On Thursday night time, the NFL launched the whole Lions schedule. Per NFL research, Lions opponents had a 143-146-0 document in 2022, making their 2023 schedule the Thirteenth-easiest within the league.
Circle the date: Week 1 @ Kansas City Chiefs (Sept. 7)
Every group within the NFL has Week 1 circled on their calendar, however for the Lions, this yr’s opener ought to hit in another way. Once shunned from the nationwide highlight, the Lions will begin the season in opposition to the defending Super Bowl Champion Kansas City Chiefs within the NFL’s Thursday night time showcase to kick off the 2023 marketing campaign.
The Lions have a golden alternative to indicate who they’re from the bounce on an enormous stage. And who is aware of, with a superb exhibiting, they may probably spoil the reigning champs’ celebration. One can solely think about the hype practice that will get behind the Lions in the event that they have been to stun the Chiefs on opening night time.
Getting off to a superb begin might be essential for the Lions. In 2022, the Lions completed the season robust, profitable eight of their remaining 10 video games. However, ending 9-8, the Lions barely missed out on the postseason partly as a result of a sluggish 1-6 begin.
There’d be no higher strategy to begin the season than with an inconceivable win over the Chiefs, which might propel the Lions to even better issues in 2023.
Toughest stretch: Week 13 to Week 18
The Lions enter the 2023 marketing campaign with excessive expectations. If they meet these expectations, the ultimate six weeks of the common season might finally resolve their postseason destiny.
Following two difficult late-season street tilts in opposition to the New Orleans Saints and division-rival Chicago Bears, the Lions will host a hopefully improved Denver Broncos with Russell Wilson in tow.
Over the ultimate three weeks, Detroit will tackle the defending NFC North champion Minnesota Vikings twice, in Week 16 and Week 18.
Smashed between their pivotal division matchups with the Vikings is one other robust street recreation in opposition to Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys on Saturday in Week 17.
Easiest stretch: Week 3 to Week 6
If the Lions are going to return to the postseason, they’re going to should win the video games they’re alleged to. From Week 3 to Week 6, the Lions will possible be favorites if not heavy ones, they usually should take benefit.
Over the four-game stretch, the Lions will face the Atlanta Falcons, Green Bay Packers, Carolina Panthers and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, which might all be taking part in younger and inexperienced quarterbacks.
The Falcons and Desmond Ridder will come to Detroit, the place the Lions have received three straight in opposition to Atlanta.
The journey to Lambeau Field is at all times a troublesome one. But this time round, Jordan Love might be behind middle for the Packers, not Aaron Rodgers.
Meanwhile, the Lions will look to avenge a loss to the Panthers final season by caring for both No. 1 general decide C.J. Stroud or veteran journeyman Andy Dalton.
The stretch ends in Week 6 at Tampa Bay, the place the Lions misplaced by 40 the final time they performed there in 2020. However, Tom Brady was throwing touchdowns to Rob Gronkowski that day, and it is unlikely that Baker Mayfield or Kyle Trask will victimize the Lions equally.
Through 5 video games, the Lions will be: 4-1
While a miraculous upset over the Chiefs within the Thursday night time opener could be good, it is most likely not within the playing cards for the Lions. Although, the Lions will keep away from getting off to a gradual begin once more in 2023.
After a valiant effort, albeit in a loss, to the Chiefs in Week 1, the Lions will take frustrations on their subsequent 4 opponents, the Seattle Seahawks, Falcons, Packers and Panthers.
In 2022, solely the Seahawks completed with a profitable document (9-8), whereas the Falcons, Packers and Panthers went a mixed 22-29.
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