Perhaps as a nod to new coach Matt Patricia, the Lions will play three nationally televised games in the 2018 season. The NFL released the entire schedule on Thursday night.
The Lions open on Monday night, Sept. 10, against the Jets at Ford Field. In coach Jim Caldwell’s first season, the Lions also opened at home on Monday night.
Patricia will face his former team, the Patriots, on Sept. 23 in a Sunday night game.
And, of course, Detroit will host the annual Thanksgiving Day game — this year against the Bears.
Three of Detroit’s first five games will be played at Ford Field while three of their final four games will be on the road, including the season finale at Green Bay.
In 2017, the Lions wrapped up the season against the Packers at Ford Field.
The final two games of the season including a home tilt against the Vikings on Dec. 23 could play a role in determining the NFC North division.
(All games at 1 p.m. unless otherwise stated)
Sept. 10 — vs. New York Jets (7:10 p.m., Monday)
Sept. 16 — at 49ers, 4:05 p.m.
Sept.23 — vs. New England Patriots (8:20 p.m., Sunday)
Sept. 30 — at Dallas Cowboys,
Oct. 7 — vs. Green Bay Packers
Oct. 14 — BYE WEEK
Oct. 21 — at Dolphins
Oct. 28 — vs. Seattle Seahawks
Nov. 4 — at Minnesota Vikings
Nov.11 — at Chicago Bears
Nov. 18 — vs. Carolina Panthers
Nov. 22 — vs. Chicago Bears (12:30 p.m., Thanksgiving)
Dec. 2 — vs. Los Angeles Rams
Dec. 9 — at Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m.
Dec. 16 — at Buffalo Bills
Dec. 23 — vs. Minnesota Vikings
Dec. 30 — at Green Bay Packers
