Vikings' victory sets Detroit Lions' 2026 slate opponents ahead of season finale

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Chicago — The Minnesota Vikings’ victory over the Green Bay Packers on Sunday secured a last-place finish in the NFC North for the Detroit Lions, regardless of the outcome of the team’s Week 18 game in Chicago.

That also locks in Detroit's 2026 slate of opponents. Note, one of the “home” games next season is expected to be played at an international venue.

The full schedule, with dates and game times, is expected to be released in May.

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Chicago

We’ll find out what kind of staying power Ben Johnson’s group has after winning the North in the coach’s first season at the helm.

The upcoming offseason shouldn’t be too turbulent. Chicago does have some interesting cap decisions with players like running back Dandre Swift, wide receiver DJ Moore and linebacker Tremaine Edmunds, while defensive backs Jaquan Brisker and Kevin Byard are set to hit free agency.

Green Bay

The Packers have some key players set to be free agents this offseason. That group includes starting offensive linemen Rasheed Walker and Sean Rhyan, top receiver Romeo Doubs and middle linebacker Quay Walker.

The defense figures to remain a strength, but coordinator Jeff Hafley should be in the mix for a head coaching position this offseason.

Minnesota

Speaking of talented defensive coordinators within the division, Brian Flores is also expected to draw consideration for coaching vacancies. The ultra-aggressive play-caller’s contract expires after this season, so he might not be back regardless, but that might be wishful thinking from Lions fans who are tired of seeing Flores dial up an array of blitzes that punish quarterback Jared Goff.

As much as Flores’ future, the Vikings need to figure out if they want to bring in a capable challenger to push J.J. McCarthy for the QB job after a disappointing 2025 season for the former Michigan standout. The team has too talented an arsenal to waste.

New England Patriots

The Patriots went from worst to first under the guidance of first-year coach Mike Vrabel and MVP-frontrunner Drake Maye. In the quarterback’s second season, he’s completed better than 70% of his passes, topped 4,000 yards and posted a stellar touchdown-to-interception ratio.

New England is in a position to build on this year’s success, rolling over plenty of cap room to go shopping in free agency, and a minimal number of contributors on expiring deals that they’ll be pressed to retain.

New Orleans Saints

The Saints predictably limped out of the gate during Kellen Moore’s first season, dropping eight of their first nine games. But as rookie quarterback Tyler Shough has settled into the starting role, the team found a groove, winning four in a row heading into the season finale.

New Orleans is still digging out of cap hell, and is currently projected to be several million over next year’s figure. That could lead to some longtime franchise cornerstones being on the way out as part of a larger rebuild.

New York Giants

The Giants appear to have their quarterback in Jaxson Dart, and some other exciting foundational pieces like Malik Nabers and Abdul Carter.

It’s a matter of who will end up coaching the roster and whether they’ll be able to maximize the talent and orchestrate a quick turnaround like the Patriots experienced this season.

New York Jets

Former Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn is expected to have another season to get the Jets on track, but he’s going to need a quarterback. The team’s effort to patch things with Justin Fields backfired, but the Jets have stockpiled draft assets this offseason and should be able to land a premium passer in the draft.

Tampa Bay Buccaneers

The Lions have seen the Buccaneers plenty in recent years, including a meeting in 2025 where Detroit emerged victorious. Baker Mayfield will continue to lead Tampa Bay, paired with a bright new star in Emeka Egbuka. However, it’s up in the air whether Mike Evans will be back in the fold as the six-time Pro Bowler, coming off an injury-riddled campaign, is set to be a free agent.

It’s also possible that Tampa will have a new coach next season. Todd Bowles is reportedly on the hot seat after the team’s second-half collapse.

Tennessee Titans

A year after earning the No. 1 pick, which the Titans used on quarterback Cam Ward, the team was once again one of the league’s worst.

Next year’s Titans are a mystery box. They need a new coach, have a ton of cap space and plenty of draft equity, with three picks projected in the top 70, including a top-five choice.

Away

Chicago, Green Bay and Minnesota

Rounding out the home-and-home with the division rivals.

Atlanta Falcons

The Falcons are due for an overhaul, which could include a coaching change. Additionally, the team’s criticized quarterback plan — signing Kirk Cousins before turning around and drafting Michael Penix Jr. — has backfired.

Cousins will probably be let go this offseason. And it seems highly unlikely that tight end Kyle Pitts, the team’s former top draft pick, gets re-signed. That will get them under the cap, but it’s difficult to get too excited, especially given the team doesn’t have a first-round draft pick after trading it for a chance to select edge rusher James Pierce in 2025.

Buffalo Bills

The Bills are heading back to the postseason, but not among the Super Bowl favorites like the past few years. Lacking pass game weapons, the team leaned more on its ground game, with running back James Cook rushing for more than 1,600 yards.

Buffalo will have offensive line concerns to address this offseason, with center Connor McGovern and guard David Edwards heading to free agency and expected to land large deals.

Carolina Panthers

The upstart Panthers couldn’t get the job done, losing their season finale to the Buccaneers, but got some help from the Falcons on Sunday to sneak into the playoffs with a losing record.

Quarterback Bryce Young was provided a serious weapon in the passing game this year via rookie receiver Tetairoa McMillan, the favorite for offensive rookie of the year.

The team also had a potent run game in 2025, but they’ll need to decide how to proceed with free agent-to-be Rico Dowdle, given they already committed resources to Chuba Hubbard.

Miami Dolphins

The Dolphins are going to have a new GM, likely a new quarterback and potentially a new coach.

Arizona Cardinals

The team could be heading for a divorce from longtime quarterback Kyler Murray after finishing last place in the NFC West for the third time in four seasons.