, 0-1)
Week 2 — Sunday, Sept. 17 vs. Seahawks
It's a rematch of a wildly exciting Week 4 matchup in 2022. The game ultimately decided a playoff spot, as Seattle got in by way of the head-to-head tiebreaker.
Detroit is much improved defensively from a year ago. The Seahawks exposed the defense in last year's tilt, but that won't be the case this time around.
The Lions offense will outlast Seattle's, while the defense gets enough stops to secure the win. (Score: 34-26 win, 1-1)
Week 3 — Sunday, Sept. 24 vs. Falcons
With the Falcons in the midst of a rebuild, the Lions have a chance to make an emphatic statement after two weeks playing against 2022 playoff teams.
During the final stretch of last season, Detroit had no trouble putting away lesser teams at home. The defense puts together a solid performance in a sound victory. (Score: 27-13 win, 2-1)
Week 4 — Thursday, Sept. 28 at Packers
Green Bay is entering a new era. Jordan Love takes over for franchise legend Aaron Rodgers, so growing pains can be expected.
The Lions will have seasoning from their tough competition early. It's never easy to win at Lambeau, but Detroit makes it two in a row against a Packers team still looking to find its identity. (Score: 30-17 win, 3-1)
Week 5 — Sunday, Oct. 8 vs. Panthers
Much like the Packers, the Panthers are breaking in a new quarterback in 2023 No. 1 overall pick Bryce Young.
Carolina dominated the Lions in the trenches last season, en route to a double-digit win. Expect Detroit's defense to be much better, but this will still be a tough test.
Ultimately, the home-crowd advantage and defensive improvements will prove key for the Lions in a fourth straight win. (Score: 28-20 win, 4-1)
Week 6 — Sunday, Oct. 15 at Buccaneers
Gone is Tom Brady, leaving the Buccaneers searching for answers at quarterback. This week could be the tipping point for whichever option they go with, be it Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask.
The Lions conquered their road woes last season and shouldn't have trouble putting away another opponent in search of stability. (Score: 35-17 win, 5-1)
Week 7 — Sunday, Oct. 22 at Ravens
The third road game in four weeks ultimately will prove costly. Lamar Jackson is a unique quarterback because of his ability to maneuver the pocket and make big plays with his legs.
Aaron Glenn's defenses have traditionally struggled with running quarterbacks. Jackson was limited when these two teams met in 2021, but his supporting cast is better this time around.
Detroit keeps it close, but ultimately drops a tough game on the road. (Score: 27-19 loss, 5-2)
Week 8 — Monday, Oct. 30 vs. Raiders
Ford Field will be rocking as the Lions host a Monday Night game for the first time since the 2018 season opener.
The Raiders have a potent offense, with power coming off the edge on defense. This will be an exciting game, with the home crowd fueling Detroit to a thrilling win. (Score: 38-31 win, 6-2)
Week 9 — BYE
Week 10 — Sunday, Nov. 12 at Chargers
The Chargers have been up and down under head coach Brandon Staley. Quarterback Justin Herbert presents a challenge with his arm, and he's got plenty of talent around him.
Though the Lions' secondary is improved, they will struggle with the Chargers' blend of fast and physical receivers. The offense keeps pace, but the defense can't get enough stops. (Score: 35-23 loss, 6-3)
Week 11 — Sunday, Nov. 19 vs. Bears
The Lions begin a division-heavy final stretch of the season with a home matchup against the Bears. Chicago overhauled its defense and added talent to the offense.
At home, the Lions will be tough to beat. (Score: 38-23 win, 7-3)
Week 12 — Thursday, Nov. 23 vs. Packers
Detroit hasn't won on Thanksgiving since 2016. However, the last matchup against the Packers was a resounding 40-10 win in 2013.
Still, fans have nightmares of the Lions losing games in every imaginable way on this holiday. This time, Dan Campbell avoids the late mistake, and Detroit emerges victorious. (Score: 20-16 win, 8-3)
Week 13 — Sunday, Dec. 3 at Saints
Campbell returns to the place where he spent five seasons prior to coming to Detroit. He'll have to plan for Derek Carr, who aims to keep the Saints playing at a high level.
The Saints have a similar style to the Lions offensively, though they weren't as explosive last year. Carr should help change things, making it tough for Detroit's defense. (Score: 27-23 loss, 8-4)
Week 14 — Sunday, Dec. 10 at Bears
It took the Lions three quarters to get going in their trip to Soldier Field last season. It has traditionally been difficult for Detroit to play well in the Windy City.
With Chicago's improved defense, it'll be a much better performance for the Bears in the second meeting. Yet, much like last year, Detroit gets it done in crunch time. (Score: 23-19 win, 9-4)
Week 15 — TBD vs. Broncos (H)
It's a meeting between Campbell and his mentor, Sean Payton, that will come with plenty of fanfare. The Broncos had an abysmal campaign last year, and are counting on their new coach to save the day.
Denver will be much improved. If Russell Wilson returns to form, this team will be tough to stop. This could be a shootout, and the Broncos have the better defense. (Score: 33-30 loss, 9-5)
Week 16 — Sunday, Dec. 24 at Vikings
The first of two meetings in three weeks belongs to the Vikings. Justin Jefferson is one of the best receivers in the league, and Detroit has struggled to contain him even in games it's won.
The Lions drop a second straight, as the offense sputters on the road. Campbell remains winless in Minnesota throughout his three-year tenure. (Score: 24-13 loss, 9-6)
Week 17 — Saturday, Dec. 30 at Cowboys
Facing a potential must-win game, Detroit will be making a difficult trip to "Jerry World." As the Lions have shown under their coach, they play best when backed against the wall.
This one has the makings of a classic, as both teams should be facing high stakes. Ultimately, the Lions pull out a close win to break the curse of recent losses in Dallas. (Score: 34-27 win, 10-6)
Week 18 — vs. Vikings (H) TBD
With the division title potentially on the line, these two teams square off at Ford Field. After dropping the first matchup, the Lions' motivation will be at an all-time high.
Detroit's secondary does a better job containing Justin Jefferson in this matchup, with Cameron Sutton securing a key interception to cement the big win. (Score: 34-31 win, 11-6)
2023 record: 11-6
