Friday open thread: What is the most important stretch of the Lions’ schedule?

The 2021 schedule was released on Wednesday, and things are relatively balanced for the Detroit Lions. Yes, there are three early divisional road games, including a Monday night contest at Lambeau, but the rest of the schedule is fairly acceptable, especially with a favorable Week 9 bye.

It may be far too early to definitively know anything about these opponents — or even the Lions themselves — but that will not stop us from taking a glance at the layout and jumping to some early conclusions. While there will certainly be some surprises, we should know enough to circle a few dates on the calendar.

Today’s Question of the Day is:

What is the most important stretch of the Lions’ schedule?

My answer: The first three weeks are absolutely brutal, with visits from the Super Bowl contending 49ers and Ravens sandwiching a primetime trip to Green Bay. It would be great for Detroit to take one of those games, but an 0-3 start is well within the cards. That makes the next three games vitally important.

Traveling to Chicago and Minnesota will not be easy, but these could be close to must-wins depending on how the prior three games turn out. Anything can happen in an NFC North battle, and the Lions will have to show up for these two. A home game against the Bengals in Week 6 should be winnable as well, even with a healthy Joe Burrow. If Detroit goes 1-2 or worse from Weeks 4-6, the season might be over before Halloween.

Your turn.