You’re probably here because you’re looking for the score Detroit Lions football game today, but there's a bit of a reality check needed for January 16, 2026.
The Lions aren't on the field.
Honestly, it’s a weird feeling for Detroit fans who have gotten used to "meaningful January football" lately. But after a rollercoaster 2025-2026 campaign that ended with a 9-8 record, the Lions find themselves on the outside looking in as the NFL Divisional Round kicks off this weekend without them.
What Happened to the Lions?
Basically, the season came down to a "too little, too late" scenario. While the Lions managed to claw out a gutsy 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears in the regular-season finale on January 4, 2026, it wasn't enough to secure a playoff berth.
Jake Bates was the hero of that final game. He nailed a 42-yard walk-off field goal at Soldier Field as time expired.
That kick was basically the final highlight of the season. Even though they finished above .500, a brutal late-season stretch—losing four out of five games between Week 15 and Week 17—tanked their chances. They ended up 4th in the NFC North.
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Think about that. In a division where the Vikings and Packers are constantly reloading, a 9-8 record actually landed them in the basement of the North this year.
The Current NFL Playoff Landscape
If you were hoping to see Dan Campbell’s squad today, Friday, January 16, you’ve actually hit a "dark day" in the NFL calendar anyway. The league doesn't typically play on Fridays.
The real action starts tomorrow.
The Divisional Round schedule for 2026 looks like this:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills vs. Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers vs. Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans vs. New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams vs. Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET)
The fact that the Bears are in the Divisional Round while the Lions are sitting at home is a tough pill to swallow for anyone in Metro Detroit. The Bears, led by Caleb Williams, managed to navigate the Wild Card round and are now heading to Los Angeles for a massive showdown.
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Why the 9-8 Record Didn't Cut It
Most people get wrong the idea that a winning record guarantees a spot. This year, the NFC was top-heavy. The Lions' turnover differential was a major factor—they finished at a -4.
Jared Goff put up solid numbers, throwing for 331 yards in that final Week 18 win, but 14 interceptions over the course of the season proved costly in tight games against teams like the Vikings.
Jahmyr Gibbs was a bright spot, though. He finished the season strong with 80 rushing yards in the finale and remains the centerpiece of this offense. But the defense? That's where the questions are. Allowing over 27 points per game on average is rarely a recipe for a deep January run.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Since the Lions finished 4th in the NFC North, their schedule for the 2026 season is already set based on the NFL’s rotation and seeding rules.
They’ll face the 4th-place teams from the other NFC divisions. This means matchups against the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, and the Tennessee Titans are on the horizon.
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Next season’s home slate includes:
- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
What Fans Should Do Now
Since there is no score Detroit Lions football game today, the focus shifts to the offseason. The NFL Draft is the next big milestone. With a middle-of-the-pack pick, the Lions will likely be looking at secondary help or perhaps more depth on the defensive line to shore up those scoring averages.
If you're looking for football to watch this weekend, keep an eye on that Bears vs. Rams game. It'll give you a good look at what the Lions need to beat next year if they want to get back into the playoff hunt.
Next Steps for Lions Fans:
- Review the Final Stats: Take a look at the season-end player grades to see who is likely to stay or go in free agency.
- Monitor the Divisional Round: Watch how the Bears and Vikings (if they're still in) perform to gauge the strength of the NFC North heading into the 2026 draft.
- Check Mock Drafts: Now that the Lions' pick is locked in, scout the top defensive backs entering the 2026 NFL Draft.
The season is over, but the work for the 2026-2027 campaign has already begun in the front office at Ford Field.