2025 NFL Season: Who will the Detroit Lions play later this year?
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 15: Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs upfield during the Detroit Lions versus the Buffalo Bills game on Sunday December 15, 2024 at Ford Field in Detroit, MI. (Photo by Steven King/Icon Sportswire via Getty I
DETROIT (FOX 2) - The stage is set for the Detroit Lions as their 2025 opponents have been decided at home and on the road.
After a historic 15-2 regular season and being crowned kings of the NFC, the Lions are already looking ahead to later this year, and who they will be playing during their 2025-26 season.
At Ford Field:
- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Dallas Cowboys
- New York Giants
- Cleveland Browns
- Pittsburgh Steelers
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
On the road:
- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Washington Commanders
- Philadelphia Eagles
- Cincinnati Bengals
- Baltimore Ravens
- Kansas City Chiefs
- Los Angeles Rams
Dates have not yet been set for each matchup.
For now, the Lions are in their bye week before taking on either the LA Rams or facing the Vikings for a third time in the NFC Divisional Round.
This comes after defeating the 14-3 Vikings for the #1 Seed in the NFC on Sunday.
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The Lions and Vikings could meet again in two weeks.
On Tuesday Coach Dan Campbell gave some injury updates - including the good news that running back David Montgomery is expected back for the NFC Division Round of the playoffs.
Playoff bye plans
Coach Campbell said one of the plans is getting a break and recharging - due to the uncertainty of the opponent. The Divisional Playoff game will be against the lowest remaining seeded opponent - the Rams, Vikings, Commanders or Packers on Jan. 18 or 19.
"I've been a part of it as a player and a coach," he said. "You don't know who you're playing, so you start doing legwork on another opponent - then you find out it's not that opponent.
"I don't want to do that to the coaches. My plan is to give them off three days this weekend, refresh, rest and get your sleep. I hate the thought of doing work against someone you might not even play."
Injury updates
One concern following the Lions 31-9 win over the Vikings in the Week 18 finale were three players who left due to injuries. Campbell said the news was good, but for two of the three.
Rookie cornerback Terrion Arnold (foot) and offensive guard Kevin Zeitler (hamstring) are trending in the right direction - but defensive end Pat O'Connor (calf) is not.
Rookie cornerback Ennis Rakestraw is also heading in the right direction in his recovery, he added.
The news isn't so good for cornerback Carlton Davis (jaw) and linebacker Derrick Barnes (knee). Both are expected to miss the remainder of the playoffs - no matter how far the Lions go.
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