DAILYREPORT

🦁 Top Story

The NFL will release the full 2026 NFL schedule on Thursday, May 14, ending weeks of speculation surrounding when fans would finally learn Detroit's full slate of games. The official date of the Lions' game in Munich, Germany is Sunday, November 15 with kickoff expected at 9:30 a.m. ET (3:30 p.m. local Munich time). One primetime matchup is already confirmed: the Lions will face off against the Buffalo Bills in Week 2 for a "Thursday Night Football" matchup, and it will be the debut of the Bills' new stadium.

📰 Headlines

• The 2026 NFL Draft may be a couple weeks old at this point, but the Detroit Lions aren't likely done adding players to their roster. In fact, they still have a few roster spots open before Organized Team Activities and minicamp begin at the end of this month.

• Lions are once again the favorites to win the NFC North (+145), make the playoffs (-215), and contend for a Super Bowl (+1700 to win) with an easiest projected schedule in the NFL.

• Amon-Ra St. Brown was featured in "The Daily Drive," discussing his mindset with a full offseason heading into 2026, per the Lions official site.

• Rookie jersey numbers have still not yet been revealed for the Lions' 2026 draft class, as the rookie minicamp was canceled by the team this year.

🎙️ Podcast & Media Picks

• Locked On Lions (Apple Podcasts): Recent episodes break down how the Lions' fourth-place finish sets up a favorable path with key games against the Giants, Titans, and Cardinals, and discuss whether expectations are now sky-high with new additions like Blake Miller and Amon-Ra St. Brown's return to Berlin.

• Pride of Detroit Podcast (Apple Podcasts): Jeremy and Erik answer questions about the Detroit Lions 2026 NFL Draft class, breaking down what this group means for the roster now and in the future.

📊 Season Watch

Theme D: The Drew Petzing Era Begins Under Center

The Detroit Lions announced the hiring of Drew Petzing as offensive coordinator, joining the Lions in 2026 after spending the previous three seasons (2023-25) as the Arizona Cardinals' offensive coordinator. Over three seasons leading Arizona's offense, the Cardinals ranked second in the NFL in rushing average (4.92) and were ninth in rushing yards (6,399), and under Petzing's guidance, Cardinals TE Trey McBride earned consecutive Pro Bowl selections (2024-25) and was named First-Team AP All-Pro in 2025.

This is a critical hire after the experiment with John Morton, who had only called plays for a year, didn't last the campaign—Campbell took over play-calling after eight games, and the Lions fired Morton after a 9-8 season. There are schematic elements to Petzing's offense that make him a good fit in Detroit, most importantly his commitment to having a solid rushing attack. Jared Goff has a new offensive coordinator in Drew Petzing that he's got to adjust to and will have a couple new starters upfront along the offensive line, which adds to the importance of the offseason training practice time.

🗓️ Lions History & All-Time Greats

The Last Playoff Win: 34 Years Ago This Month

January 15, 1992—the Lions' last playoff victory came 34 years ago when they defeated the Dallas Cowboys 38–6 in the Wild Card round. It was a dominant defensive performance in the final year before the modern salary cap era reshaped the league. The Lions wouldn't reach another postseason for three more years, and they haven't won a playoff game since. That single victory has become the emotional anchor of franchise lore—a reminder of sustained excellence that still eludes the team today.

Career Rushing Yards (Franchise Top 5)

1. Barry Sanders — 15,269
2. Billy Sims — 5,106
3. Dexter Bussey — 5,105
4. Altie Taylor — 4,817
5. Mel Farr — 3,072

🔮 What to Watch

• NFL Schedule Release (May 14): The full schedule drops Thursday morning. Track primetime games, divisional matchups, and the identity of Detroit's opponent in Munich.

• Offseason Training Intensifies: With OTA and minicamp approaching month-end, watch for Blake Miller's integration at right tackle and how quickly Petzing's system takes shape with Goff and the skill position players.

• Roster Bubble Drama: The Lions have roughly 14 UDFA spots to fill to reach the 90-man limit. Camp battles for depth and special teams roles will begin to crystallize.