The Detroit Lions are learning the cost of all their success is a tough schedule with a brutal finish that could determine their playoff fate.

NBC Sports President Rick Cordella put it best when summarizing what the NFL's scheduling department goes through each year.

The Lions' 2025 schedule was officially released Wednesday night. It's currently among the most difficult in the NFL.

Remember, the hot-seat, fourth-year regime of general manager Joe Schoen and coach Brian Daboll needs to deliver results.