The Detroit Lions are gearing up for a major night: the full 2026 NFL schedule drops tonight, Thursday, May 14, at 8 p.m. ET on ESPN, NFL Network, and the ESPN App. While the official reveal will cover all 32 teams, Lions fans already have plenty to chew on—including a primetime Week 2 showdown, a trip to Germany, and a spicy divisional Thanksgiving matchup that's sure to heat up the Motor City.

According to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, the Lions will host former offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day, November 26, in Detroit. That's a juicy storyline: Johnson led the Bears to an NFC North title in his first season as head coach, and now he returns to Ford Field with plenty of bad blood brewing. It's the kind of holiday clash that makes turkey and touchdowns a perfect pairing.

Beyond the Thanksgiving spotlight, the Lions' 2026 schedule includes a Week 2 primetime game—details still under wraps—and a historic international matchup in Germany, marking another step in the NFL's global expansion. For a team that's been building momentum under head coach Dan Campbell, these marquee dates could define their season.

As we track every verified leak and rumor, Lions fans can also look back at the franchise's first-round draft history, which includes standout picks like Aidan Hutchinson (2022, No. 2 overall) and the recent addition of offensive tackle Blake Miller (2026, No. 17 overall from Clemson). The team's draft strategy has been all about building a tough, physical roster—and the schedule will test that grit.

Stay tuned for full schedule analysis, game-by-game predictions, and all the instant reaction right here. Whether you're planning your game-day gear or just dreaming of a deep playoff run, tonight's reveal is the first big step toward the 2026 season.