2017 NFL schedule: First look at Detroit Lions’ opponents for next year

The Detroit Lions haven’t called it quits on their 2016 season. They still have at least one more game to play against the Seattle Seahawks on Saturday night.

But now that the regular season is over, the opponents for every NFL team’s 2017 season have been set. There is a specific formula and rotation that the NFL follows every year, which our own Kyle Yost broke down here. So even though the NFL hasn’t released any specific information about the 2017 schedule, the Lions’ opponents are already locked in. Here’s a look:

Home

• Chicago Bears
• Green Bay Packers
• Minnesota Vikings
• Atlanta Falcons
• Carolina Panthers
• Cleveland Browns
• Pittsburgh Steelers
• Arizona Cardinals

Away

• Chicago Bears
• Green Bay Packers
• Minnesota Vikings
• New Orleans Saints
• Tampa Bay Buccaneers
• Baltimore Ravens
• Cincinnati Bengals
• New York Giants

There’s a few interesting things to take out of next year’s schedule. First, the Lions will play in New Orleans for the third straight year. They have won in the Superdome in two consecutive years—and beaten the Saints in three consecutive season. They will look to make it three straight road victories in 2017. Additionally, they will travel to the Meadowlands to face the Giants for the second straight year.

Unlike this season, the Lions will have to play outdoors much more often. Detroit only had three outdoor games in 2016—two of which were played before winter kicked in—but in 2017, they will play six games outdoors.

At home, Detroit has a slew of new teams and faces. All five non-division games are against opponents Detroit didn’t play in 2016. In fact, the Lions haven’t faced any of those teams, except the Arizona Cardinals, since at least 2014.

What are your thoughts on the Lions’ 2017 opponents? Is it a tougher schedule than this year?