The NFL announced its 2011 preseason schedule months ago, but only opponents were included in the announcement. Today, the league released all of the specific dates and start times for the preseason games, including the Detroit Lions' four matchups. Here they are:
| Wk. | Date | Opponent | Time (ET) | TV |
| 1 | Friday, Aug. 12, 2011 |
vs. Cincinnati Bengals |
7:30 p.m. |
WXYZ (ABC) |
| 2 | Friday, Aug. 19, 2011 |
at Cleveland Browns |
7:30 p.m. |
WXYZ (ABC) |
| 3 | Saturday, Aug. 27, 2011 |
vs. New England Patriots |
8 p.m. |
CBS (National) |
| 4 | Thursday, Sept. 1, 2011 |
at Buffalo Bills |
6:30 p.m. |
WXYZ (ABC) |
It's important to note that if you're in the blackout zone, you may not get to watch the two home games at the times listed above. Even in the preseason, games are blacked out unless they are sellouts. Since preseason sellouts are rare, it's likely the home games will be broadcast on tape-delay. Why this rule hasn't been changed for at least the preseason puzzles me, but that's unfortunately just the way it is.