Walt
Team record, game log, power ranking, schedule, needs, draft grade, and draft pick links.
NORTH Opponents
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The 2025 NFL Season – Team Record and Game Log
Season Review
Detroit Lions
View Game Log from 2025 Season
| Game | Result | Score |
|---|---|---|
| Lions(0-0) at Packers(0-0) | LOSS | Lions 13 – Packers 27 |
| Bears(0-1) at Lions(0-1) | WIN | Bears 21 – Lions 52 |
| Lions(1-1) at Ravens(1-1) | WIN | Lions 38 – Ravens 30 |
| Browns(1-2) at Lions(2-1) | WIN | Browns 10 – Lions 34 |
| Lions(3-1) at Bengals(2-2) | WIN | Lions 37 – Bengals 24 |
| Lions(4-1) at Chiefs(2-3) | LOSS | Lions 17 – Chiefs 30 |
| Buccaneers(5-1) at Lions(4-2) | WIN | Buccaneers 9 – Lions 24 |
| Vikings(3-4) at Lions(5-2) | LOSS | Vikings 27 – Lions 24 |
| Lions(5-3) at Redskins(3-6) | WIN | Lions 44 – Redskins 22 |
| Lions(6-3) at Eagles(7-2) | LOSS | Lions 9 – Eagles 16 |
| Giants(2-9) at Lions(6-4) | WIN | Giants 27 – Lions 34 |
| Packers(7-3-1) at Lions(7-4) | LOSS | Packers 31 – Lions 24 |
| Cowboys(6-5-1) at Lions(7-5) | WIN | Cowboys 30 – Lions 44 |
| Lions(8-5) at Rams(10-3) | LOSS | Lions 34 – Rams 41 |
| Steelers(8-6) at Lions(8-6) | LOSS | Steelers 29 – Lions 24 |
| Lions(8-7) at Vikings(6-9) | LOSS | Lions 10 – Vikings 23 |
| Lions(8-8) at Bears(11-5) | WIN | Lions 19 – Bears 16 |
Walt’s Latest Lions Power Ranking
Updated 5/13/2026
at 5:05 AM
Rank: 9
Previously: 16
I was very bearish on the Lions last year, so much so that I bet them to miss the playoffs. Things are looking up this year, however. Repairs were made to the offensive line, while the defense will be healthier. Upgrades were also made to the coaching staff. Something else to keep in mind is that the Lions have a very easy schedule this year because they finished last in the division.
2026 NFL Season – Upcoming Schedule
Schedule| Week | Opponent | Time | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
vs
Saints
|
9/13/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 2 |
@
Bills
|
9/17/2026 8:15:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 3 |
vs
Jets
|
9/27/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 4 |
@
Panthers
|
10/4/2026 8:20:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 5 |
@
Cardinals
|
10/11/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 7 |
vs
Packers
|
10/25/2026 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 8 |
vs
Vikings
|
11/1/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 9 |
@
Dolphins
|
11/8/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 10 |
vs
Patriots
|
11/15/2026 9:30:00 AM EST | TBD |
| 11 |
vs
Buccaneers
|
11/22/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 12 |
vs
Bears
|
11/26/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 13 |
@
Falcons
|
12/6/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 14 |
vs
Titans
|
12/13/2026 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 15 |
@
Vikings
|
12/20/2026 8:20:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 16 |
vs
Giants
|
12/28/2026 8:15:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 17 |
@
Bears
|
1/3/2027 4:25:00 PM EST | TBD |
| 18 |
@
Packers
|
1/9/2027 1:00:00 PM EST | TBD |
Walt’s Team Needs Assessment
Needs
The Lions went from owning the No. 1 seed in the conference to missing the playoffs. Losing both coordinators, seeing some offensive linemen depart, and suffering tons of injuries to the defense set back the Lions throughout the year.
- Three Cornerbacks: The Lions haven’t been able to cover any wide receivers. Their secondary has been pathetic, and their cornerback unit is in need of a major overhaul.
- Right Tackle: The Lions will need a new tackle to replace the released Taylor Decker. Signed Larry Borom
- Center: Frank Ragnow was sorely missed in the wake of his retirement. The Lions desperately need a new center. Signed Cade Mays
- Defensive End: Detroit’s pass rush diminished when Aidan Hutchinson was lost for the year in 2024. The team needs a new edge rusher, especially with Al-Quadin Muhammad entering free agency.
- Defensive Tackle: D.J. Reader is an impending free agent. He’s also 32. The Lions need to bolster the interior of their defensive front.
- Linebacker: Alex Anzalone has been an excellent linebacker for the Lions, but he’s a 31-year-old set to enter free agency.
- Guard: Kevin Zeitler was a key free agent last year. Christian Mahogany was the replacement, but he’s just a sixth-round talent.
- Offensive Tackle: There’s some chatter that Taylor Decker may retire. If so, a replacement will obviously have to be acquired.
Walt’s 2026 NFL Draft – Overall Team Grade and Selection Grades
Draft Review
Walt’s Draft Grade:
C- Grade
Walt’s Grade Summary
The Lions wanted Kadyn Proctor so much so that they were considering trading up for him. That idea went out the window when the Dolphins snatched Proctor at No. 12. Detroit had to settle for Blake Miller, who is just fine a consolation prize.
With their new tackle, the Lions entered Day 2 looking to address their pass rush. They identified a pass rusher they wanted and traded up for him, which was an irresponsible decision because they squandered resources when there were plenty of other edge rushers available, and it’s not like Derrick Moore is any better than Zion Young or Gabe Jacas.
The blunders continued into Day 3, where the Lions neglected to address the rest of their offensive line. They made some fine picks – Keith Abney was a quality value in Round 5 – but it’s shocking that the Lions, who had severe blocking issues at times last year, exited the 2026 NFL Draft with only one offensive lineman. Drafting a blocker over Kendrick Law, for example, would have been a much better strategy.
With their new tackle, the Lions entered Day 2 looking to address their pass rush. They identified a pass rusher they wanted and traded up for him, which was an irresponsible decision because they squandered resources when there were plenty of other edge rushers available, and it’s not like Derrick Moore is any better than Zion Young or Gabe Jacas.
The blunders continued into Day 3, where the Lions neglected to address the rest of their offensive line. They made some fine picks – Keith Abney was a quality value in Round 5 – but it’s shocking that the Lions, who had severe blocking issues at times last year, exited the 2026 NFL Draft with only one offensive lineman. Drafting a blocker over Kendrick Law, for example, would have been a much better strategy.
Draft Picks / Prospect Links
Pick 17
B+
Blake Miller, OT, Clemson
OT
Clemson
Rnk: 53
Scouting Report
The Lions desperately needed a tackle with Taylor Decker gone, and there was some discussion that they’d move up for Kadyn Proctor. Instead, they get Blake Miller, who fills an obvious need. I would have preferred Monroe Freeling over Miller, but I can see why Detroit would make this move. He’s a great athlete with lots of upside, but needs to get stronger for the pros, so he’s a project of sorts.
Pick 44
MILLEN KIELBASA
Derrick Moore, DE, Michigan
DE
Michigan
Rnk: 61
Scouting Report
Yuck. I thought the Lions were going to trade up for Zion Young or Gabe Jacas. All of these talented edge rushers seemed like the Lions were going to fall to the Lions at No. 50. Yet, they moved up six spots for … Derrick Moore? The Michigan edge rusher was productive in school, but he’s undersized, so I definitely ranked him behind the other edge rushers. Horrible!
Pick 118
B
Jimmy Rolder, LB, Michigan
LB
Michigan
Rnk: 471
The Lions lost a linebacker in free agency, so a replacement makes sense at this spot. Jimmy Rolder is a quality tackler, but struggles to cover. He hasn’t started many games. Still, he’s someone I had in the fourth round, so this is a fine pick.
Pick 157
A
Keith Abney, CB, Arizona State
CB
Arizona State
Rnk: 0
Keith Abney is a small cornerback but projects to play very well in the slot. The Lions have had issues with their cornerbacks recently, and they’re taking a quality prospect with value at this choice.
Pick 168
C
Kendrick Law, WR, Kentucky
WR
Kentucky
Rnk: 261
Kendrick Law is a speedy slot receiver. The Lions obviously already have someone to play in the slot, but this is insurance in case Amon-Ra St. Brown gets hurt. I had Law as a Round 6-7 player, however.
Pick 205
B+
Skyler Gill-Howard, DT, Texas Tech
DT
Texas Tech
Rnk: 0
Skyler Gill-Howard is extremely explosive, but happens to be very undersized. Injury history is a concern as well. If it wasn’t for the injuries, he would have gone around the fourth round, so you could argue the Lions are getting some value.
Pick 222
B+
Tyre West, DE, Tennessee
DE
Tennessee
Rnk: 452
Tyre West has a good motor and versatility, but he’s undersized. I had West going to the Lions at No. 213, so I have to support this selection. The Lions need more pass rushers, so this pick makes sense.
Charlie Campbell
