So, you're looking for the remote. You’ve got the snacks ready, the Honolulu Blue jersey is pulled out of the drawer, and you’re frantically searching to see what channel is the lions game on right now.
Honestly? I have some tough news for you.
If you are looking for the Detroit Lions on your TV guide today, Sunday, January 18, 2026, you aren't going to find them. While the NFL Divisional Round is currently in full swing with massive matchups like the Rams taking on the Bears and the Texans visiting the Patriots, the Lions aren't part of the bracket this year.
The Reality of the 2025-2026 Season
It feels weird, right? After that electric 2024 run where Detroit was the talk of the football world, this season just didn't have the same magic. The Lions finished their 2025-2026 regular season with a 9-8 record.
They actually ended on a high note, beating the Chicago Bears 19-16 at Soldier Field on January 4th, but it wasn't enough to slide into a Wild Card spot. The NFC was just too top-heavy this year. Instead of a playoff run, the team is currently in "evaluation mode," looking toward the 2026 NFL Draft and trying to figure out how to reclaim the NFC North throne.
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Basically, the Lions are spectators today, just like us.
What Channel Is The Lions Game On Normally?
Since you're likely here because you want to make sure you're ready for the next time they suit up, let’s talk about the usual broadcast rotation. Navigating NFL TV rights in 2026 is basically like trying to solve a Rubik's cube in the dark.
For a standard Lions season, the "home" channel is almost always FOX. Because the Lions are in the NFC, FOX holds the primary rights to their Sunday afternoon games. If you’re in the Detroit market, you’re looking for WJBK Channel 2.
But, as we saw this past season, that isn't the only place they live:
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- National Primetime: When the Lions get those "Big Stage" games, they move to NBC (Sunday Night Football) or ESPN/ABC (Monday Night Football).
- The Streaming Squeeze: This year, we saw games move exclusively to Amazon Prime Video and even Netflix for the Christmas Day matchup against the Vikings.
- The CBS Outliers: Occasionally, when the Lions play an AFC team at home, you’ll need to flip over to CBS.
Why Most People Get the Schedule Wrong
The biggest confusion usually stems from the "protected" games and the flex scheduling that the NFL uses toward the end of the year. You might see a game listed for 1:00 PM on Sunday for three months, only for the NFL to move it to a 4:25 PM slot or even a Saturday night.
If you’re out of market—say, a Lions fan living in Florida or California—finding what channel is the lions game on becomes even more of a headache. Unless it's a national broadcast, you won't see it on your local FOX or CBS affiliate.
In that case, your options are pretty much limited to YouTube TV's NFL Sunday Ticket. It’s pricey, but it’s the only legitimate way to see every snap if you aren't in Michigan. For those who just want the local Detroit broadcast on their phones, the NFL+ app is the go-to, though it only works for "in-market" games or primetime broadcasts.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents
Even though the Lions are out of the hunt today, the 2026 schedule is already starting to take shape. Because of their fourth-place finish in the NFC North this year, their 2026 strength of schedule looks... well, actually pretty favorable.
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You can expect to see them face off against:
- Divisional Rivals: Home and away against the Bears, Packers, and Vikings (as always).
- The NFC South & AFC East: The rotation brings matchups against teams like the Saints, Falcons, Bills, and Dolphins.
- The "Place Finish" Games: Detroit will play the fourth-place teams from the AFC South (Titans), NFC East (Giants), and NFC West (Cardinals).
That Giants game and the Titans matchup are prime candidates for early-season wins that could keep the Lions from falling into the "9-8" trap again next year.
Actionable Steps for Lions Fans Today
Since you can't watch Dan Campbell's squad today, here is how you should handle your Sunday:
- Scout the Competition: Watch the Rams at Bears game at 6:30 PM ET on NBC/Peacock. The Bears are the current NFC North kings, and the Rams are a perennial thorn in the Lions' side. This is a look at the teams Detroit has to beat next year.
- Check the Draft Order: With the season over, the Lions' draft position is locked in. Start looking at Mock Drafts—Detroit needs help on the defensive interior and likely another weapon in the secondary.
- Update Your Streaming Apps: If you struggled to find the game this year, take ten minutes to audit your subscriptions. Do you have Peacock? Do you have Paramount+? The NFL isn't going back to "all-on-cable" anytime soon.
The road to the 2027 Super Bowl starts now. It’s a long off-season, but at least we don't have to worry about a heartbreaking playoff loss today.
Keep an eye on the local Detroit sports news for coaching staff changes—that's going to be the real "game" to watch over the next few weeks.