The regular season concluded Sunday night, and the Detroit Lions have turned their focus to the playoffs and their Wildcard matchup in Seattle Saturday night.
The conclusion of the regular season also means that Detroit's opponents for the 2017 season are now set.
The Lions played five games against teams that qualified for the playoffs this season. That will be the same again in 2017.
Next year the Lions play their division opponents, obviously, but draw the four teams in the NFC South and AFC North.
Detroit will play Arizona at home, and the New York Giants on the road in their NFC crossover games.
A couple quick notes that jump out:
- The Lions will play in New Orleans for the third straight year. They have won in the Superdome in two consecutive years, and have and beaten the Saints in three consecutive seasons.
- They will travel to MetLife to face the Giants for the second straight year.
- Detroit was 0-3 this season playing outdoors. They'll have to play six games outdoors in 2017.
Here's a look at next year's opponents:
Home opponents: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Atlanta, Carolina, Cleveland, Pittsburgh, Arizona
Away opponents: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, New Orleans, New York Giants, Tampa Bay, Baltimore, Cincinnati
The NFL schedule with dates and times will be released in April.