Ollfardh wrote:
How do these 17 games work then? The uneven number seems to suggest we only play each team once? What about home advantage?

jandal7 wrote:

Schedule is in the opening posts, but we play the other three teams in our division (our mini-league, the NFC North) home and away (Packers, Vikings, Bears). Also all four teams of another division in the NFC (this year NFC East), two home, two away. Then all four teams of a division in the AFC (this year AFC East), two home, two away. Then three other teams, two home, one away. So we don't play every team, only 14 different teams.

So this year we have 9 home games and 8 away games, I think that means next year we get the other way around but not sure.

There is also one bye week for each team, so 17 games in 18 weeks.

redordead wrote:
The Sun God didn't make the team

The start of the season proper. Ford Field packed out with fans, eager to see what this drastically new look Lions team can offer. The downside, this Eagles team is expected to make a run at the Playoffs and will provide a strong opposition.

Both teams make ground on their opening drives, but can only convert to field goals. It's the Eagles in early control however, moving the ball around the passing game and getting Jalen Hurts running. This culminates in a 4-yard rush from the QB, giving the Eagles a 10-3 lead at the end of the 1st Quarter.

But this is not the start of a blowout! The Lions really start to click from here. Stefan Radu makes a big 3rd&1 conversion around midfield to keep the drive alive. Benny Redhill makes a nice catch a couple of plays later to move the Lions down to the 7-yard line. This is Brenan Baxter Lynch territory. An outside run to the left side puts the RB into space, and he scores the first TD of the regular season for the Lions!

Worryingly, Hurts powers another drive down the fields. The Lions are doing a good job stopping the Eagles running game, but the pass is working nicely so far. Although as if to mock the commentater, Hurts again scrambles for his second rushing touchdown of the game. Eagles ontop 17-10 at the Half, although neither defence is looking particularly good. This could become a real shootout in the second half.

Lawrence Benjamin holds up his end of this expectation. The QB pairing beautifully with Lenny Carlson today, as the passing game is tearing up the Eagles secondary. And Carlson makes a secure catch at the back of the endzone to cap a strong drive and tie the game 17-17. This time the Lions D is more aware. Pressured on a 2nd & 8, Hurts tries to slide the ball into the middle of the field and his Tight End. But Cody Barton spots the play and intercepts the ball!

No time wasted from the Lions. They capitalise and drive again downfield, releasing Lynch again to an outside run from the 10-yard line. He puts in a nice spin move to clear away from the covering linebacker, and dives in under the safety to score. Lions now lead 24-17 as the Eagles defence completely implodes in the 3rd Quarter.

A secure, if unspectacular, Lions drive allows Blankenship to kick from 44yards and strech the lead 27-17. Hurts rallies his troops, and puts together a long drive, ending with a 3-yard TD pass to Calcaterra. 27-24, and about 3 minutes on the clock. But the Lions can only take about 40 seconds off the clock, as Lynch is totally stuffed up on a couple of runs. Fortunately Jack Fox punts right down to the 9-yard line.

Eagles have just over 2-minutes, and 91 yards to cover to win the game. Hurts passes well, scrambles a couple of times, and has the Eagles around halfway with a minute and two timeouts. Then, AJ Epenesa pressures and sacks him! This brings up a 3rd & 11 to save the game for the Eagles. Hurts drops back, puts the ball towards the sideline... and Bradley Joseph is there! The Lions Corner picks it off! Game! Lions win 27-24 in a thriller!



A strong game from the Offence, and just enough at key moments from the Defence. Benjamin ends the game going 29/36 for 376yards! Lynch rushed for 84yards and 2TD. But the star of the day was Carlson, 194 yards and 1TD in a monster game, the Eagles could not stop the wide reciever. Redhill also feasted for 77yards. Peleke a key saftey valve with 42yards catching.
Jospehy obviously with the game seasling interception. Tourgas was strong in the middle of the field for 10tackles.
Mario Guido and Lightning Blot split return duties, with Guido making a huge 57yards on this returns, and Bolt a solid 24.

Next week we are onto the 1-0 Washington Commanders. Based on this performance it's a winnable game for sure, but a very different kind of test.