Wait, check your calendar. If you're frantically googling what time does detroit lions play on sunday, I’ve got some news that might sting a bit. Or maybe you already knew and you're just looking for confirmation of the inevitable. The Detroit Lions are not playing this Sunday, January 18, 2026.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for a city that spent the last couple of years getting used to deep playoff runs and January jitters. But the reality is the 2025-2026 campaign didn't end with a shower of Honolulu Blue confetti. While the Chicago Bears and Los Angeles Rams are gearing up to smash into each other at Soldier Field this Sunday evening, our Lions are already looking at draft boards and free-agency targets.
The Reality of the Lions Schedule This Sunday
It’s easy to get confused. Usually, by mid-January, we’re talking about divisional rounds and home-field advantages. But this year, the Lions finished fourth in the NFC North. Because the Minnesota Vikings managed to take down the Green Bay Packers 16-3 back on January 4th, the divisional standings were locked in. The Lions basically got stuck in the cellar of the North this time around.
So, when you ask what time does detroit lions play on sunday, the answer is unfortunately "not at all." The NFL Divisional Round is happening, but the lights at Ford Field will be dim. Instead of a kickoff, the front office is probably huddled in a conference room somewhere near Allen Park, dissecting exactly how a 14-3 turnaround happened for the New England Patriots while Detroit went the other direction.
If you're looking for a football fix this Sunday, here is what is actually on the menu:
- 3:00 PM EST: The Houston Texans travel to Foxborough to take on those surging Patriots.
- 6:30 PM EST: The Rams face off against the Bears in Chicago.
That second game hurts the most, doesn't it? Seeing a division rival host a divisional playoff game while we're checking the "potential playoff" ticket refund status on Ticketmaster. It’s a tough pill.
👉 See also: Why the New Orleans Saints and Atlanta Falcons Rivalry is Actually the Best in the NFL
Why the Schedule Looks Different This Year
The NFL is a "what have you done for me lately" league. Last season's magic didn't quite translate. There was a lot of hope that the Lions would be the ones hosting a game on January 18. In fact, Ticketmaster even had placeholder events listed for a "Potential NFC Divisional Round at Ford Field." Those events are now officially canceled.
Kinda sucks, right?
But here is the silver lining, or at least the "draft-pick" lining. Because the Lions finished where they did, their 2026 opponents are already set. We know exactly who is coming to Detroit next fall. We're looking at home games against the usual suspects—Bears, Packers, Vikings—plus the Saints, Bucs, Patriots, Jets, Titans, and Giants.
The road schedule looks even more grueling. You've got trips to Buffalo and Miami on the horizon. If you're the type of fan who plans their life around the schedule, you're looking at a 2026 season that will force this team to grow up fast.
What to Watch If You’re Missing the Lions
Since the Lions aren't playing, most Detroit fans are probably split. Do you root for the "Midwest brother" Chicago Bears, or do you hope they get bounced by the Rams? Most people I talk to in the city can't stand the thought of Chicago having more postseason success than us.
If you're watching the 6:30 PM game on Sunday, pay attention to how the Bears defense handles the Rams' passing attack. It’s the kind of scheme the Lions struggled with all year. Watching how other teams solve the problems that beat us is basically the only way to spend a "bye-week-forever" Sunday.
Key Dates to Circle Instead
Since Sunday is a wash for Detroit fans, start looking at these dates:
- NFL Draft (Late April): This is our Super Bowl this year. We need depth, specifically in the secondary and perhaps another edge rusher to help Hutchinson.
- Schedule Release (May): This is when we’ll find out the actual times and dates for that 2026 opponent list.
- Training Camp (July): The reboot begins.
Basically, the era of "Detroit vs. Everybody" took a detour. It happens. Even the best rebuilds hit a snag. The key is what Dan Campbell and Brad Holmes do with this early offseason.
Moving Forward Without a Sunday Game
It’s weird not having a dog in the fight. Usually, we're complaining about a ref's call or celebrating a St. Brown touchdown. This Sunday, the biggest excitement in Detroit will probably be finding a good spot for wings to watch the Texans and Patriots.
If you're still seeing old schedules online or seeing people talk about a Lions game on the 18th, they're likely looking at outdated "potential" brackets. The NFL finalized this weekend's times on January 12th, and Detroit was noticeably absent from the list.
Take the Sunday off. Sleep in. Maybe go for a walk along the Riverwalk if it's not too freezing. The Lions will be back, and hopefully, this time next year, we're not asking what time they play—we’re asking how much the tickets cost for the NFC Championship.
🔗 Read more: What Time Is Lions Game On Thanksgiving: Why the 12:30 PM Tradition Still Rules
Next Steps for Lions Fans:
- Check your Ticketmaster or primary ticket account if you pre-purchased "potential" playoff tickets; refunds for the January 18th and 25th dates should be processing automatically now that the events are canceled.
- Keep an eye on the Senior Bowl (January 31) and the East-West Shrine Bowl (January 27) to see which prospects the Lions' scouting department is eyeing for the 2026 draft.
- Use the free Sunday to scout the AFC and NFC Championship contenders (games on January 25) to see the level of play the Lions need to reach by next autumn.