Now that we have the Detroit Lions' complete 2024 schedule after its release on Wednesday night, it's time to take a deeper dive and see what the six-toughest games are on the team's slate.
The Lions have a pretty tough schedule all together. According to Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis, who bases strength of schedule based on the projected win totals of Vegas oddsmakers, Detroit has the 12th-toughest schedule.
If we take a different approach and use Super Bowl odds, the Lions have the 16th-most difficult slate in the NFL, according to Deniz Selman.
Now, what you came for: a look at the Lions' most difficult games on their 2024 schedule, in no particular order.
Toughest games on Lions schedule
Week 4 vs. Seattle Seahawks
The Seahawks have been the bane of the Lions' existence, no matter where they play them. Since the turn of the century, Detroit has won just once in 10 meetings (including playoffs) with Seattle.
The good news? That win came in Detroit in 2012.
Week 6 at Dallas Cowboys
Dallas is a tough out in and of itself thanks to an impressive defense led by superstar linebacker Micah Parsons and a dangerous offense featuring quarterback Dak Prescott and wide receiver CeeDee Lamb. But this game is on the road, also.
Week 9 at Green Bay Packers
The Lions have struggled at Lambeau Field, sporting a 13-36-3 mark there all time (including playoffs). Add in the fact that Jordan Love is ascending and could be even better than he was late last season — and that divisional games in general are difficult — and this one has all the makings of a tough game for Detroit.
Week 10 at Houston Texans
Assuming C.J. Stroud's rookie season wasn't a fluke, the Texans are slated to be one of the better teams in the NFL after making several major additions on both sides of the ball. Not to mention, the Lions have historically struggled against Houston, with Detroit having just one win in five tries against the Texans.
Week 13 vs. Chicago Bears
The Bears have an up-and-coming defense and an offense with no shortage of promise thanks to additions like Caleb Williams, Rome Odunze and Keenan Allen. Adding to that, the Lions will be playing an already difficult divisional matchup on short rest following their contest against the Indianapolis Colts four days prior.
Week 17 at San Francisco 49ers
This game needs no explanation. The Lions lost the NFC Championship Game to the Niners to end their 2023 season and will be looking for revenge, but the Niners will once again sport one of the best rosters in the NFL. Making this an even tougher matchup, the Lions will travel across the country to play it.
