The Detroit Lions may be coming off a disappointing 2025 season. However, their path back to the top of the NFC North could be significantly easier than many expected.

After finishing last in the division a year ago, Detroit enters the 2026 season with one of the softest schedules in the NFL. That favorable run is fueling optimism that the Lions could quickly return to contention despite fierce competition.

"The NFC North trio of the Bears, Packers, and Vikings rank 10th, 14th, and 16th in strength of schedule, respectively. but the Lions rank 31st. Detroit lucked out after finishing last in the division in 2025, as its fourth-place schedule differ significantly from its NFC North rivals," wrote Seth Walder of ESPN.

While the division is scheduled to face stronger opponents from the NFC West and AFC South rotations, the Lions will be facing the Arizona Cardinals and the Tennessee Titans.

While the Bears and Packers are slated to face the Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys, respectively, the Lions will take on the New York Giants.

"So while the FPI considers the Packers the best team in the NFC North heading into 2026, the Lions are narrow favorites to win the division with a 38.2% chance (compared with Green Bay's 32.8%)," added Walder.

The Lions still possess much of the same core that led them to the NFC Championship Game in 2023. These athletes include Jared Goff, Amon-Ra St.Brown, Penei Sewell, Jahmyr Gibbs, and Aidan Hutchinson.

Their success will depend on how the team rebounds from last season’s struggles, especially with a new offensive coordinator and a revamped offensive line.

However, Lions have been suggested to go trade for a star this offseason.

Lions A Potential Landing Spot For Browns Safety

While the Lions have addressed quite a few of their problems this offseason, the health of some of their stars has been put into question. Especially in the safety position, with both Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch having suffered major injuries last season. Branch’s status is still undetermined, and Campbell has not given a concrete timeline for Joseph’s return.

Hence, John Maakaron of Sports Illustrated suggested the Lions as a perfect place for Cleveland Browns safety Grant Delpit. Delpit was “one bright spot” for the Browns during a 5-12 season, according to Maakaron. 

“After parting ways with Myles Garrett, the Browns could be open to dealing a player on the last year of his contract,” wrote Maakaron.

Delpit had 89 tackles with 49 of them being solo, 1 interception, 4 passes defended, and 2 forced fumbles. He was also playing as both a rush and pass defender, showing his versatility, a trait the Lions like in their defenders.

A trade package involving draft picks could help seal the deal for the Lions, who would be getting a safety in his prime in the last year of his contract. 

Do you think the Lions have an easier schedule? Let us know in the comments!  

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Zaid Quraishi