On Thursday, the 2026 NFL schedule was released, and now we can all see when each Detroit Lions game is taking place after already knowing who they’d play.
Detroit, MI
Detroit Tigers Saved Themselves a Headache With Last Offseason Free-Agent Departure
What the Detroit Tigers overcame with their pitching staff during the 2024 season was truly remarkable.
Ahead of the trade deadline, they sent Jack Flaherty to the Los Angeles Dodgers. Reese Olson ended up hitting the injured list, where Casey Mize and Matt Manning were already present.
That left Tarik Skubal and Keider Montero as the only starting pitchers that manager A.J. Hinch had to use for several weeks. He navigated it masterfully, pressing all the right buttons when it came to using openers and bulk pitchers behind them.
One of the reasons the team was left short-handed on depth in the rotation was that they lost Eduardo Rodriguez to the Arizona Diamondbacks in free agency.
He agreed to a four-year, $80 million deal to depart the Motor City. While it seemed like it could hurt at the time, it ended up being a blessing in disguise for the Tigers.
Rodriguez gave the Diamondbacks virtually nothing in the first year of his massive contract. That is why that signing received a mark of D- from Kerry Miller of Bleacher Report in his re-grade of the biggest free agency moves last offseason.
“The former Tiger did not make his 2024 debut until August 7, meaning there were several pitchers acquired at the trade deadline who logged more innings for their new teams than Rodriguez did all year. And in addition to it being a delayed start, what he gave the Snakes was wholly underwhelming, lasting at least six innings in just one of his 10 starts…
At least in August, he got both run support and a bullpen that shut things down after his departure, resulting in four Arizona wins. No such luck in September, as the Diamondbacks went 1-5 in games started by Rodriguez while blowing what was a seven-game lead over the Mets in late August,” wrote the MLB expert.
Somewhat shockingly, Rodriguez wasn’t even the worst pitching signing on his team. That distinction went to Jordan Montgomery, as the two combined to sabotage their run to the postseason; they didn’t even have a chance to defend their NL pennant.
A return to the mound in August would have coincided well for Detroit, as they needed all the help they could get. But, the level of production that Rodriguez provided would have tanked their incredible run as well.
He was sold in his two seasons with the Tigers, making 43 starts and going 18-14 with a 3.58 ERA. That has to give hope to Arizona fans that he can turn things around in 2025 and start to live up to his contract.
Here are three things that I love when looking at the 2026 schedule for the Lions.
1 p.m. ET start times get an uptick
I don’t know about you, but while I do love primetime games, my favorite time for the Lions to play is at 1 p.m. ET. Once the game is over, you still have a handful of games to watch in the 4 p.m. window. You can have them on in the background and eat dinner, and do a few things to prepare for Monday. After that, you have “Sunday Night Football” to end the weekend.
This season, the Lions have eight games that start at 1 p.m., compared to the five they had last year. That is the perk of having a weak schedule, playing teams that not many people want to see.
Only one “Monday Night Football” appearance
While I love primetime games, I don’t care for “Monday Night Football,” at least when the Lions are scheduled for it. It’s an extra day I have to wait to watch my team play, and they’re on a short rest for the following game.
I get the big appeal for “Monday Night Football,” don’t get me wrong. It gets more pregame coverage, more eyes than the Sunday night game, and has a special broadcast. The Lions’ only “Monday Night Football” game is Week 16 against the New York Giants, and thankfully it’s at Ford Field rather than in New Jersey.
Weak first half could give cushion for later in the season
While the Lions are supposed to have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL this season, anything can still happen in the league. Looking at the first half of the season (Weeks 1-9), the schedule is front-loaded with lower-tier opponents, so that when the second half comes around, the team might have some wiggle room if they go on a losing streak.
The first half opponents’ combined record from 2025 is 57-78-1. Their toughest game in the first nine weeks is on the road against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 on” Thursday Night Football.“ Outside of that, they play the New Orleans Saints to start the 2026 campaign. Afterwards, they have a matchup with former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn and the New York Jets, then against the Arizona Cardinals, who currently have question marks at the quarterback position. Both of those teams finished last season with a paltry 3-14 record.
The back half is where things get tough, as the Lions’ opponents combined record from 2025 is 77-85-1. They start the second half in Germany against defending AFC Champion New England Patriots, who finished 14-3. They take on the defending NFC North champion Chicago Bears (11-5 last year) twice in the back half. Detroit also renews its rivalry with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, who finished 8-9.
While the second half schedule is still below .500, it’s got some tougher matchups and schedule issues with it. From travelling overseas to playing three divisional road games in four weeks, if the Lions don’t start hot, the back half of the season could be punishing. I believe the Lions will start with a strong record before they face some bumps in the middle of the season, and they finish out with an above .500 record and a return to the playoffs.
Detroit Public Schools Community District hosting 5th annual alumni event
DETROIT – Detroit Public Schools Community District (DPSCD) will host their fifth annual alumni event.
On May 16, the foundation will host their Tyrone E. Winfrey Hall of Fame Alumni Gala.
The Gala honors distinguished DPSCD alumni who have made a major impact in our community and beyond.
The night is a celebration of Detroit’s success stories and a fundraiser to create new opportunities for the next generation of students.
Organizers say there will be a major live announcement aimed at helping Detroit High School students build brighter futures.
Kerrie Mitchell, the president and CEO of the DPSCD Foundation, joined Local 4 Live to talk more about the gala, the foundation’s mission and what the announcement could mean for students across the city.
You can watch the full interview in the video at the beginning of this article.
Copyright 2026 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit – All rights reserved.
The Detroit Zoo welcomed a new giraffe, Nguvu, to the herd, officials announced on Wednesday.
Officials say 1-year-old Nguvu came from Utah’s Hogle Zoo as part of the zoo’s “long-term plan for the giraffe herd.”
“This move was recommended by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) Giraffe Species Survival Plan, which promotes the health, genetic diversity and overall sustainability of giraffe populations in zoos – and we’re eager to support Nguvu as he adjusts to his new home,” the Detroit Zoo says.
Officials say Nguvu has been working with the animal care teams for several days and will be introduced to the herd soon.
According to Utah’s Hogle Zoo, Nguvu was born in February 2025. His name means “strength” in Swahili.
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