With the official release of the 2018 NFL Schedule, the excitement is sure to build as Lions fans look forward to the first game of the season. With a new head coach in Matt Patricia and a hope of improving from last season’s disappointing finish, we eagerly wait to see how this coming season plays out. Let’s take a look at some of the must-win games for the Lions.
4 Key games for the Lions in 2018
September 10th vs. the New York Jets
While the Jets may not prove to be the Lion’s toughest opponent this season, it is crucial that they come out of the gate with a strong start. This game could very quickly set the pace for the rest of the year. A stumble at the beginning could have the Lions struggling to keep pace. And with this being a Monday night game they need to show the nation that they are ready to make some noise.
September 23rd vs. the New England Patriots
Anytime the Patriots are on the schedule it is important to take notice. Last season’s AFC champions and perennial favorites are sure to try to put a damper on the Lions season. Matt Patricia will want to prove something against his old team. A victory here gives the Lions some much-needed early season momentum.
November 4th on the road against The Minnesota Vikings
A trip to Minnesota to face off against the defending NFC North champions will prove to be one of the most critical games on the divisional schedule. The winner here will likely gain some momentum in the NFC North race and the playoff push halfway through the regular season.
December 30th on the road against The Green Bay Packers
In the final game of the regular season, the Lions find themselves on the road in what is usually their toughest divisional game every year. With potential playoff implications on the line and what could be the game that decides the NFC North title, a victory here is crucial.
Will this be the season that the Lions make that deep push into the playoffs? Wins in these four games might determine that fate. And with that, we are another step closer to the 2018 Detroit Lions season.
Week 1: Mon. Sept. 10, vs. New York Jets, 7:10 p.m. (ESPN)
Week 2: Sun. Sept. 16, at San Francisco, 4:05 p.m. (Fox)
Week 3: Sun. Sept. 23, vs. New England, 8:20 (NBC)
Week 4: Sun. Sept. 30, at Dallas, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
Week 5: Sun. Oct. 7, vs. Green Bay, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
Week 6: BYE
Week 7: Sun. Oct 21, at Miami , 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
Week 8: Sun. Oct. 28, vs. Seattle, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
Week 9: Sun. Nov. 4, at Minnesota, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
Week 10: Sun. Nov. 11, at Chicago, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
Week 11: Sun. Nov. 18, vs. Carolina, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
Week 12: Thurs. Nov. 22, vs. Chicago, 12:30 p.m. (CBS)
Week 13: Sun. Dec. 2, vs. Los Angeles, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
Week 14: Sun. Dec. 9, at Arizona, 4:25 p.m. (Fox)
Week 15: Sun. Dec. 16, at Buffalo, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
Week 16: Sun. Dec. 23, vs. Minnesota, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
Week 17: Sun. Dec. 30, at Green Bay, 1:00 p.m. (Fox)
