The Detroit Lions offense was one of the NFL’s best in 2023, and the stage is set for it to be even better in 2024. With All-Pro wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown and record-setting rookie tight end Sam LaPorta, the dynamic backfield duo of David Montgomery and Jahmyr Gibbs, an exceptional offensive line, and Pro Bowl quarterback Jared Goff, the Lions present quite a formidable package to try and defend.
Ben Johnson’s unit will face quite a few impressive defenses on the 2024 regular-season schedule. From a couple of viable Defensive Player of the Year pass rushers to some strong secondaries, the Lions offense will see some challenges.
Here’s how the defenses on the Lions’ schedule stack up entering the 2024 campaign.
Arizona Cardinals
Lions running back Craig Reynolds (46) runs the ball against the Arizona Cardinals during second half action on Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, at Ford Field in Detroit.
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Tennessee Titans
Detroit Lions wide receiver Marvin Jones (11) pulls in a first down catch over Tennessee Titans cornerback Malcolm Butler (21) during the second quarter at Nissan Stadium Sunday, Dec. 20, 2020 in Nashville, Tenn.
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Minnesota Vikings
Dec 24, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jahmyr Gibbs (26) runs for a touchdown against the Minnesota Vikings during the second quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Matt Krohn-USA TODAY Sports
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Jan 21, 2024; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown (14) makes a catch for a touchdown against Tampa Bay Buccaneers cornerback Zyon McCollum (27) during the second half in a 2024 NFC divisional round game at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Rams
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – JANUARY 14: Sam LaPorta #87 of the Detroit Lions runs with the ball during the first quarter against the Los Angeles Rams in the NFC Wild Card Playoffs at Ford Field on January 14, 2024 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)
Indianapolis Colts
Aug 20, 2022; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Detroit Lions running back Jermar Jefferson (28) rushes up the field against Indianapolis Colts defensive end Ifeadi Odenigbo (59) on Saturday, August 20, 2022 at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis. Mandatory Credit: Grace Hollars-USA TODAY Sports
Chicago Bears
Detroit Lions running back David Montgomery (5) runs the ball against Chicago Bears during second half action at Ford Field Sunday, Nov. 19, 2023.
Green Bay Packers
Detroit Lions tight end Brock Wright (89) makes a catch against Green Bay Packers cornerback Carrington Valentine (37) during the first half at Ford Field in Detroit on Thursday, Nov. 23, 2023.
Jacksonville Jaguars
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – DECEMBER 04: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws pass against the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first half at Ford Field on December 04, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
Seattle Seahawks
Sep 17, 2023; Detroit, Michigan, USA; Detroit Lions tight end Sam LaPorta (87) breaks away from Seattle Seahawks safety Julian Love (20) after catching a pass in the fourth quarter at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Lon Horwedel-USA TODAY Sports
Buffalo Bills
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – NOVEMBER 24: Michael Badgley #17 of the Detroit Lions reacts after making a field goal against the Buffalo Bills during the fourth quarter at Ford Field on November 24, 2022 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Houston Texans
DETROIT, MICHIGAN – OCTOBER 08: Craig Reynolds #13 of the Detroit Lions scores a touchdown during the fourth quarter against the Houston Texans at Ford Field on October 08, 2023 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Rey Del Rio/Getty Images)
Dallas Cowboys
Oct 23, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; Detroit Lions wide receiver Kalif Raymond (11) runs with the ball as Dallas Cowboys linebacker Leighton Vander Esch (55) defends during the first quarter at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
San Francisco 49ers
SANTA CLARA, CALIFORNIA – JANUARY 28: Jared Goff #16 of the Detroit Lions throws the ball during the third quarter against the San Francisco 49ers in the NFC Championship Game at Levi’s Stadium on January 28, 2024 in Santa Clara, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)