Lions game-by-game predictions after 2024 NFL schedule release

Week 1 vs. Los Angeles Rams (Sunday Night Football)

The Lions began their quest to return to the elite of the NFC in primetime against the Rams. This will be a rematch from the playoffs last season, where the Lions started their playoff run. Similarly, it should be in front of another hot Detroit crowd at Ford Field. This will also be the third time the Lions and Rams have met since Goff was traded to Detroit. The Lions take game three to make the series 2-1. WIN

Record: 1-0

Week 2 vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers

It will be two consecutive weeks of playoff rematches for Detroit, this time against the Buccaneers. Another home game and what should be another home victory against last year’s NFC South winners. WIN

Record: 2-0

Week 3 at Arizona Cardinals

Campbell finally takes his team on the road in Week 3 against the Cardinals. Outside of a tie back in 2019, the Lions have earned victories over the Cardinals in their last five meetings. Before that, it was seven straight losses. The Lions stay the course here, even against what should be a much-improved Cardinals team. WIN

Record: 3-0

Week 4 vs. Seattle Seahawks (Monday Night Football)

In one month’s time, the Lions will have already played in two primetime games, this time on Monday Night Football against the Seahawks. It will be their second of five primetime games. This will be a new-looking Seahawks team now that former Ravens defensive coordinator Mike Macdonald has taken over as head coach. Will he have implemented his defensive scheme enough in Week 4 to handle the Lions’ offensive line? That will come in time, I believe, but not here. WIN

Record: 4-0

Week 5 – BYE

Week 6 at Dallas Cowboys

The Lions begin a two-game road trip starting with the Cowboys in Week 6. Make no mistake that Campbell and the team have this game circled after the referee gaffe last season that cost Detroit to lose the game by one point, not to mention playoff seeding at the time. The Lions get their win this time, trick play or not. WIN

Record: 5-0

Week 7 at Minnesota Vikings

Kevin O’Connell is probably one of the better coaches in the entire NFL. He tried everything he could to salvage last year after Kirk Cousins was lost early in the season. But what will they look like in 2024 where it looks to be either veteran Sam Darnold or rookie JJ McCarthy behind center? Will Aidan Hutchinson get a sack over his former Michigan teammate McCarthy? Playing in Minnesota has caused Detroit fits in the past. This is where the Lions take their first L. LOSS

Record: 5-1

Week 8 vs. Tennessee Titans

Back at Ford Field, the Lions welcome what could be a much-improved Titans team. It will definitely be a team with an entirely new offensive philosophy. The Titans could be beginning to jell here and making a name for themselves. Lions lose in a bit of an upset, losing their second straight. LOSS

Record: 5-2

Week 9 at Green Bay Packers

This is one of the toughest stretches for the Lions where it’s nothing but a mix of division foes and playoff teams from last year. The Packers look to make a leap from their surprising season last year with now a full season under Jordan Love. These teams split last season with each winning on the other’s turf. The Lions get back on track and beat a tough division rival. WIN

Record: 6-2

Week 10 at Houston Texans (Sunday Night Football)

If everyone is relatively healthy by this game, this is a must-see game. This will be two teams overflowing with talent on both sides of the ball, although with the Texans a little younger in some areas. We’ll see how the Lions’ new secondary can hold up against Stroud and his new weapon Stefon Diggs. The Lions win by three or less. WIN

Record: 7-2

Week 11 vs. Jacksonville Jaguars

In their last four meetings, the Lions have thumped the Jaguars every single time, according to The Football Database. In fact, in all but one of those meetings, they beat them by double digits. I’m not sure that will be the case here, but the Lions should still walk away with a victory. WIN

Record: 8-2

Week 12 at Indianapolis Colts

It’s difficult to predict exactly what the Colts will look like in 2024 since we only got to see a small sample size of Anthony Richardson. Shane Steichen, however, seems to be the right coach for Indianapolis. By Week 12, the Colts and Steichen should have a good idea of how Richardson is developing. I still like the Lions to pick up a win here before Thanksgiving. WIN

Record: 9-2

Week 13 vs. Chicago Bears (Thanksgiving)

New Bears quarterback Caleb Williams won’t be introduced to the Lions until Week 13, albeit in the annual Thanksgiving game. For whatever reason, the Lions just can’t seem to win on Thanksgiving. They’ve had nothing to be thankful for in late November since 2016. Believe it or not, I think that trend continues, and the Bears under Williams get a huge upset win. LOSS

Record: 9-3

Week 14 vs. Green Bay Packers (Thursday Night Football)

The Lions finished going 2-1 in Thursday night games last season. One of those was a loss to the Packers at home in Week 12. They’ll likely split again in 2024 as both teams will be in the hunt in the NFC. WIN

Record: 10-3

Week 15 vs. Buffalo Bills

The Lions get spoiled with three home games in a row. But they’ll have to face Josh Allen and the Bills to cap off the three-game homestand. With Allen behind center, the Bills are always a threat, but they’ll look a little different this upcoming season after an offseason of suffering major roster losses. Still, they could be fighting for wins just to earn a spot on the AFC side of the playoffs. The Lions suffer their fourth loss. LOSS

Record: 10-4

Week 16 at Chicago Bears

For all we know, the Bears could very well be on the bubble of the NFC playoffs. But the Lions get their revenge from Thanksgiving, albeit at Soldier Field in December. WIN

Record: 11-4

Week 17 at San Francisco 49ers (Monday Night Football)

Campbell likely hasn’t forgotten the mistakes that were made against the 49ers in January that kept the Lions from making their first Super Bowl appearance. This should be another battle for playoff seeding in the NFC. The 49ers, however, take another victory. LOSS

Record: 11-5

Week 18 vs. Minnesota Vikings

The Lions could very well have a playoff spot wrapped up by this time, but they may still be fighting for a higher seed, which means that starters won’t be sitting. Vikings would love to play some spoilers, especially McCarthy who could very well be playing to gain some reps. But if the Lions do need a win, they’ll find a way and end the 2024 regular season with the same record as last year. WIN

Record: 12-5