Has Detroit's Super Bowl window already started to close?
After being hailed as one of the NFL’s most complete teams heading into the 2024 season, the buzz surrounding the Lions has cooled considerably going into 2025. The core group of players remains largely intact, but two major pieces of the puzzle are gone: offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn, both of whom played pivotal roles in Detroit's breakout.
The Lions capped last season with a franchise-best 15 wins, only to fall flat in their playoff opener against the Commanders—a bitter early exit that left fans and analysts wondering whether Detroit let its golden opportunity slip through their fingers.
They opened the 2025 preseason with a loss in the Hall of Fame Game, putting them at 0-1. Meanwhile, Atlanta is yet to play a snap of preseason football, meaning Friday’s clash will be the first real look at their depth in live action.
The two teams enter with different preseason narratives. Detroit already has some live reps under its belt and saw flashes of promise, particularly from Jared Goff’s crisp passing and Jahmyr Gibbs’ electrifying runs—even if both stars are likely on limited duty. For the Falcons, home-field advantage and a healthy Bijan Robinson are positives, but behind Kirk Cousins, questions remain about the quarterback depth.
READ MORE: Fubo Review: Pricing, plans, subscriptions, free trials and more
Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions: Date and kick-off time
Falcons will take on Lions in a highly anticipated NFL game on Friday, August 8, 2025 at 7:00 pm ET or 4:00 pm PT, at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, Georgia .
| Date | Friday, August 8, 2025 |
| Kick-off Time | 7:00 pm ET or 4:00 pm PT |
| Venue | Mercedes-Benz Stadium |
| Location | Atlanta, Georgia |
How to watch Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions on TV & stream live online
TV channel: Lions TV Network, WAGA-TV/FOX 5
Streaming service: Fubo
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Atlanta Falcons vs Detroit Lions team news
Atlanta Falcons team news
Jared Goff had a banner year for the Lions, throwing for over 4,600 yards while completing a sizzling 72% of his passes. His top target, Amon-Ra St. Brown, hauled in 115 catches for 1,263 yards, keeping the chains moving all season long. On the ground, Jahmyr Gibbs (1,412 yards on 250 carries) and David Montgomery (775 yards on 185 carries) formed a thunder-and-lightning duo that averaged a solid 4.7 yards per rush. Defensively, despite battling injuries—including to standout edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson—Detroit still finished seventh in points allowed, showing real grit.
But the dream crashed hard in the divisional round. Hosting Washington, the Lions melted down, with Goff coughing up four turnovers and the defense surrendering 28 points in the second quarter alone. The heavy favorite stumbled, and the underdog Commanders walked out with a stunning upset. Now, Detroit will have to regroup and refocus if they want to get back on track in 2025.
The start to their preseason didn’t do much to lift spirits. With the starters resting, the Lions offense turned the ball over five times and managed just one scoring quarter in a flat outing against the Chargers, while the defense failed to force a single takeaway.
Detroit Lions team news
Over in Atlanta, Kirk Cousins gave Falcons fans a highlight moment last year when he broke the franchise's single-game passing record in a Thursday night win over Tampa Bay. For a moment, it looked like rookie head coach Raheem Morris had his squad rolling toward an NFC South title.
But the good vibes vanished fast. A four-game losing streak, marred by injuries and turnovers, derailed the season. Cousins was benched after Week 15, and rookie Michael Penix Jr. stepped in, even leading a win over the Giants. Still, the comeback effort fell short, with Atlanta finishing a disappointing 8-9 and missing the playoffs.
Don’t expect to see either Cousins or Penix Jr. in Friday’s preseason opener, though. Coach Morris confirmed both QBs will sit. Instead, all eyes will be on Atlanta’s top rookies, including first-rounders Jalon Walker and James Pearce Jr., as they get their first real NFL reps.