Ranking Lions' 5 Easiest 2023 Games

After looking at the five toughest games on the Lions' 2023 schedule last week, it's time to take a look at the five easiest contests for Detroit this upcoming season.

By no means will the games below be easy wins for Detroit. However, they do set up to be five of the most favorable matchups for the 2023 rendition of the Lions.

Without further ado, here is All Lions' take on the five easiest games for Detroit headed into the upcoming campaign.

5.) Week 11 - Sunday, Nov. 19, vs. Bears (1 p.m., FOX) 

Don't get me wrong. I think the Bears will be an improved team this upcoming season, especially by the time this late-season divisional tilt rolls around.

However, I also think that the Lions' home crowd will give the team an extra jolt of energy, and catapult Dan Campbell's squad to victory.

Remember, in Week 17 a season ago, Detroit's defense limited Bears signal-caller Justin Fields to just seven completions and forced two turnovers. It sparked a 41-10 win for the Lions at Ford Field.

Once again, I don't think Detroit will be able to roll over the Bears in either of its two matchups with Fields & Co. this upcoming season. However, I still believe that this sets up to be one of the Lions' easiest games in 2023.

4.) Week 3 - Sunday, Sept. 24, vs. Falcons (1 p.m., FOX)

The Falcons have the makings of an explosive offense headed into the 2023 season. They're not only equipped with Bijan Robinson, the best running back from the 2023 draft class. But, they also have at their disposal two more-than-capable pass-catchers: Pro Bowl tight end Kyle Pitts and second-year wideout Drake London.

Yet, despite all that said, the verdict is still out on Falcons second-year passer Desmond Ridder. Ridder played in four games a season ago, and threw for just two touchdowns while amassing a lowly QBR of 49.8.

Subsequently, I'm of the mindset that Detroit defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn should have a relatively easy time scheming for the Cincinnati product.

Combine Ridder's inexperience with the fact that this early-season matchup will be played at Ford Field, and I think you have the recipe for a decisive Lions victory.

3.) Week 12 - Thursday, Nov. 23, vs. Packers (12:30 p.m., FOX)

There will be no Aaron Rodgers walking through that tunnel at Ford Field, when the Lions take on the Packers in this Thanksgiving showdown. And, as Detroit fans are well aware of, that's more than just a good thing for the Lions.

With Rodgers now donning a Jets uniform, Jordan Love will be Green Bay's new starter under center. I think Glenn's defense will be more than ready for the inexperienced starter in this holiday tilt. And, a raucous Ford Field crowd should make it hard for Love and Green Bay's offense to stay on the same page.

I think there is the potential for Love to turn into a middle-of-the-road starting signal-caller, but I don't think he's going to show it in this Week 12 contest. I think Detroit's pass-rush will get to him multiple times and force at least one interception, as part of a two-score Lions victory.

2.) Week 6 - Sunday, Oct. 15, at Buccaneers (1 p.m., FOX)

I like the Lions' odds against the Tom Brady-less Buccaneers.

As of right now, it looks like Baker Mayfield will be Tampa Bay's starter under center come Week 1. And, no offense to Mayfield, but no one should be afraid of the former No. 1 overall pick.

I think Aidan Hutchinson and James Houston combine for a couple of sacks of the ex-Browns quarterback, and lead Detroit to victory in this Week 6 tilt.

1.) Week 15 - vs. Broncos (H); TBD

It's teacher vs. pupil in this matchup between the Broncos' Sean Payton and the Lions' Dan Campbell.

Campbell spent multiple seasons as an assistant on Payton's coaching staff in New Orleans. They are known to have a mutual respect for one another, and now they'll get the chance to face off as head coaches for the first time.

Despite all the fanfare that will be surrounding the matchup between the two coaches, this should be a relatively easy late-season contest for Detroit (as long as Campbell's squad gets last year's version of Broncos QB Russell Wilson).

The Super Bowl champion passer experienced a career-worst campaign in 2022. And, while I think Payton will be able to help the veteran signal-caller a bit, I don't think he'll be able to save his career.

It leads me to believe that Glenn's defense will suffocate Wilson & Co., en route to a victory in this Week 15 tilt. 

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