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Honestly, it’s a weird feeling waking up in Detroit on a Sunday in mid-January without the Honolulu Blue on the field. If you’re hunting for the score of the detroit lions game today, the short answer is there isn't one. The Lions didn't play.
Wait. Let's backtrack for a second.
Last year, January 18 was a different story entirely. Exactly one year ago today, the Lions were in the thick of a Divisional Playoff heartbreaker against the Washington Commanders. That game ended in a 45-31 loss, a shootout that saw Jayden Daniels basically play the game of his life while Detroit's defense struggled to get off the field. It was a day that felt like it would be the start of a dynasty.
Fast forward to today, January 18, 2026. The scene is much quieter.
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Where did the 2025-26 season go wrong?
The Lions finished their regular season back on January 4 with a gritty 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. That game was classic Dan Campbell—Jake Bates nailed a 42-yard walk-off field goal to seal it. You’d think a 9-8 record and a win like that would have the city buzzing for a wild card spot.
It didn't.
Because of some tough divisional losses, specifically a season sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Vikings, the Lions ended up in fourth place in the NFC North. It’s a brutal division. When you look at the score of the detroit lions game today, the reality is that the playoffs are continuing without them this year. The 2025-26 campaign was a rollercoaster of high-scoring blowouts—like that 52-21 thrashing of the Bears in Week 2—and frustratingly close losses.
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Jared Goff put up some serious numbers this year, finishing with 35 touchdowns. Amon-Ra St. Brown was, well, the Sun God. He remained the most consistent target on the roster. But 9-8 in the NFC North just isn't what it used to be. It wasn't enough to get back to the Divisional round where they stood exactly 365 days ago.
Looking at the 2026 schedule: What’s next?
Since the season ended a few weeks back, the front office has already pivoted. We actually know who the 2026 opponents are going to be. Since Detroit finished fourth, they’re looking at a schedule that includes the fourth-place finishers from other divisions.
- The Home Slate: Beyond the usual suspects (Vikings, Packers, Bears), the Lions will host the New England Patriots, New York Jets, Tennessee Titans, and the New York Giants at Ford Field.
- On the Road: The team has some travel ahead. They'll be heading to Atlanta, Buffalo, Miami, and Arizona.
It’s a mix of rebuilding teams and legitimate contenders. The road game in Buffalo, specifically, is already circled on most calendars as a potential weather-trap game.
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The draft and the defense
Basically, everyone knows the defense needs a facelift. While the offense remained a top-5 unit in points scored (averaging 28.3 points per game), the defense gave up nearly 24 points per game. That gap is why we’re looking at a blank scoreboard today.
Keep an eye on the defensive line rotation. Aidan Hutchinson can't do it alone, and if the Lions want to be playing on January 18, 2027, they need another consistent edge rusher.
Actionable steps for Lions fans:
- Track the Senior Bowl: Since the season is over, the scouting season is in full swing. Watch the defensive line prospects.
- Review the 2025 stats: Goff’s 35-to-8 touchdown-to-interception ratio is elite. The offense isn't the problem.
- Check the Cap Space: Detroit is in a decent spot to be aggressive in free agency this March.
While there is no score of the detroit lions game today, the foundation for next year is already being poured. The sting of missing the playoffs after the success of the 2024 season is real, but the window for this core group hasn't closed yet. It's just a longer offseason than anyone in Michigan wanted.
The NFL Divisional round is moving forward today with other teams, but for Detroit, the focus has officially shifted to the draft and the 2026 schedule.