You've probably settled onto the couch, remote in hand, wondering exactly what channel are the Detroit Lions on tonight. It’s January 15, 2026. The air is cold in Michigan. The playoffs are in full swing.
But here’s the thing. If you’re looking for a kickoff time for this evening, you won’t find one.
The Detroit Lions are not playing tonight. In fact, they aren’t playing at all this postseason.
Honestly, it’s a tough pill to swallow for a fan base that has tasted recent success. After a season of highs and lows, the Lions finished their 2025-2026 campaign with a 9-8 record. While a winning season is usually something to hang a hat on, the NFC was a gauntlet this year. Nine wins just didn't cut it.
The Lions are officially in "offseason mode," and while there is plenty of NFL action happening over the next few days, Detroit is watching from the sidelines.
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Where to Watch the NFL Playoffs Tonight
Even though the Lions aren't on your screen, the NFL schedule is still moving forward. Today is Thursday, January 15. The league typically reserves Thursday nights for the regular season, but the playoffs follow a different rhythm.
There is no NFL game scheduled for tonight, January 15, 2026.
The action picks back up this weekend with the Divisional Round. If you're looking for football to fill the void, here is who is playing and where you can find them over the next few days:
- Saturday, Jan. 17: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET on CBS/Paramount+)
- Saturday, Jan. 17: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET on FOX/FOX One)
- Sunday, Jan. 18: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN/ESPN+)
- Sunday, Jan. 18: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET on NBC/Peacock)
It’s a bit of a sting for Lions fans to see the Chicago Bears—a division rival—hosting a Divisional Round game on NBC this Sunday while Ford Field sits dark.
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What Happened to the 2025-2026 Lions?
So, why are we even asking what channel are the Detroit Lions on tonight if they didn't make the cut? Usually, by mid-January, Detroit fans are used to looking for "Draft Watch" or "Playoff Push" schedules. This year, the team was right on the bubble until the very end.
The Lions wrapped up their season on January 3, 2026, with a road game against the Chicago Bears. That game essentially decided the fate of the NFC North. Unfortunately, the Bears took the win and the playoff spot, leaving Detroit at home.
Star edge rusher Aidan Hutchinson recently spoke out about the season's end. Despite coming back from a massive injury suffered back in 2024, Hutch was a beast this year. He led the league with 100 pressures and racked up 14.5 sacks. He told Heavy Sports earlier this week that while the 9-8 record was "not enough to get us in," the team remains "strong as ever."
Offseason News: Searching for a New OC
Instead of a game channel, Lions fans should be looking at the news wire. The biggest "game" happening right now is the search for a new Offensive Coordinator.
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Coach Dan Campbell and GM Brad Holmes are reportedly interviewing candidates this week. One name that keeps popping up is a coach with ties to Jared Goff, aiming to fix an offense that struggled with "complementary football" in close games this year.
There’s also some buzz about a new multi-year sponsorship with Marathon Fuel. You’ll start seeing their branding all over Ford Field and Lions media throughout the 2026 season. It's not a touchdown, but it's a sign that the business of football never stops, even when the pads are off.
How to Follow the Lions Moving Forward
If you were hoping to see the Honolulu Blue tonight, you’ll have to wait until the preseason in August 2026. However, the 2026 opponents are already set. Next season, Detroit will face:
- Home: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, New England, NY Jets, Tennessee, and the NY Giants.
- Away: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Atlanta, Buffalo, Carolina, Miami, and Arizona.
Actionable Next Steps for Lions Fans
Since there's no game tonight, here is how you can stay productive in your fandom:
- Watch the Divisional Round: Keep an eye on the Bears vs. Rams game this Sunday on NBC. Since the Bears knocked the Lions out, it's a good chance to scout the division competition for next year.
- Track the OC Search: Follow local beat writers like Dave Birkett or Colton Pouncy. The Lions are expected to make a hiring announcement for their offensive coordinator position within the next week.
- Check the Draft Order: With a 9-8 record, the Lions will likely pick in the middle of the first round. Start looking at mock drafts for interior offensive line help or secondary depth, as Brad Holmes has already hinted these are "urgent" areas of focus.
The quest to find what channel are the Detroit Lions on tonight might end in a "no game" result, but the road to the 2026-2027 season is already being paved.