From Canton to Ford Field, the Detroit Lions preseason will feature four games — and one big national spotlight.
It’s officially that time of year — the NFL calendar has flipped to summer mode, and the Detroit Lions have dropped their full 2025 preseason schedule. With four games on tap, including a primetime kickoff in the Hall of Fame Game, fans will get an early look at rookies like Tyleik Williams and Isaac TeSlaa, along with returning stars like Jared Goff, Aidan Hutchinson, and Brian Branch.
Why It Matters
After a historic 2024 campaign that saw Detroit win a franchise record 15 games, all eyes are on how the Lions follow it up. The 2025 preseason won’t just be about shaking off the rust — it’ll be about fine-tuning a potential Super Bowl contender. With new coordinators John Morton (OC) and Kelvin Sheppard (DC) now in place, these games matter more than ever.
2025 Detroit Lions Preseason Schedule
| Week | Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Location | TV |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| HOF | Los Angeles Chargers | Thursday, July 31 | 8:00 PM | Tom Benson HOF Stadium, Canton, OH | NBC (National) |
| P1 | Atlanta Falcons | Friday, August 8 | 7:00 PM | Ford Field, Detroit | Lions TV Network |
| P2 | Miami Dolphins | Saturday, August 16 | 1:00 PM | Hard Rock Stadium, Miami | Lions TV Network |
| P3 | Houston Texans | Saturday, August 23 | 1:00 PM | Ford Field, Detroit | Lions TV Network |
What to Watch
- HOF Game = Extra Reps: Because the Lions were selected for the Hall of Fame Game, they get an extra preseason contest, meaning more live-game opportunities for young players and backups.
- QB2 Battle: Hendon Hooker will be battling for the No. 2 quarterback role and should see significant playing time, especially early in the preseason.
- Rookie Showcase: Expect to get long looks at draft picks Tyleik Williams, Tate Ratledge, and Isaac TeSlaa, who just signed his rookie deal.
The Big Picture
This is not the same old Detroit Lions preseason. These four games — especially the national opener — give the team and fans a platform to continue building momentum. Whether it’s evaluating young depth, tuning up for the regular season, or giving players a chance to solidify roles, every snap matters.
The Bottom Line
Circle the dates. Set the DVR. Order the pizza.
The 2025 Detroit Lions preseason is more than just a tune-up — it’s a four-game preview of what might be the most anticipated season in franchise history.
From Canton to Ford Field, the Lions are ready to roar.
Sources: Detroit Lions X. ESPN. DetroitLions.com. Drafted with AI assistance and fact-checked by DSN editorial staff.
