Playing in the NFC North alone means a number of daunting contests, as the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers were also playoff teams last season. Even the Bears seem to be in a much better position with Johnson as head coach and a stronger roster around Caleb Williams for the quarterback's second season.

It's a difficult schedule as our Lions insider Dave Birkett notes, as he gives his game-by-game picks and preseason predictions here. Start the day smarter. Get all the news you need in your inbox each morning.