So what does the 2015 schedule mean for the Detroit Lions? A trip to the playoffs for the third time in five seasons? Or not.

One thing for certain, they need to be road warriors. The Lions will open the 2015 season with three of their first four games on the road — at San Diego, at Minnesota and at Seattle.

That’s a handful. Seattle has that 12th Man thing going boasting the loudest stadium in the NFL. Imagine the fans will be extra full of good cheer for a Monday night. Plus the Seahawks are coming off a Super Bowl loss and a 12-4 season.

Then the Lions wrap up the season with three of four on the road — at St. Louis, at New Orleans (another Monday night game) and at Chicago on Jan. 3 to wrap up the regular season schedule.

In 2014 the Lions finished 11-5 and were 4-4 on the road. Certainly a positive sign. They have to keep it up to get to the playoffs for a second straight year.

Coach Jim Caldwell preaches that he wants his team to be ready to play anywhere at any time. It’s likely the coach will be singing the same tune after seeing this schedule.

Still, this won’t be easy.

The Lions were 5-1 against NFC North opponents last year. It will be difficult to match or top that. 

They get a break playing at Minnesota on Sept. 20. The Vikings will be playing outdoors at the University of Minnesota’s stadium so playing before the snow (well it should be before the snow) should help.

They the have back-to-back home games Oct. 18 and 25 against the Bears and Vikings. Detroit plays at Green Bay on Nov. 15 and then hosts the Packers on a Thursday night game on Dec. 3. Remember the Lions haven't won in the state of Wisconsin since 1991. The Lions wrap up the NFC North schedule on Jan. 3 at the Chicago Bears where it indeed will most likely be snowing and blowing.

The Lions do have an advantage by playing the Chiefs at Londons’ Wembley Stadium on Nov. 1. 

First, Detroit has pleasant memories after rallying to beat the Falcons at Wembley in 2014. Second, they won’t be strangers. They will know exactly what they are getting into with the trip overseas.

It’s a little early to pick wins and losses since we don’t know the full roster. However, I do see 11-12 possible wins. What do you see?

Detroit Lions 2015 schedule

(All games at 1 p.m. unless otherwise noted)

Sept. 13 — At San Diego Chargers, 4:05 p.m.

Sept. 20 — At Minnesota Vikings

Sept. 27 — Denver Broncos, (Sunday, 8:30 p.m.)

Oct. 5 — At Seattle Seahawks (Monday, 8:30 p.m.)

Oct. 11 — Arizona Cardinals

Oct. 18 — Chicago Bears

Oct. 25 — MInnesota Vikings

Nov. 1 — At Kansas City Chiefs (London’s Wembley Stadium, 9:30 a.m. ET)

Nov. 8 — Bye week

Nov. 15 — At Green Bay Packers

Nov. 22 — Oakland Raiders

Nov. 26 — Philadelphia Eagles (Thanksgiving, 12:30 p.m.)

Dec. 3 — Green Bay Packers (Thursday, 8:25 p.m.)

Dec. 13 — At St. Louis Rams

Dec. 21 — At New Orleans Saints (Monday, 8:30 p.m.)

Dec. 27 — San Francisco 49ers

Jan. 3 —  At Chicago Bears