Detroit Lions 2018 preseason schedule: A look at the Lions’ 4 opponents

The Detroit Lions 2018 preseason schedule is set! On Wednesday the NFL released the full scheduled for the preseason this year.

Things will kick off with the Hall of Fame game between the Ravens and Bears on Thursday, August 2 at 8 p.m. ET. The rest of the NFL teams will follow.

Here’s a look at the Lions’ specific preseason schedule.

Week 1 (Aug. 9-12): at Oakland Raiders
Week 2 (Aug. 16-19): vs. New York Giants
Week 3 (Aug 24, 8 p.m. ET): at Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Week 4 (Aug. 30-31): vs. Cleveland Browns

Every year, the third game is considered the most important preseason game, as teams treat it as a dress rehearsal—playing their starters for the longest time of any preseason game. This year, that game will be against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. No dates and times have been released yet, except for this game, which will be nationally televised:

Typically, the Lions play teams that are in the same general area of the country, as to cut down on unnecessary travel during the preseason. However, this year, they’ll travel to both Tampa and Oakland.

Shockingly, the Lions won’t finish their preseason with the Buffalo Bills—a tradition that has lasted since 2002. However, the rekindling of the Great Lakes Classic with the Cleveland Browns has been rekindled. No word yet on if the trophy will be on the line.

Another important point to note is that last week Matt Patricia said wants to do another joint practice this year. Obviously, it’s too early to know which of these opponents the Lions will join, if any, but something to keep in mind before it’s officially announced.

The regular season schedule is expected to be released the week before the NFL Draft, but here’s a look at all 16 opponents the Lions will play in 2018.