You're sitting there, jersey on, maybe a beverage in hand, and you’re frantically scrolling through the guide. We’ve all been there. The Detroit Lions have this way of making every game feel like a season-defining moment, and missing the kickoff because you couldn't find the right channel is a rookie mistake you don't want to make.
If you are looking for the Detroit Lions today, Saturday, January 17, 2026, there is a bit of a reality check needed. The Lions’ 2025-2026 NFL season officially wrapped up on January 4th with a win against the Chicago Bears. Despite finishing with a respectable 9-8 record, the Lions did not qualify for the NFL playoffs this year.
While the Lions aren't on the field today, the NFL Divisional Round is in full swing. If you see "Lions" on your TV guide today, you're likely seeing the Loyola Marymount Lions taking on the Portland Pilots in college basketball (airing on ESPN+).
✨ Don't miss: Glenn Hubbard Atlanta Braves: The Beard, the Snake, and Why He Matters
What Channel Is the NFL Action on Today?
Even though the Honolulu Blue is sidelined, the road to the Super Bowl continues this afternoon. If you’re a football fan, you probably still want to know who is playing and where to find them.
The NFL Divisional Round kicks off today with two massive matchups:
- Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos: This game starts at 4:30 PM ET and you can catch it on CBS. If you’ve cut the cord, it’s also streaming live on Paramount+.
- San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks: A classic NFC West rivalry for the nightcap. Kickoff is at 8:00 PM ET on FOX.
Honestly, it’s a bummer not seeing Dan Campbell on the sidelines today. But looking at the 2026 schedule that was just finalized, there's plenty to be optimistic about for next season.
✨ Don't miss: Super Bowl Teams List: What Most People Get Wrong
How to Watch Detroit Lions Games: A Survival Guide
When the 2026 regular season starts up, knowing what channel is the Lions game on becomes a weekly ritual. Because the NFL loves to spread games across every possible platform, here is the breakdown of where they usually land.
The Local Broadcast Heavyweights
Most of the time, the Lions are on FOX. Since they are an NFC team, FOX owns the bulk of their Sunday afternoon broadcasts. If they are playing an AFC opponent at home, you’ll occasionally see them swap over to CBS. For those living in the Detroit market, these are always available with a simple over-the-air antenna. It’s the cheapest and most reliable way to watch—no cable bill required.
Primetime and Special Events
Detroit has finally earned enough respect to be a staple in primetime. That means you need to keep an eye on a few other spots:
- NBC: Home of Sunday Night Football.
- ESPN/ABC: For those gritty Monday Night Football matchups.
- Amazon Prime Video: They have the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football. If you don't have a Prime subscription, you're basically out of luck unless you’re in the local Detroit broadcast area, where a local station usually simulcasts the game.
Streaming Options for Cord-Cutters
If you've ditched traditional cable, you have choices. YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV are the most popular because they carry all the local channels (FOX, CBS, NBC) and ESPN.
For the out-of-market fans—the ones cheering from Florida or California—NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV is the only way to guarantee you see every single Lions snap. It’s expensive, but for the die-hards, it’s basically a necessity.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Lions Schedule
The 2025 season had its ups and downs. That 9-8 record shows a team that is right on the bubble of being a perennial contender. Since the Lions finished fourth in the NFC North, their 2026 opponents are already set, and it looks like a gauntlet.
👉 See also: Atlas vs Cruz Azul: What Most Fans Forget About This Rivalry
Next year, Detroit will play home games against their usual divisional rivals—the Bears, Packers, and Vikings—but they also host the New England Patriots, New York Jets, and New Orleans Saints.
The road schedule is where things get interesting. They’ll be traveling to face the Miami Dolphins and the Arizona Cardinals. Managing those road trips will be the key to whether we’re watching them in the playoffs this time next year or looking for the "what channel" answer for other teams again.
Essential Next Steps for Lions Fans
Since there isn't a game today, use this time to get your setup ready for the 2026 draft and the upcoming season:
- Check your Antenna: If you're in the Detroit area, scan your channels now. Make sure you're pulling in WJBK (FOX 2) and WWJ (CBS 62) clearly so you aren't messing with it 10 minutes before kickoff in September.
- Monitor the Mock Drafts: With the season over, the front office is shifting to the NFL Draft. The Lions will have a solid pick, and addressing the secondary is likely the top priority.
- Audit your Streaming Services: If you only subscribe to certain platforms for football, now is the time to cancel them to save a few bucks until the preseason starts in August.
The Lions might not be on the TV today, but the foundation for the next run is being built right now. Catch the Bills and Broncos this afternoon to see what elite playoff football looks like—hopefully, Detroit is back in that mix very soon.