If you just woke up and the first thing on your mind is what channel is the lions game today, I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but Ford Field is actually pretty quiet this afternoon. Here is the deal: the Detroit Lions finished their 2025-2026 regular season with a 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears back on January 4th.
While that victory felt great—mostly because it capped off a fourth consecutive winning season—it wasn't enough to punch a ticket into the dance. The Lions ended the year with a 9-8 record. Normally, that might get you in, but the NFC North was a meat grinder this year. Since the Vikings swept Detroit during the season, the Lions were locked into fourth place in the division regardless of that final Week 18 win.
Basically, the Lions are not playing today, January 15, 2026. They are officially in "next year" mode.
Understanding the NFL Playoff TV Schedule Right Now
Even though Dan Campbell’s squad is at home, the NFL playoffs are in full swing. If you are a football junkie and just want to see some Divisional Round action, you've still got options this weekend.
The schedule for the coming days is packed. Saturday, Jan. 17, kicks off with the Buffalo Bills heading into the thin air of Denver to face the Broncos. You can catch that one at 4:30 PM ET on CBS or stream it on Paramount+. Later that night, at 8:00 PM ET, the San Francisco 49ers take on the Seattle Seahawks on FOX.
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Sunday is just as heavy. The Houston Texans visit the New England Patriots at 3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN, and the weekend wraps up with the Rams at the Bears—the team Detroit just beat—at 6:30 PM ET on NBC and Peacock.
It’s kinda bittersweet, isn't it? Seeing the Bears in the Divisional Round while our guys are clearing out lockers.
Why the Lions Missed the Cut
Honestly, the middle of the season was the killer. Between November and December, the Lions hit a rough patch, losing three straight games that ultimately cost them the tiebreakers. They lost a heartbreaker to the Packers on Thanksgiving and struggled against the Vikings twice.
That 9-8 record is respectable. Most franchises would kill for four winning seasons in a row. But in a year where the NFC North sent three teams to the postseason, "respectable" didn't get the job done.
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Looking Ahead: The 2026 Detroit Lions Schedule
Since we aren't looking for what channel is the lions game today for a playoff matchup, fans are already looking at the 2026 opponents. The NFL’s rotating schedule is already set, and because the Lions finished fourth, they actually get a slightly easier "last place" schedule next year.
- Home Games: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, New Orleans, Tampa Bay, New England, New York Jets, Tennessee, and the New York Giants.
- Road Games: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota, Atlanta, Buffalo, Carolina, Miami, and Arizona.
Hosting the Patriots and the Jets at Ford Field should be interesting. Plus, that road trip to Miami sounds like a great excuse for a mid-season vacation.
Key Dates for the Offseason
Now that the season is over, the focus shifts to the front office. Brad Holmes has his work cut out for him.
- The NFL Draft: This is the big one. It’s happening April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. The Lions are currently slated for the No. 17 overall pick.
- Free Agency: Expect some movement in March. The defense still needs some pieces, specifically in the secondary, to keep up with the high-flying offenses in the division.
- Coaching Search: There’s already buzz about Lions assistants being interviewed for coordinator spots elsewhere. Keep an eye on the Buccaneers' search for an OC; they’ve already expressed interest in Detroit’s staff.
Ways to Watch NFL Games Without Cable
If you're planning for next season or just want to watch the rest of the playoffs, you don't need a massive cable bill.
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Fubo TV is probably the most popular choice for sports fans because it carries all the locals—ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Plus, you get NFL Network. YouTube TV is another heavy hitter, especially since they have the exclusive rights to NFL Sunday Ticket.
For the budget-conscious, a simple over-the-air antenna like a Mohu Leaf will pull in the broadcast channels for free. You’d be surprised how clear a 4K broadcast looks when it’s coming straight from the local tower rather than being compressed by a cable provider.
Actionable Steps for Lions Fans Today
Since there is no game to watch, here is what you should actually do to stay in the loop:
- Check the 2026 Mock Drafts: Now that the Lions' pick is locked at 17, experts are already projecting who will be available.
- Review the All-Pro Lists: Four Lions made the AP All-Pro team this year, which is a huge testament to the talent on this roster despite the record.
- Set Alerts for Free Agency: The "legal tampering" period starts in March, and that’s when the 2026 roster starts taking shape.
The quest for what channel is the lions game today might have come up empty for this specific afternoon, but the foundation in Detroit is still solid. We’re looking at a team that has finally found consistency, even if the playoff gods didn't smile on them this time around.
Stay tuned for the draft—it’s going to be a long winter, but April will be here before you know it.