Detroit Lions: 2017 Schedule Breakdown And Analysis

Breaking down and analyzing the key games on the Detroit Lions schedule for the 2017 NFL season.

On Thursday night, the 2017 NFL schedule was released for all 32 teams. Now it’s time for fans to sift through the slate and see what lies ahead and what it could mean for their season. Detroit Lions fans are surely doing the same as they hope their team can get back to the playoffs and also improve on their finish.

I will breakdown all the big games, pot holes (trap games and road challenges) and lock-down victories. I will also look at the key matchups you will need to watch for in those games. So here they are! The key games on the 2017 Detroit Lions schedule.

The Lions are a team on the rise.  There is no bigger indicator of that than the prime time TV schedule. The Detroit Lions schedule has three primetime games; two on Monday night and one Sunday night fight. There is also a Saturday afternoon tussle scheduled in December.

Here at the Detroit Lions primetime matchups

• Week 2 at New York Giants (Monday Night Football)
• Week 8 vs. Pittsburgh Steelers (Sunday Night Football)
• Week 9 at Green Bay Packers (Monday Night Football)
• Week 15 vs. Chicago Bears (Saturday)

Easiest Stretch: Weeks 10-16

For once, the Lions have an easy schedule down the stretch. Home games against Browns, Vikings. Road games against the Ravens, Buccaneers, Bengals and two games against the Bears give the Lions a good chance to get six wins. That should be enough for the Lions to avoid the late season collapse they suffered last season.

Toughest Stretch: Weeks 2-9

All three of the Lions primetime games are in this stretch, including a Monday night road trip to Green Bay. Even considering they have a bye in Week 7, this stretch could make or break the season. A 3-4 record coming out of this stretch should keep the Lions in the hunt.