If you’re checking your watch and asking what time is lions kick off, I have some tough news for you. Put the Honolulu Blue jersey back in the closet. Honestly, there isn't a kickoff time for the Detroit Lions today, or any other day this January.
While the NFL world is buzzing with Divisional Round matchups—like the Bills taking on the Broncos or the Seahawks hosting the 49ers—Ford Field is quiet. It's a weird feeling for a city that spent the last few years finally feeling like a powerhouse. But the 2025-2026 season didn't go according to plan.
The Reality of the Lions Kick Off This Postseason
The Detroit Lions finished their season with a 9-8 record. Normally, that might keep you in the hunt, but the NFC North was a meat grinder this year. The Chicago Bears took the division crown, and the Minnesota Vikings managed to sweep Detroit, which basically killed any tiebreaker hopes.
Because the Vikings beat Green Bay 16-3 in the final week of the regular season, Detroit was officially locked into fourth place in the division. It’s a "first to worst" story that nobody in Michigan wanted to read.
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Since they didn't make the cut, there is no lions kick off scheduled for the 2026 playoffs. Instead, the team is already deep into offseason evaluations.
What Happened to the 2025 Season?
It was a rollercoaster. One week, the offense looked like the high-flying unit that nearly made the Super Bowl a couple of seasons ago. The next, they were struggling to find a rhythm. They actually ended on a high note, beating the division-champion Bears 19-16 in the season finale on Sunday, January 4, 2026.
That win gave them their fourth straight winning season—a feat that would have been unthinkable a decade ago—but it was too little, too late for the postseason.
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Why They Aren't Playing Today
- Division Tiebreakers: Losing twice to Minnesota was the "nail in the coffin" for their playoff seeding.
- NFC Depth: With teams like the Rams and 49ers surging late, the Wild Card spots became incredibly expensive.
- Inconsistency: A mid-season three-game skid left them chasing the pack for the entire month of December.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Lions Schedule
Even though we don't have a lions kick off time for the playoffs, we do know who they’ll be playing when the 2026 regular season starts in September. Since they finished fourth in the NFC North, their schedule for next year is actually looking pretty interesting.
They are set to face some heavy hitters at home at Ford Field, including the New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and New York Jets. They’ll also have their usual home-and-away battles with Chicago, Green Bay, and Minnesota.
On the road, things look a bit tougher. They have trips scheduled to see the Buffalo Bills and Miami Dolphins. Plus, keep an eye out for an international game. Rumor has it the Lions are expected to play overseas in 2026, which would mean they’d have eight home games and eight road games, plus the neutral-site international matchup.
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Where to Watch the Rest of the NFL Playoffs
If you’re just a fan of the game and want to see who eventually makes it to Super Bowl LX in Santa Clara, here is the slate for the Divisional Round happening right now (January 17-18, 2026):
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos – 4:30 p.m. ET (CBS/Paramount+)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks – 8:00 p.m. ET (FOX)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans at New England Patriots – 3:00 p.m. ET (ABC/ESPN)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears – 6:30 p.m. ET (NBC/Peacock)
It’s definitely a bit of a sting to see the Bears and Vikings still in the conversation while Detroit watches from home. But a 9-8 finish means the foundation is still there.
Actionable Next Steps for Lions Fans
Since there’s no game today, here’s how you can stay locked in for the 2026 cycle:
- Monitor the Draft Order: With a 9-8 finish, the Lions will likely pick in the middle of the first round. Keep an eye on defensive line prospects to bolster that pass rush.
- Check the International Schedule: If you’re planning a trip, wait for the NFL London/Germany announcements in early May to see if Detroit is headed across the pond.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Keep an eye on the Chicago vs. LA Rams game on Sunday night. Seeing how the division-rival Bears handle the pressure will give you a good idea of what the Lions need to beat next year.
The 2026 lions kick off will happen eventually—just not this January. It’s time to look toward the draft and free agency.