The Detroit Lions are heading back to the international stage, and their much-anticipated game in Germany is officially set for mid-November. Mark your calendars for November 15, when the Lions will take the field at FC Bayern Munich Stadium as part of a special Week 10 triple-header, according to Fox CEO Lachlan Murdoch, who made the announcement during a conference call on May 11.
This marks the Lions' first international game since 2015, and it's shaping up to be a memorable one. The matchup will air on Fox, kicking off before the network's regular 1 p.m. and 4:25 p.m. slots, giving fans an early morning start to their football Sunday. While the official opponent hasn't been confirmed yet, the Lions are expected to face one of three teams: the New England Patriots, New York Giants, or Tampa Bay Buccaneers. The NFL will reveal the full slate of international games on Wednesday at 9 a.m. during "Good Morning Football," so stay tuned for the final details.
As networks roll out their schedules during Upfront presentations this week, the Lions' Germany game is already generating buzz. But there's a twist for the team's schedule logistics. Lions president Rod Wood noted in March that the team likely won't get a bye week after their international trip, thanks to the game's timing—just under two weeks before Thanksgiving. "We're in a little bit of an odd situation with the game likely in November and Thanksgiving, so I don't know what our bye treatment will be, but I think it's unlikely that we'll get it the week right after," Wood explained.
Wood also mentioned he's asked the NFL to avoid scheduling back-to-back Thursday games on Thanksgiving and the following week, a scenario the Lions have faced in the past two seasons. With the full NFL schedule dropping on Thursday, Lions fans have plenty to look forward to—including a chance to see their team make history in Munich. Whether you're gearing up for game day or just love the excitement of international football, this is one matchup you won't want to miss.
