Josh Katzenstein breaks down Lions' schedule, with predictions
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Go through the gallery to see Josh Katzenstein's game-by-game breakdown of the Lions' 2015 schedule.
Go through the gallery to see Josh Katzenstein's game-by-game breakdown of the Lions' 2015 schedule. Robin Buckson / Detroit News
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Week 1: Sept. 13 at San Diego. 4:05 p.m. on FOX -- The Lions open the season against a Chargers team currently surrounded by controversy. Will they move to Los Angeles? Will Philip Rivers (above) be their quarterback in 2015? Even though the Chargers have a strong team, this should be a good matchup for the Lions, especially on offense as San Diego doesn’t have the secondary to contain Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate: Win.
Week 1: Sept. 13 at San Diego. 4:05 p.m. on FOX -- The Lions open the season against a Chargers team currently surrounded by controversy. Will they move to Los Angeles? Will Philip Rivers (above) be their quarterback in 2015? Even though the Chargers have a strong team, this should be a good matchup for the Lions, especially on offense as San Diego doesn’t have the secondary to contain Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate: Win. Brian Davidson/Getty Images
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Week 2: Sept. 20 at Minnesota. 1 p.m. on FOX -- The Vikings nearly escaped Ford Field with a win in Week 15. With Teddy Bridgewater (above) having another offseason to adjust to the NFL, look for him to make the extra plays necessary to put Minnesota over the top. And without Ndamukong Suh, the Lions probably won’t have eight sacks like they did at TCF Bank Stadium last year. Plus, this will be the Vikings’ home opener, and if Adrian Peterson is back, Minnesota will be unbeatable: Loss
Week 2: Sept. 20 at Minnesota. 1 p.m. on FOX -- The Vikings nearly escaped Ford Field with a win in Week 15. With Teddy Bridgewater (above) having another offseason to adjust to the NFL, look for him to make the extra plays necessary to put Minnesota over the top. And without Ndamukong Suh, the Lions probably won’t have eight sacks like they did at TCF Bank Stadium last year. Plus, this will be the Vikings’ home opener, and if Adrian Peterson is back, Minnesota will be unbeatable: Loss Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images
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Week 3: Sept. 27 vs. Denver, 8:30 p.m. on NBC -- Last year, the Lions’ home opener was on Monday night against Eli Manning. This year, it’s on Sunday night against Peyton Manning, and the Ford Field crowd should be just as raucous as last year. The Broncos will be contenders again, but they lost some pieces with tight end Julius Thomas and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton gone. It’ll be tough, but the Lions can pressure Manning and escape with a victory: Win
Week 3: Sept. 27 vs. Denver, 8:30 p.m. on NBC -- Last year, the Lions’ home opener was on Monday night against Eli Manning. This year, it’s on Sunday night against Peyton Manning, and the Ford Field crowd should be just as raucous as last year. The Broncos will be contenders again, but they lost some pieces with tight end Julius Thomas and defensive tackle Terrance Knighton gone. It’ll be tough, but the Lions can pressure Manning and escape with a victory: Win Justin Edmonds/Getty Images
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Week 4: Oct. 5 at Seattle (Monday), 8:30 p.m. on ESPN -- The joy of playing on a Monday night will quickly be diminished when the Lions step into CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks fans will be ready to get loud, and this should be the toughest road experience for the Lions in 2015 outside of Green Bay. Plus, Seattle is the best team in the NFC and added tight end Jimmy Graham, so the Lions will have to play a perfect game to win: Loss
Week 4: Oct. 5 at Seattle (Monday), 8:30 p.m. on ESPN -- The joy of playing on a Monday night will quickly be diminished when the Lions step into CenturyLink Field. The Seahawks fans will be ready to get loud, and this should be the toughest road experience for the Lions in 2015 outside of Green Bay. Plus, Seattle is the best team in the NFC and added tight end Jimmy Graham, so the Lions will have to play a perfect game to win: Loss Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
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Week 5: Oct 11 vs. Arizona, 4:05 p.m. on FOX -- The Lions have lost six straight games against the Cardinals, including one each of the last three years. But five of those were in Arizona, where the Lions haven’t won since 1993. Now, at home, the Lions should have a chance for some revenge. Arizona’s defense will be stout again, but there are plenty of concerns on offense: Win
Week 5: Oct 11 vs. Arizona, 4:05 p.m. on FOX -- The Lions have lost six straight games against the Cardinals, including one each of the last three years. But five of those were in Arizona, where the Lions haven’t won since 1993. Now, at home, the Lions should have a chance for some revenge. Arizona’s defense will be stout again, but there are plenty of concerns on offense: Win Rob Carr/Getty Images
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Week 6: Oct. 18 vs. Chicago, 1 p.m. on FOX -- The Lions crushed the Bears, 34-17, at Ford Field last year, and even though Chicago has made some changes, the Lions still have more talent. The new-look Bears defense could give the Lions problems, but Chicago still doesn’t have the cornerbacks to cover Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate: Win
Week 6: Oct. 18 vs. Chicago, 1 p.m. on FOX -- The Lions crushed the Bears, 34-17, at Ford Field last year, and even though Chicago has made some changes, the Lions still have more talent. The new-look Bears defense could give the Lions problems, but Chicago still doesn’t have the cornerbacks to cover Calvin Johnson and Golden Tate: Win Adam Bettcher/Getty Images
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Week 7: Oct. 26 vs. Minnesota, 1 p.m. on FOX -- The first rematch comes early this year as the Lions play the Vikings twice before they play the Packers at all. Once again, this will be a close game as the two teams match up well. The home-field advantage should give the Lions an edge, and they’ll feel some pressure to avenge that Week 2 loss: Win
Week 7: Oct. 26 vs. Minnesota, 1 p.m. on FOX -- The first rematch comes early this year as the Lions play the Vikings twice before they play the Packers at all. Once again, this will be a close game as the two teams match up well. The home-field advantage should give the Lions an edge, and they’ll feel some pressure to avenge that Week 2 loss: Win Daniel Mears/Detroit News
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Week 8: Nov. 1 at Kansas City (London), 9:30 a.m. on FOX -- The Lions lucked out for the second year in a row with a road game at a neutral site. The difference in 2015 is the Chiefs have a much better team than the lowly Falcons last year. Jamaal Charles is the kind of back who can give the Lions fits, especially with their run defense likely to take a step back. Tight end Travis Kelce will be a big-time threat by this point, too. Loss
Week 8: Nov. 1 at Kansas City (London), 9:30 a.m. on FOX -- The Lions lucked out for the second year in a row with a road game at a neutral site. The difference in 2015 is the Chiefs have a much better team than the lowly Falcons last year. Jamaal Charles is the kind of back who can give the Lions fits, especially with their run defense likely to take a step back. Tight end Travis Kelce will be a big-time threat by this point, too. Loss Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
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Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown 22 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games against the Lions.
Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers has thrown 22 touchdowns and five interceptions in 12 games against the Lions. Tom Pennington/Getty Images
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Week 11: Nov. 22 vs. Oakland, 1 p.m. on CBS -- The Raiders are an improving team after adding a defensive cornerstone in edge rusher Khalil Mack last year and a promising quarterback in Derek Carr (above). But, Oakland still has a talent deficiency overall, and unless Mack has an amazing game, this should be a great opportunity for the Lions to have a blowout: Win
Week 11: Nov. 22 vs. Oakland, 1 p.m. on CBS -- The Raiders are an improving team after adding a defensive cornerstone in edge rusher Khalil Mack last year and a promising quarterback in Derek Carr (above). But, Oakland still has a talent deficiency overall, and unless Mack has an amazing game, this should be a great opportunity for the Lions to have a blowout: Win Doug Pensinger/Getty Images
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Week 12: Nov. 26 vs. Philadelphia (Thanksgiving), 12:30 p.m. on FOX -- The last time the Lions played against Tim Tebow, they whooped the Broncos 45-10 in 2011. Of course, Tebow probably — almost certainly — won’t be under center for this game. The Eagles reloaded this offseason with running backs DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews, linebacker Kiko Alonso and cornerbacks Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond. This will be a great way to start the holiday, and the Lions will find a way to keep the locals happy: Win
Week 12: Nov. 26 vs. Philadelphia (Thanksgiving), 12:30 p.m. on FOX -- The last time the Lions played against Tim Tebow, they whooped the Broncos 45-10 in 2011. Of course, Tebow probably — almost certainly — won’t be under center for this game. The Eagles reloaded this offseason with running backs DeMarco Murray and Ryan Mathews, linebacker Kiko Alonso and cornerbacks Byron Maxwell and Walter Thurmond. This will be a great way to start the holiday, and the Lions will find a way to keep the locals happy: Win Alex Goodlett/Getty Images
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Week 13: Dec. 3 vs. Green Bay (Thursday), 8:25 p.m. on CBS -- Back-to-back Thursday games will present a challenge for the Lions, but with the Packers also playing on Thanksgiving, it will be a level playing field. At this point in the season, the Lions will likely need this win. They’ve beaten the Packers at Ford Field two years in a row, but the Lions defense just won’t be as good as it’s been: Loss
Week 13: Dec. 3 vs. Green Bay (Thursday), 8:25 p.m. on CBS -- Back-to-back Thursday games will present a challenge for the Lions, but with the Packers also playing on Thanksgiving, it will be a level playing field. At this point in the season, the Lions will likely need this win. They’ve beaten the Packers at Ford Field two years in a row, but the Lions defense just won’t be as good as it’s been: Loss Chris Graythen/Getty Images
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Week 14: Dec. 13 at St. Louis, 1 p.m. on FOX -- The Nick Fairley revenge game. The Rams will look different this year with Nick Foles playing quarterback, and maybe they’ll finally be able to find some consistency on offense as they have some talented skill position players, especially running back Tre Mason (above). Plus, their defensive line is so good that Fairley might be a backup, and that should give the revamped Lions offensive line fits: Loss
Week 14: Dec. 13 at St. Louis, 1 p.m. on FOX -- The Nick Fairley revenge game. The Rams will look different this year with Nick Foles playing quarterback, and maybe they’ll finally be able to find some consistency on offense as they have some talented skill position players, especially running back Tre Mason (above). Plus, their defensive line is so good that Fairley might be a backup, and that should give the revamped Lions offensive line fits: Loss Michael B. Thomas/Getty Images
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Week 15: Dec. 21 at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m. on ESPN -- The Lions needed a miraculous comeback to beat the Saints last year at Ford Field. At the Superdome on a Monday night, the Lions might not be so lucky. The Saints aren’t the high-flying team they were a couple years ago, especially after losing tight end Jimmy Graham. But they’ll still be an explosive offense with an improved offensive line and running back C.J. Spiller added to the mix. Loss
Week 15: Dec. 21 at New Orleans, 8:30 p.m. on ESPN -- The Lions needed a miraculous comeback to beat the Saints last year at Ford Field. At the Superdome on a Monday night, the Lions might not be so lucky. The Saints aren’t the high-flying team they were a couple years ago, especially after losing tight end Jimmy Graham. But they’ll still be an explosive offense with an improved offensive line and running back C.J. Spiller added to the mix. Loss Sean Gardner/Getty Images
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Week 16: Dec. 27 vs. San Francisco, 1 p.m. on FOX -- Get ready for a week of Jim Harbaugh headlines. But when Harbaugh left the 49ers, he left a team in worse shape than it was for most of his time in San Francisco. If Colin Kaepernick (above) bounces back, the 49ers will be tough, but losing Frank Gore, Patrick Willis and Chris Borland will be tough to overcome. This will also be the return of Reggie Bush: Win
Week 16: Dec. 27 vs. San Francisco, 1 p.m. on FOX -- Get ready for a week of Jim Harbaugh headlines. But when Harbaugh left the 49ers, he left a team in worse shape than it was for most of his time in San Francisco. If Colin Kaepernick (above) bounces back, the 49ers will be tough, but losing Frank Gore, Patrick Willis and Chris Borland will be tough to overcome. This will also be the return of Reggie Bush: Win Steve Dykes/Getty Images
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Week 17: Jan. 3 at Chicago, 1 p.m. on FOX -- Luckily for the Lions, this will be their only outdoor game in December. Unluckily, it’s always tough to close the season on the road against a division foe. At this point, though, the Bears will likely be out of the playoff mix unless coach John Fox has some magical powers. The Lions should be able to close strong: Win. Season total: 9-7
Week 17: Jan. 3 at Chicago, 1 p.m. on FOX -- Luckily for the Lions, this will be their only outdoor game in December. Unluckily, it’s always tough to close the season on the road against a division foe. At this point, though, the Bears will likely be out of the playoff mix unless coach John Fox has some magical powers. The Lions should be able to close strong: Win. Season total: 9-7 David Banks/Getty Images
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    The Lions' strong 2014 season has made them a popular team in the NFL landscape as they will have six games televised nationally in 2015.

    In addition to the annual Thanksgiving game and the Week 8 game in London, the Lions will play on "Monday Night Football" twice, "Sunday Night Football" once and "Thursday Night Football" once.

    The Lions won't have their home opener until Week 3 as they open the season at San Diego and Minnesota. Then, they'll return to Detroit to open their home slate against the Denver Broncos and appear on NBC on Sunday night for the first time at Ford Field. It's the first time they've hosted a Sunday night game since 1999 at the Silverdome.

    Then, in Week 4, the Lions will play on Monday night in Seattle, giving the Lions consecutive primetime games for the first time since 1990. In Week 12, the Lions will host the Eagles on Thanksgiving, and then they'll play back-to-back Thursday games — first time since 2000 — when they travel to Green Bay for a night game against the Packers, which will be their first Thursday night game since 2000.

    The Lions' final nationally-televised game is in New Orleans in Week 15 on Monday night.

    2015 SCHEDULE

    Week 1: Sept. 13 at San Diego. 4:05 p.m. on FOX.

    Week 2: Sept. 20 at Minnesota. 1 p.m. on FOX

    Week 3: Sept. 27 vs. Denver, 8:30 p.m. on NBC

    Week 4: Oct. 5 at Seattle (Monday), 8:30 p.m. on ESPN

    Week 5: Oct 11 vs. Arizona, 4:05 p.m. on FOX

    Week 6: Oct. 18 vs. Chicago, 1 p.m. on FOX

    Week 7: Oct. 26 vs. Minnesota, 1 p.m. on FOX

    Week 8: Nov. 1 at Kansas City (London), 9:30 a.m. on FOX

    Week 9: Bye

    Week 10: Nov. 15 at Green Bay, 1 p.m. on FOX

    Week 11: Nov. 22 vs. Oakland, 1 p.m. on CBS

    Week 12: Nov. 26 vs. Philadelphia (Thanksgiving), 12:30 p.m. on FOX

    Week 13: Dec. 3 vs. Green Bay (Thursday), 8:25 p.m. on CBS

    Week 14: Dec. 13 at St. Louis, 1 p.m. on FOX

    Week 15: Dec. 21 at New Orleans (Monday), 8:30 p.m. on ESPN

    Week 16: Dec. 27 vs. San Francisco, 1 p.m. on FOX

    Week 17: Jan. 3 at Chicago, 1 p.m. on FOX

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