Detroit Lions’ 2016 NFL schedule released

The 2016 NFL schedule for the Detroit Lions has been officially released.

Times are changing for the Detroit Lions after a rough 7-9 season that saw them lose a franchise legend in wide receiver Calvin Johnson. Despite the departure of Johnson, expect them to remain competitive in the NFC North as they try to build the consistent winner that the city of Detroit deserves.

The Lions will be led by quarterback Matthew Stafford. Stafford threw for 4,262 passing yards with 32 touchdowns and 13 interceptions in 2015. While Calvin Johnson is no longer around, he will have a solid receiving core. Joining him will be former Bengals wide receiver Marvin Jones (65 receptions for 816 yards) who should flourish in Detroit’s offense. Golden Tate (90 receptions for 813 receiving yards and six touchdowns), tight end Eric Ebron (47 receptions for 537 receiving yards and five touchdowns), and versatile running back Theo Riddick will be a part of the offense as well.

Detroit will have a friendly schedule in 2016 as they look to return to the playoffs. Their strength of schedule (0.465) is tied for the fifth lowest in the league, meaning that they have one of the easiest schedules in the NFL. That could help them get one of the coveted wild card spots.

They will play the Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings, Chicago Bears, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Redskins, Jacksonville Jaguars, Tennessee Titans, and Los Angeles Rams at home at Ford Field in 2016. On the road, they will play the Packers, Vikings, Bears, Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, Houston Texans, Indianapolis Colts, and New Orleans Saints. Detroit will play just five games against playoff teams in 2016 (two against Green Bay, two against Minnesota, and one against Houston).

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