Breaking down first 5 video games of the Detroit Lions’ 2026 season

Week 4 at Carolina: Sunday, Oct. 4 at 8:20 p.m.

Lions broad receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown: Through the primary 5 seasons of a participant’s Lions profession, St. Brown ranks first in receptions (547), receiving yards (6,252) and 100-yard video games (24) and can be second in receiving touchdowns (44). He had arguably one of the best coaching camp of his profession over the past month.

Panthers quarterback Bryce Young: The former No. 1 general decide in 2023 comes off a 2025 season that noticed him attain profession highs in completion proportion (63.6), passing yards (3,011), landing passes (23) and passer score (87.8). He led Carolina to an NFC South division title final yr.

Key matchup: Guard Tate Ratledge vs. defensive sort out Derrick Brown

Campbell has been very complimentary of the coaching camp Ratledge had going into his second season. He completed the yr ranked within the Top 12 amongst all NFL guards in run blocking and gave up only one sack and 4 quarterback hits over his final 12 begins. Brown had a terrific 2025 season, recording 73 tackles, 5.0 sacks and 11 QB hits from the inside of Carolina’s defensive entrance.

Important stat: The Panthers’ protection was No. 1 within the NFL final yr in holding opponents to only a 51.5 passer score on deep passing makes an attempt that traveled a minimum of 20 yards within the air.

Week 5 at Arizona: Sunday, Oct. 11 at 4:25 p.m.

Lions defensive lineman Alim McNeill: McNeill seemed nice in coaching camp and mentioned he seems like his explosiveness is again now that he is a yr and eight months faraway from a torn ACL. The Lions anticipate McNeill and second-year defensive lineman Tyleik Williams to be a harmful duo in the midst of Detroit’s entrance.

Cardinals tight finish Trey McBride: McBride had a monster season in Petzing’s offense in Arizona final season, recording 126 receptions for 1,239 yards and 11 touchdowns. He’s a matchup nightmare on the place along with his measurement and velocity mixture.

Key matchup: Tackle Penei Sewell vs. edge rusher Josh Sweat

Sewell made the transfer to left sort out to guard Goff’s blindside. Sewell has developed into among the finest offensive tackles within the sport, permitting only one sack in 16 begins in 2025. Sweat’s 12.0 sacks final season tied for eighth-most within the NFL. He additionally added 13 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits.

Important stat: Arizona ranked twenty seventh within the league in 2025, permitting opponents a hit fee of 43.1 % on third down.