Detroit Lions

Detroit Lions: 2017 Schedule Breakdown And Analysis

Updated Mar. 4, 2020 3:44 p.m. ET

Fansided, Tony Fischer/FanSided via NFL Spin Zone

Nov 20, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions fans during the game against the Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Breaking down and analyzing the key games on the Detroit Lions schedule for the 2017 NFL season.

On Thursday night, the 2017 NFL schedule was released for all 32 teams. Now it's time for fans to sift through the slate and see what lies ahead and what it could mean for their season. Detroit Lions fans are surely doing the same as they hope their team can get back to the playoffs and also improve on their finish.

I will breakdown all the big games, pot holes (trap games and road challenges) and lock-down victories. I will also look at the key matchups you will need to watch for in those games. So here they are! The key games on the 2017 Detroit Lions schedule.

The Lions are a team on the rise. There is no bigger indicator of that than the prime time TV schedule. The Detroit Lions schedule has three primetime games; two on Monday night and one Sunday night fight. There is also a Saturday afternoon tussle scheduled in December.

Here at the Detroit Lions primetime matchups

Easiest Stretch: Weeks 10-16

For once, the Lions have an easy schedule down the stretch. Home games against Browns, Vikings. Road games against the Ravens, Buccaneers, Bengals and two games against the Bears give the Lions a good chance to get six wins. That should be enough for the Lions to avoid the late season collapse they suffered last season.

Toughest Stretch: Weeks 2-9

All three of the Lions primetime games are in this stretch, including a Monday night road trip to Green Bay. Even considering they have a bye in Week 7, this stretch could make or break the season. A 3-4 record coming out of this stretch should keep the Lions in the hunt.

January 7, 2017; Seattle, WA, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Matthew Stafford (9) throws against the Seattle Seahawks during the first half in the NFC Wild Card playoff football game at CenturyLink Field. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

Big Games

Thanksgiving vs. Minnesota Vikings: Is there a bigger game in Detroit than Thanksgiving? For the second-straight year the Lions host the Vikings on Turkey Day in what could be a game with divisional implications. The Vikings are looking to improve after last years debacle and with the departure of Adrian Peterson they will have a few less distractions.
Key matchup: Ziggy Ansah vs. Riley Reiff

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Reiff makes his return to Ford Field and will face a healthy Ziggy Ansah and an improved defesnive front. Will Reiff rise to the occasion or will Ansah prove why Bob Quinn let Reiff walk.

Week 3 vs. Atlanta Falcons: The Lions face an early season test when they host the Atlanta Falcons in Week 3. It is a fortunate to have the NFC Champions at home before what should be a long tough road trip. Not only is this a chance for the Lions to prove themselves against the reigning conference champs, it is a key NFC matchup that could determine tie breakers later in the season.
Key Matchups: Julio Jones vs. Darius Slay | Matt Stafford vs. Matt Ryan

Slay had a breakout season last year, establishing himself as an upper-tier NFL corner. Julio Jones is a freak of nature. This game will help determine if Slay's performance in 2016 was a fluke or for real.

Lions fans made plenty of comparisons between Matt Ryan and Matt Stafford last season. Some say that if given the weapons Matty Ice has at is disposal, Stafford could also lead the Lions to the promised land.

Week 17 vs. Green Bay Packers: The good news: The Lions don't have to play on Lambeau Field in the dead of winter. The bad news: The Lions have to face Aaron Rodgers on the last game of the season. You can bet this game will be for the division title. It has the opportunity to be the biggest win in recent franchise history or another in a long line of end of the season collapses.
Key Player: Matthew Stafford

By the time the offseason is over, Matt Stafford will probably be the highest paid quarterback in the league. If he can win this game, he will earn every cent of it.

Dec 11, 2016; Detroit, MI, USA; Detroit Lions defensive end Ezekiel Ansah (94) gets past Chicago Bears tackle Charles Leno (72) during the game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

Pot Holes (Tough Road Games)

Just like you are used to dodging pot holes on I-94, the Detroit Lions will need to dodge these to avoid the wheels coming off their playoff run.

Week 6 at New Orleans Saints: Detroit heads to New Orleans for the second straight year to face the Saints. The Lions came away with an impressive road victory in 2016, but repeating that feat this season will be a tall order.
Key Players: Offensive Line

Detroit's success will depend on keeping Drew Brees off the field. The Lions will have to control the line of scrimmage on offense in order to keep Brees from tiring out the defense.

Week 9 at Green Bay Packers (Monday Night Football): The Lions travel to Green Bay for a Monday night matchup against the Packers. This will be a great chance for the Lions to take control of the NFC North and establish themselves as the team to beat. But beating Aaron Rodgers on the road in primetime might be too much to ask.
Key Player: Matthew Stafford

Elite quarterbacks beat elite teams on the road. Stafford's ineptitude against winning teams on the road is well documented. If Stafford is truely one of the top quarterbacks in the league, then he needs to prove it by getting a tough road win against the Packers.

Sep 11, 2016; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Detroit Lions running back Ameer Abdullah (21) runs the ball in the second half of the game against the Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium. the Detroit Lions beat the Indianapolis Colts by the score of 39-35. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Its A Lock!

Hey, there is no such thing as a lock in the NFL, but these games come pretty close. The Lions would do some serious damage to their playoff hopes by dropping these games at home.

Week 1 vs. Arizona Cardinals: There are high expectations for the Lions this season. The hope of a return to the playoffs will manifest itself in what will be a raucous crowd at Ford Field. The Cardinals have a lot of unanswered questions. Taking on the Lions at home on Week 1 will be much more than they can handle. The result should be an easy opening week victory for the home team.
Key Player: Ameer Abdullah

The Lions success will rest on the legs of Ameer Abdullah in 2017. General manager Bob Quinn spent some serious money improving the offensive line this offseason, all to set up the running game. The Cardinals rebuilt defense should present an excellent opportunity for the former Nebraska Cornhusker to knock the rust off.

Week 10 vs. Cleveland Browns: This should be a lock for the Lions when they welcome the Browns to Ford Field. In all fairness, the Browns could be a much improved team if they draft well. Even if the Browns are improved, the Lions will be in mid-season form and should be able to come away with a victory.
Key Player: Darius Slay

Big Play Slay should have a field day against whichever rookie signal caller the Browns draft this season. Slay stepped up last season and should continue his development with a big game at home.