What You Need to Know About the Detroit Lions for the 2025 NFL Season Kickoff

The Detroit Lions are preparing for the 2025 regular season opener, which begins on September 7, 2025, against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field at 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS.

Below is a breakdown of Lions signings, injuries, sanctions, and other significant information for the start of this season.
Signings and Roster Moves
Contract Extensions:
Jared Goff: Signed an extension that could run through 2028, securing his role as the starting quarterback after finishing fifth in the 2024 MVP voting.

Amon-Ra St. Brown: Resigned with a significant contract, cementing himself as a star receiver after another All-Pro season.

Kerby Joseph: Re-signed to a four-year, $68 million deal, becoming the highest-paid safety after leading the league with nine interceptions in 2024.

Signings and Free Agents:
D.J. Reed: Acquired as a cornerback to replace Carlton Davis, bringing experience from his time with the Jets.

Roy Lopez: Signed as a defensive tackle to add depth after the departure of several defensive players.

Avonte Maddox: Signed as a cornerback/safety, bringing versatility after winning the Super Bowl with the Eagles.

Tim Patrick: Signed as a receiver, providing a reliable target as a WR3 after his time in Denver.

2025 Draft:
Tyleik Williams (DT): Selected in the first round (28th overall) to bolster the defensive line, although considered a risky choice.

Tate Ratledge (G): Drafted in the second round (57th overall) to compete for a guard spot following Frank Ragnow's departure.

Isaac TeSlaa (WR): Drafted in the third round (70th overall) after a draft move, providing depth at receiver.

Recent Moves:
Traded Tim Patrick to the Jaguars for a sixth-round pick in 2026.

Re-signed players like Marcus Davenport (DE) to a one-year, $2.5 million deal, and Kayode Awosika (OL) to maintain depth.

Injuries
Aidan Hutchinson (DE): Returning from a leg injury in 2024 that sidelined him for the remainder of the season. He is expected to be 100% for the start, but his condition will be monitored.

Alim McNeill (DT): He suffered a torn ACL in December 2024 and will begin the season on the PUP (Physically Unable to Perform) list, missing at least the first four weeks.

Ennis Rakestraw Jr. (CB): Placed on the season-ending injured list with a shoulder injury, impacting depth in the secondary.

Dan Jackson (S): Rookie on IR with a leg injury, reducing depth at safety.

Josh Paschal (DE): Out with a non-football injury, impacting the starting defensive rotation.

Penalties
No active suspensions are reported for key players on the 53-man roster at the start of the season. The league has maintained a vigilant approach following previous incidents, but there are no relevant sanctions for 2025 so far.

Key Facts for the 2025 Season
Team Expectations:
The Lions look to defend their NFC North title and improve on their 15-2 record from 2024, with aspirations of reaching the Super Bowl for the first time.

The offense, led by Goff, St. Brown, and running back duo Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery, remains one of the most potent in the league.

The defense, hampered by injuries in 2024, depends on Hutchinson's recovery and adjustment under new coordinator Kelvin Sheppard.

Initial Schedule:
Week 1: Lions @ Packers (September 7, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Key divisional duel to establish dominance in the NFC North.

Week 2: Lions vs. Bears (September 14, 1:00 p.m. ET, FOX): Home matchup against a division rival.

Week 3: Lions @ Ravens (September 21, 4:25 p.m. ET, CBS): Challenging game against an AFC contender.

Strengths and Weaknesses:
Strengths: Elite offense with Goff, Gibbs, Montgomery, and a solid offensive line led by Penei Sewell. Safeties Joseph and Brian Branch are a standout duo.

Weaknesses: Defensive line vulnerable to injuries (Hutchinson, McNeill) and a secondary in transition following Davis' departure.

Projections:
A record of 10-7 to 12-5 is expected, depending on the health of key players. Analysts see the Lions as favorites in the NFC, but with risks of temporary regression.

Additional Context
Preseason: They finished 2-1, showing a strong offense but with defensive concerns due to injuries. Kicker Jake Bates (26/29 FG) and punter Jack Fox (All-Pro) lead the special teams.

Coach: Dan Campbell is looking for his first Super Bowl, supported by a young and talented core.

Challenging schedule: Includes games against the Packers, Bears, Ravens, Bengals, and Chiefs in the first six weeks.