The countdown is finally over, Lions fans. Tonight, Thursday, May 14, the NFL will officially unveil the full 2026 regular-season schedule for all 32 teams, and Detroit is set to take center stage in a major way. The release kicks off at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, NFL Network, and the ESPN App, but we've already got some juicy details to get you hyped.
First up, mark your calendars for a spicy Thanksgiving showdown. According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Lions will host former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears on Nov. 26 at Ford Field. This isn't just any holiday game—it's a revenge tour waiting to happen. The Bears took the NFC North crown last season in Johnson's first year as head coach, but the Lions had the last laugh, sweeping the series with a dominant 52-21 blowout in Week 2. Detroit has struggled on Thanksgiving, losing eight of their last nine, but that one win? Yep, it came against Chicago in 2024. The Lions are 6-6 all-time on Turkey Day against the Bears, and with the energy at Ford Field, this could be the year they flip the script.
But the drama doesn't stop there. The NFL also confirmed that the Lions will face the AFC champion New England Patriots in Munich, Germany, on Nov. 15. This is a massive international stage for Detroit, who last played in Europe back in 2015—a tough 45-10 loss to the Chiefs in London. The Patriots are the only non-division team with a winning record on Detroit's home slate in 2026, and both teams hold international marketing rights in Germany, so expect a fired-up crowd. It's a chance for the Lions to prove they're a global force.
And speaking of primetime, the Lions are already locked in for a Week 2 primetime matchup—details are still trickling in, but it's clear the NFL sees Detroit as a must-watch team. Coming off a last-place finish in the NFC North hasn't dimmed their star power one bit. As the Free Press's Dave Birkett put it, the Lions are a primetime draw, and this schedule is proof.
We're tracking every leak and rumor as they drop, so keep checking back for instant analysis and game-by-game predictions. Whether you're planning your game-day gear or just dreaming of Ford Field, this is shaping up to be a season you won't want to miss. Get ready to roar, Detroit.