The Lions had one of the toughest schedules in the NFL this past season, but things look a bit easier in 2016, at least on paper.
Detroit played eight games this season against teams that qualified for the playoffs (including two each vs. Green Bay and Minnesota).
Next year the Lions play their division opponents, obviously, but draw the four teams in the NFC East and AFC South, the two weakest divisions in football in 2015.
Only one team in each of those divisions has a chance to finish 2015 with a winning record.