So, you're sitting on the couch, wings are ordered, and you're frantically scrolling through the guide asking what channel is the lions game on tonight. I hate to be the one to break it to you, but if you're looking for Jared Goff and Dan Campbell today, January 17, 2026, you're going to be staring at a blank screen. Or, well, a screen with other teams on it.
The Detroit Lions aren't playing tonight.
It's Divisional Round Saturday in the NFL, but the Lions' season actually wrapped up a couple of weeks ago. I know, after the magic of the last few years, it feels weird not seeing Honolulu Blue in late January. But after a gritty 9-8 finish, the Lions narrowly missed the postseason cut in a hyper-competitive NFC North.
Why the Lions Aren't on TV Tonight
Basically, Detroit finished fourth in their division this year. Even though a winning record of 9-8 is usually something to celebrate in the Motor City, the rest of the NFC North went absolutely nuclear in 2025. The Bears are actually hosting a playoff game tomorrow! Because the Lions didn't secure a Wild Card spot, their "tonight" consists of scouting reports and off-season prep rather than suited-up hits.
If you’ve been seeing highlights online or "live" streams on YouTube claiming to be the Lions game today, be careful. There’s a lot of AI-generated junk out there and old "simulated" Madden games that try to trick fans into clicking. Honestly, it's pretty annoying.
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What Games ARE on Tonight? (January 17, 2026)
Since you’ve already got the TV on, there is still some massive playoff football happening. If you just want to watch high-stakes NFL, here is who is actually playing during the slots where you might have expected the Lions:
- Game 1: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos. This kicks off at 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS. You can also stream this one on Paramount+ if you’ve cut the cord.
- Game 2: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks. This is the primetime nightcap at 8:00 p.m. ET on FOX.
The Seahawks and Niners game is actually the one most Lions fans are keeping an eye on, mainly because of how it impacts the NFC hierarchy moving into next year.
Where to Watch Future Lions Games
When the 2026 season officially kicks off in September, finding what channel is the lions game on tonight will get a lot more complicated than it used to be. The NFL’s broadcast map is basically a jigsaw puzzle now.
You’ve got the usual suspects like FOX (which handles most NFC games) and CBS (for those AFC matchups or the occasional cross-flex). But then there’s the streaming side. Amazon Prime Video still owns Thursday Night Football, and Netflix has actually jumped into the mix for holiday games.
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For local fans in Detroit, an antenna is still your best friend. It grabs FOX, CBS, NBC, and ABC for free. If you’re out of market, YouTube TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket remains the gold standard, though your wallet will definitely feel that $400+ hit.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
Since the Lions finished fourth in the division, they actually get a "fourth-place schedule" next year. This is kind of a silver lining. It means instead of playing the toughest division winners, they’ll face teams like the New York Giants, Arizona Cardinals, and Tennessee Titans.
The 2026 opponents are already set:
- Home Games: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, New England, NY Jets, Tennessee, and the Giants.
- Road Trips: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Atlanta, Buffalo, Carolina, Miami, and Arizona.
That Miami trip in the winter sounds pretty good right about now, doesn't it?
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How to Stay Ready for Next Season
If you're still looking for a Detroit fix tonight, the best thing to do is check out the local Detroit sports networks like Bally Sports Detroit (or whatever it's rebranded to by the time you read this) for Red Wings or Pistons coverage.
Don't let the fake "live" streams on social media fool you. The Lions are officially in "wait until next year" mode. The NFL Draft is the next big date on the calendar, happening April 23–25 in Pittsburgh. Detroit currently holds the No. 17 overall pick, and that’s where the next era of this roster will start to take shape.
Actionable Next Steps for Lions Fans:
Check the official NFL playoff bracket to see which NFC rival you want to root against tonight, and mark your calendar for the 2026 NFL Draft on April 23 to see who Detroit takes with the 17th pick.