So, you’re scrolling through the guide, checking the sports apps, and wondering: what channel are the lions playing on today? It's a fair question. Especially if you're a die-hard fan used to the Sunday ritual. But if you're looking for Jared Goff and the crew to take the field this Thursday, January 15, 2026, you're going to be disappointed.
The Detroit Lions aren't playing today.
Honestly, the season didn't go exactly how anyone in the 313 hoped. After those deep playoff runs and all that "Brand New Lions" momentum, the 2025-2026 campaign hit a few massive speed bumps. We’re talking a 9-8 finish. In many years, that’s a playoff ticket. This year? It left Detroit sitting in fourth place in a ridiculously competitive NFC North.
Because of that, the Lions are officially in "offseason mode." While other teams are gearing up for the Divisional Round this coming weekend, Dan Campbell’s squad is already looking toward the draft.
Where the NFL Action Is Actually Happening
Since there isn't a Lions game on the schedule today, you might be wondering who is playing. The NFL is currently in the quiet gap between Wild Card Weekend and the Divisional Playoffs.
Wild Card Weekend just wrapped up on Monday, January 12. We saw some absolute bangers, including the Chicago Bears taking down the Packers and the Rams knocking off Carolina. But today, Thursday, is a dark day for televised NFL games.
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If you're looking to scratch that football itch, here is when the real action returns:
- Saturday, Jan 17: The Buffalo Bills head to Denver to face the Broncos at 4:30 PM ET on CBS. Later that night, the 49ers and Seahawks clash at 8:00 PM ET on FOX.
- Sunday, Jan 18: The Houston Texans visit the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET on ESPN/ABC. The weekend closes with the Rams playing the Bears at 6:30 PM ET on NBC.
Basically, the TV is going to be quiet until Saturday afternoon.
Why the Lions Missed the 2026 Postseason
It’s kinda wild to think about. A 9-8 record and a fourth-place finish? That's the reality of the NFC North right now. The Lions actually finished the season on a high note, beating the division-champion Bears 19-16 in Week 18. It was a gritty win, very Detroit, but it was too little, too late.
Losing offensive coordinator Ben Johnson and defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn to head coaching jobs last year clearly took a toll. The "coaching carousel" isn't just a buzzword; it's a real momentum killer. The chemistry was just a bit off in the middle of the season.
The silver lining? Finishing last in the division actually gives them a "last-place schedule" for 2026. This means they'll face other fourth-place teams like the Cardinals, Titans, and Giants next year. Plus, they secured the No. 17 pick in the upcoming NFL Draft.
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How to Watch the Lions in 2026
Since you're searching for the channel today, you'll definitely want to keep these platforms in your rotation for when next season kicks off. The NFL's broadcasting deals are a literal maze these days.
Most Lions games usually land on FOX because they are an NFC team. However, with the league spreading games across streaming services, you'll need more than just an antenna. Last season, we saw games on Netflix (those Christmas Day matchups were a trip), Amazon Prime Video, and even Peacock.
If you're planning ahead for the 2026 season:
- YouTube TV / Hulu + Live TV: Still the best way to get local FOX, CBS, and NBC stations.
- Paramount+: Crucial for any games that move to CBS.
- NFL+: Great for watching on your phone if you’re stuck at a wedding or something.
- A Digital Antenna: Seriously. For most Sunday 1:00 PM games, a $30 antenna from a big-box store gets you the Lions in crystal-clear HD for free.
Looking Forward: The 2026 Opponents
Even though they aren't on your screen today, we already know who the Lions are playing next season. It's actually a pretty "juicy" schedule if you're an optimist.
They’ll be hosting the Green Bay Packers, Chicago Bears, and Minnesota Vikings at Ford Field, obviously. But they also get some intriguing home matchups against the New York Jets, New England Patriots, and Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
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The road schedule looks a bit tougher. They’ve got trips to Buffalo and Miami on the books. Playing in Miami sounds great in October, but a trip to Orchard Park in December? That’s a different story.
So, while you won't find the Lions on any channel today, the "One Pride" faithful are already counting down the days until the draft in Pittsburgh this April. That’s where the next era of Detroit football really begins.
For now, take the night off. Watch a movie. Or, if you're really desperate for sports, check out the Red Wings or the Pistons—though, honestly, your mileage may vary there depending on the night.
If you want to stay ahead of the curve for next season, make sure your streaming subscriptions are sorted before the preseason starts in August. You'll likely need access to at least one game on a platform you don't currently have, as the NFL continues its "streaming-first" push into 2026. Check the official NFL schedule release in May to see exactly which Sunday nights or Thursdays the Lions will be claiming your living room.