The Detroit Lions will be looking to bounce back in 2026 after missing the postseason in 2025, and a crucial step toward completing that mission is performing better against NFC North opponents.
Detroit was swept by two of its division rivals last season, the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers. Though head coach Dan Campbell’s group tallied two victories over the division champions, the Chicago Bears, four losses in division won’t cut it this year.
Entering 2026, the Lions are in a prime position to return to the postseason, but one team that could get in their way is the Packers. However, Detroit received some motivation from a national opinion that should push them to dominate Green Bay.
Packers Ranked Ahead of Lions in ESPN’s Preseason Power Rankings
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ESPN’s NFL Nation reporters put together power rankings ahead of the regular season, and the Packers came in higher than the Lions. Green Bay slotted at No. 7, while Detroit was No. 11.
The Packers and Lions won’t meet until Week 7 at Ford Field, and after that, they won’t see each other until Week 18 at Lambeau Field. However, both teams will be compared throughout the season, and there’s a solid chance the season finale in January 2027 will be for a playoff spot or the division title.
Though Detroit’s matchups against Chicago and Minnesota are pivotal in 2026, there’s always an added factor when Green Bay is the opponent. The Lions-Packers rivalry has only intensified over the last few years, and Detroit can’t afford to get swept by them again.
We still have to wait a month to see Detroit and Green Bay square off, but the hype is already building, especially after ESPN’s rankings.
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