Concerning News For Bears As NFL Analyst Reveals Big Lions Advantage in 2026
NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2024: Lions vs Texans NOV 10 November 10, 2024: A Detroit Lions helmet sits on the sideline during a game between the Detroit Lions and the Houston Texans in Houston, TX. ..Trask Smith/CSM Credit Image: Â Trask Smith/Cal Media EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20241110_zma_c04_580.jpg TraskxSmithx csmphotothree318448, CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 20: A Chicago Bears helmet is placed on the field before a regular season game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on December 20, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 20 Packers at Bears EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251220100
NFL, American Football Herren, USA 2024: Lions vs Texans NOV 10 November 10, 2024: A Detroit Lions helmet sits on the sideline during a game between the Detroit Lions and the Houston Texans in Houston, TX. ..Trask Smith/CSM Credit Image: Â Trask Smith/Cal Media EDITORIAL USE ONLY Copyright: xx ZUMA-20241110_zma_c04_580.jpg TraskxSmithx csmphotothree318448, CHICAGO, IL - DECEMBER 20: A Chicago Bears helmet is placed on the field before a regular season game between the Green Bay Packers and the Chicago Bears on December 20, 2025, at Soldier Field in Chicago, Illinois. Photo by Joseph Weiser/Icon Sportswire NFL, American Football Herren, USA DEC 20 Packers at Bears EDITORIAL USE ONLY Icon251220100
Expectations are sky high for the Detroit Lions coming into the 2026 season. They already possess one of the most talented rosters under head coach Dan Campbell. Now, analytics have revealed one major advantage that could significantly impact the NFC North race.
The latest schedule breakdown has made the outlook on the Lions’ upcoming season even brighter. However, the defending division champions, the Chicago Bears, could be having a more difficult road.
According to AtoZ Sports reporter Mike Payton, the Lions currently have the NFL’s easiest strength of schedule entering the next season.
The defensive DVOA rankings for Detroit Lions’ opponents show that the Lions will be facing defenses averaging a 19.6 ranking range based on last year’s DVOA metrics. A positive value means the defense is worse than average.
The Bears will, however, have to play against elite defenses in the Seattle Seahawks, Philadelphia Eagles, and Jacksonville Jaguars.
Payton also highlighted how favorable conditions appear for Detroit’s offense compared to many other NFC contenders. Outside of the Minnesota Vikings, the Lions’ schedule largely features defenses ranking outside the NFL's top 15 entering the season.
Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions DETROIT,MICHIGAN-SEPTEMBER 14: Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman 52 holds the line against Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyleik Williams 91 during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xAmyxLemusx originalFilename:lemus-chicagob250914_npLKk.jpg
Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions DETROIT,MICHIGAN-SEPTEMBER 14: Chicago Bears center Drew Dalman 52 holds the line against Detroit Lions defensive tackle Tyleik Williams 91 during an NFL, American Football Herren, USA football game between the Chicago Bears and the Detroit Lions in Detroit, Michigan USA, on Sunday, September 14, 2025. Detroit Michigan United States PUBLICATIONxNOTxINxFRA Copyright: xAmyxLemusx originalFilename:lemus-chicagob250914_npLKk.jpg
This discrepancy in schedules could be a vital part of both the Lions and the Bears' season. QB Caleb Williams will have to maintain last season’s momentum while facing multiple top-10 defenses after facing weaker opponents last year. Meanwhile, the Lions will be looking to capitalize on the poor defenses they will face with an offensive unit that is trying to bounce back from a disappointing last season.
Lions Could Control The NFC North Race
The Lions had a disappointing last season. However, before that, they had their best-ever regular seasons. A franchise record of 15-2, their second consecutive NFC North title, and the first seed in the NFC.
However, this season, the Lions possess a better offensive line compared to last year and a new offensive coach in Drew Petzig. Add to that the favorable schedule, and the Lions could take back the crown of NFC North Champions.
With quite a few considerable changes in the Bears’ team and a very tough schedule compared to the Lions, it will be hard for the Bears to achieve the success they had last season.
With the Vikings also having the 11th toughest schedule, it is hard to argue that the NFC North could be won by the Lions.
Do you think the Lions could win the NFC North and maybe even clinch the first seed again? Let us know in the comments.
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Written by
Dhruv Vishnu Nair
Edited by
Zaid Quraishi