Missing the playoffs in the last season made many fans believe that the Detroit Lions’ national appeal had gone down. However, the NFL senior vice president of broadcasting, Mike North, made a bold statement about Dan Campbell's squad.

Some might think the Lions will have a similar season to the last one. However, after the release of the national TV schedule, it doesn't seem that the NFL agrees. During a conference call on Friday, May 15, North predicted that the Lions could make the playoffs.

“It’s not often that a team playing the fourth-place schedule finds itself on that many television windows,” North said. “But there was no hesitation by any of our broadcast partners this year to continue to lean into the Lions. I don’t think any of us would bat an eye thinking they’re going to be playoff relevant."

Detroit finished last in its division in 2025, so it received an easier schedule the next year, playing other fourth-place teams from certain divisions. Yet they are an exception according to North.

The Lions will have four standalone primetime games in the 2026 season. They will be playing against their divisional rival, the Chicago Bears, for Thanksgiving. They also have an international matchup in Munich against the Super Bowl runners-up, the New England Patriots.

It also has to be noted that Detroit’s television numbers have also been consistently on the rise ever since their 2022 campaign.

During the 2024 season, when the Lions had a record of 15-2, they were the league leaders in default ratings. They had a default rating higher than the Cowboys by 175,000 viewers, according to Awful Announcing.

Meanwhile, there are multiple factors why North remains hopeful.

Detroit Lions' Schedule Might Help Them Make The Playoffs

Last season was nothing short of a disappointment for the Lions. Injuries certainly played their part. John Morton's play-calling struggles also made them struggle.

However, the 2026 season could see the Lions bounce back. Morton has been replaced with Drew Petzing, who is a much better fit for the Lions' offense. The Lions have also had quite a positive offseason with signings like center Cade Mays and drafting offensive tackle Blake Miller.

Adding to this, the Lions are scheduled to face the sixth-easiest slate in the league based on opponent win percentage from last season. Only seven of their 17 games are against last year's playoff teams.

With an easier schedule, a decent offseason, and an offensive coordinator who is a better fit, the Lions will be expected to make the playoffs this season.

Do you think the Lions will improve on last season and make the playoffs? Let us know in the comments!

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Written by

Dhruv Vishnu Nair

Edited by

Soheli Tarafdar