Although it’s the offseason, the Detroit Lions are already preparing for the 2025 campaign after wrapping up their draft and beginning roster evaluations. But as they look ahead, they’ve received some tough news—analysts have ranked their upcoming schedule as one of the NFL’s most difficult.

According to a study by Warren Sharp of Sharp Football Analysis, which uses Vegas win projections to determine schedule difficulty, Detroit has the third-hardest schedule in the league. Only the New York Giants and Cleveland Browns face a tougher slate. Ironically, the San Francisco 49ers—who beat Detroit in the 2023 playoffs—are projected to have the easiest path in 2025.

Sharp’s research also shows that teams with easier projected schedules typically finish with better records, while those with tougher slates struggle to make the postseason. Still, Detroit defied those odds last year, making the playoffs despite a top-10 difficult schedule.

In 2025, Detroit’s opponents include several powerhouses. They’ll host teams like Dallas, Cleveland, and Tampa Bay, while going on the road to face Baltimore, Kansas City, and the Los Angeles Rams.

Despite the challenge, the Lions aren’t backing down. With talent and momentum on their side, they’ll aim to meet the high expectations—even with a tough road ahead.