The Detroit Lions ended their 2023 season just short of the Super Bowl, falling to the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship game. Wednesday night, the NFL revealed the path the Lions must take to challenge the rest of the league for a Super Bowl in 2024. With nine nationally televised games, including five prime-time matchups, the Lions are set to be one of the most-watched teams this season.

Highlights of the Schedule

Wild Card Rematch in Week 1

The Lions’ quest to defend their NFC North crown begins with a bang. They face the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field on Sunday Night Football. This game marks the first Sunday Night Football appearance at Ford Field since 2018. It’s a rematch of last season’s Wild Card game, where the Lions emerged victorious, knocking former Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford out of the playoffs.

Postseason Rematch in Week 2

In Week 2, the Lions host the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. This game revisits last year’s Divisional Round, where Detroit sent Tampa Bay packing. Baker Mayfield returns to Detroit with a new offensive coordinator and first-round pick Graham Barton. Many predicted Barton would end up with the Lions, adding an extra layer of intrigue.

First Road Game in Week 3

The Lions travel to Arizona in Week 3 to play the Cardinals, who boast a strong draft class led by Marvin Harrison Jr. and Darius Robinson. This game will test the Lions’ ability to perform on the road early in the season.

Monday Night Football in Week 4

Detroit hosts the Seattle Seahawks on Monday Night Football in Week 4. This marks the first prime-time matchup between these teams in Detroit. The Seahawks, who have had the Lions’ number in recent years, come with a new head coach, Mike Macdonald.

NFC North Battle in Week 7

The Lions face their first NFC North opponent in Week 7, traveling to Minnesota to play the Vikings. Will J.J. McCarthy be starting at quarterback for the Vikings by Week 7? Can Dallas Turner make up for the production lost when Danielle Hunter signed with the Texans?

Sunday Night Football in Week 10

Detroit makes its second Sunday Night Football appearance in Week 10 against the Houston Texans. This is the first prime-time kickoff between these teams and marks the third time the Lions have visited Houston. Both teams, with young head coaches and revamped rosters, are on the rise.

Thanksgiving Classic in Week 13

Detroit’s 85th Thanksgiving Day Classic features a matchup against the Chicago Bears, with first overall pick Caleb Williams leading the Bears. This game is a Thanksgiving tradition and a key highlight of the Lions’ season.

NFC Championship Rematch

The Lions travel to play the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football in Week 17. This marks the sixth Monday night matchup between the teams and the first since Dec. 14, 1998. This game is also a rematch of the 2023 NFC Championship Game, where the 49ers defeated the Lions to reach the Super Bowl.

Full 2024 Schedule

Preseason:

• Week 1: Away at New York Giants
• Week 2: Away at Kansas City Chiefs
• Week 3: Home vs. Pittsburgh Steelers

Regular Season:

• Week 1: Home vs. Los Angeles Rams – TV: NBC, 8:20 p.m. ET (nationally televised) 
• Week 2: Home vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers – TV: FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET
• Week 3: Away at Arizona Cardinals – TV: FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET
• Week 4: Home vs. Seattle Seahawks – TV: ABC, 8:15 p.m. ET (nationally televised) 
• Week 5: BYE WEEK
• Week 6: Away at Dallas Cowboys – TV: FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET (nationally televised) 
• Week 7: Away at Minnesota Vikings – TV: FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET
• Week 8: Home vs. Tennessee Titans – TV: FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET
• Week 9: Away at Green Bay Packers – TV: FOX, 4:25 p.m. ET (nationally televised) 
• Week 10: Away at Houston Texans – TV: NBC, 8:20 p.m. ET (nationally televised) 
• Week 11: Home vs. Jacksonville Jaguars – TV: CBS, 1:00 p.m. ET
• Week 12: Away at Indianapolis Colts – TV: FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET
• Week 13: Home vs. Chicago Bears – TV: CBS, 12:30 p.m. ET (Thanksgiving Day -nationally televised) 
• Week 14: Home vs. Green Bay Packers – Stream: Prime, 8:15 p.m. ET (nationally streamed) 
• Week 15: Home vs. Buffalo Bills – TV: CBS, 4:25 p.m. ET (nationally televised) 
• Week 16: Away at Chicago Bears – TV: FOX, 1:00 p.m. ET
• Week 17: Away at San Francisco 49ers – TV: ESPN/ABC, 8:15 p.m. ET (nationally televised) 
• Week 18: Home vs. Minnesota Vikings – TV and Time TBD

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For more from our Detroit Lions beat writer, Matt Broder, check him out on Twitter here: @mattbro21

Contact: Broder@woodwardsports.com

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Original Photo Credit: © David Reginek – USA TODAY Sports