Fresh off a 15-2 season and back-to-back NFC North titles, the Detroit Lions won’t be sneaking up on anyone in 2025. The NFL responded by handing them the third-toughest strength of schedule in the league, including 11 games against playoff teams from last year.
It’s a monster slate loaded with trap games, holiday matchups, and primetime pressure. But five games stand above the rest — the biggest tests on Detroit’s path to the Super Bowl.
TL;DR
The Lions face one of the NFL’s hardest schedules in 2025, and five games could define their season: matchups against the Chiefs, Eagles, Ravens, Vikings (Christmas), and Commanders. Each game brings unique challenges — elite QBs, brutal environments, or major playoff implications. These are the matchups Detroit must survive to prove they belong among the league’s elite.
1. Week 6 — @ Kansas City Chiefs (SNF)
The headline game of the year.
Time/Date: Sunday, Oct. 12 – 8:25 p.m. ET (NBC)
Location: Arrowhead Stadium
Challenge: Prime-time road game vs. Mahomes and Andy Reid
The last time Detroit walked into Arrowhead, they shocked the football world with a season-opening win in 2023. But this time, the stakes are higher, the lights are brighter, and Patrick Mahomes won’t be caught off guard.
This is a playoff-caliber measuring stick game — and one the entire country will be watching.
2. Week 11 — @ Philadelphia Eagles (SNF)
The reigning champs under the lights.
Time/Date: Sunday, Nov. 16 – 8:20 p.m. ET (NBC)
Location: Lincoln Financial Field
Challenge: Cold-weather clash against a complete team
Jalen Hurts. A.J. Brown. That pass rush. Philadelphia is still the most complete roster in the NFC, and the Lions will face them in a high-stakes road matchup that could decide playoff seeding. Detroit’s revamped secondary will get tested early and often.
If they want to win in January, they’ll need to prove they can win in Philly first.
3. Week 3 — @ Baltimore Ravens (MNF)
Lamar Jackson on Monday night? Buckle up.
Time/Date: Monday, Sept. 22 – 8:15 p.m. ET (ESPN/ABC)
Location: M&T Bank Stadium
Challenge: Handling Lamar’s legs and Harbaugh’s defense
The Lions were humiliated by the Ravens in 2023, surrendering over 500 yards of offense. Lamar Jackson torched them through the air and on the ground. Now they’re back — in primetime — trying to prove they’ve grown.
This is a redemption game, but also a huge early-season gut check.
4. Week 17 — @ Minnesota Vikings (Christmas, Netflix)
Holiday showdown with the division crown on the line? Yes please.
Time/Date: Thursday, Dec. 25 – 4:30 p.m. ET (Netflix)
Location: U.S. Bank Stadium
Challenge: J.J. McCarthy in a hostile holiday setting
This could be the most emotionally charged game on the schedule. It’s Christmas. It’s indoors. It’s possibly for the NFC North crown. And it’s the first time the Lions will see J.J. McCarthy in a primetime divisional setting.
Expect playoff energy, major national attention, and no room for error.
5. Week 10 — @ Washington Commanders
Revenge game alert.
Time/Date: Sunday, Nov. 9 – 4:25 p.m. ET (FOX)
Location: FedEx Field
Challenge: Payback vs. the team that ended Detroit’s 2024 playoff run
This one’s personal. The Commanders shocked Ford Field in the Divisional Round last season, eliminating the Lions in a stunner that left fans reeling. Now, Detroit heads to Washington looking for redemption — but it won’t be easy. Jayden Daniels, fresh off an outstanding rookie season, enters Year 2 with momentum and a much-improved supporting cast. If Daniels continues his rapid rise, this midseason matchup could quietly be one of the toughest road tests on the schedule.nce between a home playoff game and a road Wild Card.
Key Takeaways
Kansas City and Philadelphia are elite road challenges that will test Detroit’s Super Bowl aspirations.
The Christmas showdown in Minnesota could decide the division — and define McCarthy’s rookie season.
Baltimore (Week 3) is an early test of Detroit’s defensive evolution.
A Week 10 clash against the Commanders could have serious playoff implications.
The Bottom Line
The Detroit Lions are done being overlooked — but now the pressure is real. These five games will test their physicality, coaching, and composure under the bright lights. Win three of them, and the Lions could be on their way to home-field advantage. Lose too many, and they may be fighting just to stay out of the Wild Card round.