The NFL just dropped the full 2025 schedule — so you know what that means. It’s prediction time.
After a 15-2 finish last year, expectations are sky-high for Dan Campbell’s Detroit Lions. But with one of the toughest slates in the NFL, this year’s ride might be a little bumpier. Still, the Lions are loaded, battle-tested, and gunning for a third straight NFC North title — something that would’ve sounded crazy just a few years ago.
So, let’s go game-by-game through the 2025 schedule and predict how things shake out for Detroit.
TL;DR
The Lions finish 13-4 in this way-too-early prediction, clinching the NFC North crown for the third straight year. Detroit navigates a brutal national TV schedule, earns big-time revenge against the Commanders, and enters the playoffs as one of the top seeds in the NFC — but not without a few hiccups along the way.
Week 1 — @ Packers (W)
Opening the year at Lambeau? Yes, please. Detroit has won three straight in Green Bay, and they make it four behind a sharp performance from Jared Goff and a fast start from Brian Branch.
🦁 Lions Record: 1-0
Week 2 — vs. Bears (W)
This is the Ben Johnson reunion game, and Dan Campbell isn’t letting his old OC get a feel-good win in his Ford Field return. Detroit wins ugly, but convincingly.
🦁 Lions Record: 2-0
Week 3 — @ Ravens (L)
Time for the early gut check. Lamar Jackson is a problem. This one stays close until late, but Baltimore’s defense forces a late turnover to ice it.
🦁 Lions Record: 2-1
Week 4 — vs. Browns (W)
If the Browns are starting Shedeur Sanders by Week 4, Detroit feasts. Aidan Hutchinson and Tyleik Williams put on a show in the trenches, and the Lions bounce back.
🦁 Lions Record: 3-1
Week 5 — @ Bengals (L)
Joe Burrow vs. Detroit’s revamped secondary is a battle worth watching. In a shootout, the Bengals just have the last possession — and they make it count.
🦁 Lions Record: 3-2
Week 6 — @ Chiefs (L)
Arrowhead on a Sunday night is no joke. The Lions hung with the Chiefs in 2023, but Mahomes gets the best of them here. It’s close, but not quite enough.
🦁 Lions Record: 3-3
Week 7 — vs. Buccaneers (W)
Back home. Prime time. Bounce-back energy. Detroit puts the clamps on Tampa Bay’s offense and gets the vibes rolling again before the bye.
🦁 Lions Record: 4-3
Week 8 — BYE WEEK
Perfect timing to reset, get healthy, and prepare for the back half of the gauntlet.
Week 9 — vs. Vikings (W)
J.J. McCarthy comes to town. Detroit throws the kitchen sink at the rookie and forces a couple of turnovers in a loud, rowdy home win.
🦁 Lions Record: 5-3
Week 10 — @ Commanders (W)
It’s revenge time. After getting bounced from the 2024 playoffs by Washington, Detroit walks into FedEx Field and handles business. Jayden Daniels looks good — but not good enough.
🦁 Lions Record: 6-3
Week 11 — @ Eagles (L)
Philly is just a buzzsaw. The Lions keep it competitive, but Jalen Hurts and that pass rush wear them down in the fourth quarter.
🦁 Lions Record: 6-4
Week 12 — vs. Giants (W)
Trap game avoided. The Lions don’t mess around and take care of a rebuilding Giants team. Jahmyr Gibbs goes off for 150+ total yards.
🦁 Lions Record: 7-4
Week 13 — vs. Packers (W – Thanksgiving)
No better way to spend Thanksgiving than beating Green Bay. Amon-Ra St. Brown eats like it’s his holiday tradition and grabs two touchdowns.
🦁 Lions Record: 8-4
Week 14 — vs. Cowboys (W – TNF)
Ford Field will be ROCKING for this one and the Lions will coast to a victory against the Cowboys.
🦁 **Lions Record: 9-**4
Week 15 — @ Rams (W)
Matthew Stafford vs. Jared Goff: Round 3. This time, Goff wins in his old stadium, and Detroit gets a massive late-season road W.
🦁 **Lions Record: 10-**4
Week 16 — vs. Steelers (W)
Last home game of the regular season. The Lions go out in style, and Tate Ratledge and Christian Mahogany finally get some love for their run-blocking dominance.
🦁 **Lions Record: 11-**4
Week 17 — @ Vikings (W – Christmas, Netflix)
It’s cold. It’s loud. It’s Christmas. And it’s division-on-the-line football. McCarthy flashes talent, but Brian Branch makes the play of the game — a pick-six that seals Detroit’s third straight NFC North title.
🦁 **Lions Record: 12-**4
Week 18 — @ Bears (W)
The Lions close out the season with a businesslike win at Soldier Field. Playoff seedings are still in flux, and Detroit keeps its foot on the gas.
🦁 **Final Record: 13-**4
🏆 2025 NFC North Champions
Key Takeaways
Detroit finishes 13-4, earning a third straight NFC North title.
The Lions drop a few tough road games but dominate divisional play (6-0).
Revenge wins vs. Washington, Minnesota, and Green Bay highlight a grittier, more battle-tested team.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t a Cinderella run anymore. The 2025 Lions are built for the grind, and 13 wins in a brutal schedule proves it. With national games nearly every week, Detroit shows the league they’re here to stay — and more than capable of handling the heat.
The Super Bowl window? Still wide open.