Detroit Lions Release 2024 Schedule with 5 Prime-Time Games

The NFL sure knows how to make a splash. The league had a ton of hype leading up to their 2024 schedule announce, and they delivered with a dramatic rollout of the games. For the Detroit Lions, this year's schedule is packed with high-stakes matches.

You'll find the full Detroit Lions 2024 schedule below. But, let's talk big games. The Chicago Bears were the worst team in the NFL last year, but they're gearing up to be one of the best, as they debut their new quarterback, Caleb Williams. He was the No. 1 draft pick this year, and everyone is going to want to watch this guy. The 2024 schedule has the Detroit Lions playing the Chicago Bears on Thanksgiving Day. That's going to be a really fun rivalry game to watch. It's also interesting that the NFL opted to have the Lions take on the Bears on Thanksgiving Day instead of Green Bay, which is often the case.

Another major game on the 2024 schedule is the Detroit Lions going up against Matthew Stafford and the Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field in Detroit on the first Sunday Night Football of the year. The Lions, of course, took down the Rams last season in the playoffs, so Stafford will be back and wanting revenge. I'm not worried. Go Lions. I'm a sports podcaster and reporter, so I have to say that I'm beyond excited for this season to start.

Also, if you haven't checked it out yet, listen to my interview with Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff on my podcast, "The Squad with Anne Erickson." In the interview, he talked about how much he and his fiancée, Christen Harper, love Detroit and Michigan. "When I was traded, she came out with me and moved out here and changed a lot of her life," Goff said. "She was only my girlfriend at the time. Now, she's my fiancée. She made that jump. It's something I'll never forget. I'm very thankful to her for that. We've really embraced it here." He added, "The people are what makes Michigan special, and we're happy to be a part of it."

Here's the full 2024 schedule for the Detroit Lions:

Week 1 - Sunday, Sept. 8 Los Angeles Rams at Ford Field at 8:20 pm on NBC
Week 2 - Sunday, Sept. 15 Tampa Bay Buccaneers at Ford Field at 1:00 pm on Fox
Week 3 - Sunday, Sept. 22 Arizona Cardinals at State Farm Stadium at 4:25 pm on Fox
Week 4 - Monday, Sept. 30 Seattle Seahawks at Ford Field at 8:15 pm on ABC
Week 5 - Bye
Week 6 - Sunday, Oct. 13 Dallas Cowboys at AT&T Stadium at 4:25 p.m. on Fox
Week 7 - Sunday, Oct. 20 Minnesota Vikings at U.S. Bank Stadium at 1:00 p.m. on Fox
Week 8 - Sunday, Oct. 27 Tennessee Titans at Ford Field at 1:00 p.m. on Fox
Week 9 - Sunday, Nov. 3 Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field at 4:25 p.m. on Fox
Week 10 - Sunday, Nov. 10 Houston Texans at NRG Stadium at 8:20 p.m. on NBC
Week 11 - Sunday, Nov. 17 Jacksonville Jaguars at Ford Field at 1:00 p.m. on CBS
Week 12 - Sunday, Nov. 24 Indianapolis Colts at Lucas Oil Stadium at 1:00 p.m. on Fox
Week 13 - Thursday, Nov. 28 (Thanksgiving) Chicago Bears at Ford Field at 12:30 p.m. on CBS
Week 14 - Thursday, Dec. 5 Green Bay Packers at Ford Field at 8:15 p.m. on Prime Video
Week 15 - Sunday, Dec. 15 Buffalo Bills at Ford Field at 4:25 p.m. on CBS
Week 16 - Sunday, Dec. 22 Chicago Bears at Soldier Field at 1:00 p.m. on Fox
Week 17 - Monday, Dec. 30 San Francisco 49ers at Levi's Stadium at 8:15 p.m. on ESPN and ABC
Week 18 - TBD Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field

I know it's probably early to talk about the Super Bowl for next season, but really, is it? I actually don't think it's ever too early to start speculating and wishing for your team to make it all the way next year. This year was so very close for my team, the Detroit Lions. But, no cigar. So, maybe next year will be our year. But, aside from the Lions, there are other teams that are on target to be major contenders next season. Some of them didn't even make the playoffs this year. So, what are some early Super Bowl contenders for next season?

Before we get into those contenders, let's look at why next season is already shaping up to be so exciting. For me, the main reason is because a whopping seven teams have new head coaches. That's really going to change the makeup of those teams. The Atlanta Falcons have brought on Raheem Morris. The Carolina Panthers have Dave Canales. The Las Vegas Raiders have knabbed Antonio Pierce. The Los Angeles Chargers have Jim Harbaugh. The New England Patriots have promoted Jerod Mayo. The Seattle Seahawks have brought on Mike Macdonald. The Tennessee Titans have hired Brian Callahan. Finally, The Washington Commanders have hired Dan Quinn.

Of those new coaches, the most interesting to me is Harbaugh for the Chargers. For Harbaugh, this is his final shot at the Vince Lombardi trophy. He just won a national championship with the Michigan Wolverines, and now, he wants a Super Bowl victory. He has a chance with the Chargers' stellar quarterback Justin Herbert. But, it will take time, in my opinion. I mean, it could take time with any of these teams with new coaches. That said, the Houston Texans had a rookie coach this year in DeMeco Ryans, and they almost went all the way, so all things are possible.

Let's get into seven early Super Bowl contenders for next season with my commentary.

One thing I like about this list is that I'm not necessarily even picking teams that made it to the playoffs this year. I'm picking teams that I think could be strong enough next season. The Seattle Seahawks are one of those teams. Their new coach, Mike Macdonald, is the former defensive coordinator for the Baltimore Ravens. Enough said. This guy is golden. Seattle's defense is going to improve drastically with him at the helm, and they could go all the way very soon.

The Buffalo Bills missed the playoffs by a hair. They played so well against the Kansas City Chiefs, but it just wasn't enough. Josh Allen is a Super Bowl-caliber quarterback, but he hasn't taken them there. Will next year be the year? Maybe.

The Houston Texans will be the team to beat very soon. They pulled off an incredible season with a rookie coach and quarterback. They're just getting started. The team got first place in AFC South this season but lost in the divisional round to the Baltimore Ravens.

Speaking of the Baltimore Ravens, I'm still shocked that they fell to the Kansas City Chiefs in the AFC Championship game. I think pretty much everyone was at least a little surprised. But, Lamar Jackson is back next year, and he's not going to let it slip away again. Next year could be their year.

It was a massive decline for the Philadelphia Eagles towards the end of last season. Everything fell apart at the seams. But, the Eagles have legacy, and they have Jalen Hurts. As long as he's healthy, the Eagles will be back next year ready to fight.

Yikes. Can the Green Bay Packers really be this good already? They almost upset the San Francisco 49ers in the playoffs this year. Jordan Love is the real deal. Watch out for this young team next year.

Okay, yes, I'm a Detroit Lions fan, born and raised. But, I think there's reason to believe that the Detroit Lions can and will be back next year. They've had a taste of victory, and they liked it. Plus, golden guy Ben Johnson is coming back to Detroit, and he wants to take the Lions all the way. Jared Goff is playing fantastic football, too. The Lions could really make it to their first Super Bowl next season. What do you think? Let me know here.