If you just woke up, grabbed a coffee, and started hunting for what channel is the Detroit Lions on today, I have some news that might sting a little. Honestly, it’s not the news any fan in Michigan wants to hear on a playoff Sunday.
The Detroit Lions are not playing today, January 18, 2026.
It feels weird, right? Usually, by mid-January, we’re used to seeing Dan Campbell’s face on our screens or hearing the roar of Ford Field through the speakers. But the 2025-2026 NFL season didn't go quite as planned for the Honolulu Blue. After a season of grit and some truly heart-wrenching close calls, the Lions finished fourth in the NFC North.
Basically, the postseason party is happening without them this year.
The NFL Playoffs Are On, But The Lions Are Out
Even though the Lions aren't on your TV today, the NFL Divisional Round is in full swing. If you’re a football junkie and just want to watch some high-stakes ball, there are two massive games happening.
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Today’s schedule features the final two slots for the Conference Championships. You've got the Houston Texans taking on the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET. That one is airing on ABC and ESPN. If you prefer the evening slot, the Los Angeles Rams face the Chicago Bears at 6:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.
It’s a bit of a gut punch seeing the Bears in that spot, isn't it? They managed to clinch the No. 2 seed while the Lions were sent packing after Week 18.
Where Did the Lions Go?
The regular season wrapped up for Detroit back on January 3rd with a tough loss to those very same Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. That 4:25 PM kickoff on FOX was the last time we saw the squad in action for the 2025 season.
Minnesota’s sweep of the Lions earlier in the year really sealed the deal. By the time the calendar flipped to 2026, the writing was on the wall. Amon-Ra St. Brown has already been vocal about using this "early vacation" as fuel for next year. Penei Sewell mentioned in a recent presser that the offensive line needs to "regain their swagger" this offseason.
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Looking Ahead: The 2026 Detroit Lions Schedule
Since you can't find what channel is the Detroit Lions on today, let’s look at when you can see them next. The 2026 opponents are already locked in.
Because they finished fourth in the division, their 2026 schedule actually looks somewhat favorable on paper. They’ll be playing the fourth-place finishers from other divisions, which means games against the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans.
Here is a quick look at who they’ll host at Ford Field in the fall:
- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
How to Watch Next Season
When the 2026 season finally kicks off in September, the broadcast rules will be the same ones we've dealt with lately. Most Sunday afternoon games will land on FOX or CBS.
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If the Lions get flexed into primetime—which happens a lot because they're a "ratings darling" now—you’ll need to keep an eye on NBC (Sunday Night Football), ESPN/ABC (Monday Night Football), and Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night Football).
If you're a cord-cutter, the best way to stay ready for next year is a subscription to a service like FuboTV or YouTube TV. They carry almost all the local channels you need. Or, go old school. A high-quality digital antenna like a Mohu Leaf can pull in FOX, CBS, ABC, and NBC for free.
Final Score on Today's Search
It sucks that the answer to what channel is the Detroit Lions on today is "none of them." We've been spoiled the last couple of years with deep playoff runs.
The best thing to do today is probably scout the competition. Watch the Bears and Rams tonight on NBC. See what the divisional rivals are doing. Use the downtime to plan that tailgate for the 2026 opener.
If you're looking for more specific team updates or draft news, the Lions' official mobile app usually drops behind-the-scenes content on Sundays, even when they aren't playing.
Next Steps for Lions Fans:
Check the NFL Draft order. Since the Lions finished at the bottom of the NFC North, they’ll have a much higher pick than they did last year. Start looking at mock drafts for defensive line depth or secondary help. That’s where the real "game" is happening for Detroit right now.