You're probably scrolling through your guide, clicking your remote until the batteries give out, and wondering exactly what channel lions game on today. I get it. We’ve all been there, especially after the roller coaster that was the 2025 season. But I have to be the bearer of some pretty mediocre news: the Detroit Lions are not playing today, January 17, 2026.
While today is a massive day for NFL playoff football—we’ve got the Divisional Round kicking off—the Lions aren't in the mix. They finished their regular season with a 9-8 record after beating the Bears in Week 18. Honestly, a winning record is nothing to sneeze at, but in a hyper-competitive NFC, it wasn't enough to snag a Wild Card spot this time around.
So, if you’re looking for the Honolulu Blue on your screen today, you’re going to find the Buffalo Bills taking on the Denver Broncos instead.
What Channel Is the NFL Playoff Game on Today?
Since the Lions aren't taking the field, you might still want to catch the high-stakes action happening right now. The NFL schedule for Saturday, January 17, is split between two major networks. If you were hoping for a Detroit game, these are the matchups occupying those time slots.
Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos
This one starts at 4:30 p.m. ET. You can find it on CBS. If you’ve cut the cord, you can stream it live on Paramount+. It’s a battle of the AFC titans, and even without Dan Campbell on the sidelines, it’s going to be a physical game.
San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks
The "nightcap" starts at 8:00 p.m. ET. This is an NFC West grudge match airing on FOX. For those using streaming apps, FOX One or the FOX Sports app is your go-to.
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It’s a bit of a bummer. Seeing the 49ers and Seahawks battle it out for a spot in the NFC Championship makes you realize how close the Lions were. One or two games swinging the other way in November, and we’d be talking about what channel lions game on today in a much more exciting context.
Why Aren't the Lions Playing Today?
To understand why the TV schedule is empty for Detroit fans, we have to look back at how the season wrapped up. The Lions entered January with a glimmer of hope. That 19-16 victory over the Chicago Bears on January 4th felt great, sure. It secured a winning season. But the math just didn't work out.
The NFC playoff bracket is currently filled with teams like the Packers, Rams, and Eagles. Detroit’s mid-season slump—specifically those tough losses to the Vikings and Steelers in December—really did them in.
The Injury Bug That Bit Ford Field
Honestly, injuries played a massive role in why we're watching the Broncos and Bills today instead of Goff and St. Brown. By the end of the year, the Lions' injury report looked like a CVS receipt.
- Penei Sewell: Dealing with a nagging ankle issue that limited him late in the year.
- Amon-Ra St. Brown: Had those knee and ankle tweaks that kept him from being 100% in the final stretch.
- Sam LaPorta: The back injury that landed him on Injured Reserve was a massive blow to the red-zone offense.
- Alex Anzalone: Multiple concussions late in the season left a hole in the middle of the defense.
When you lose that much "core" talent, it’s hard to stay consistent. The grit was there, but the bodies weren't.
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How to Watch the Lions in 2026
Even though they aren't on today, the 2026 schedule is already taking shape. If you’re a planner and want to know where to find them next season, the broadcast rights haven't changed much, but the opponents are set.
Because the Lions finished fourth in the NFC North, their 2026 schedule is actually looking a bit more favorable. They'll be playing the fourth-place teams from the AFC South (Tennessee Titans), NFC East (New York Giants), and NFC West (Arizona Cardinals).
When the games do return in August for the preseason, you’ll typically find them on:
- FOX: The primary home for most NFC games.
- CBS: Usually for those cross-conference games against AFC teams.
- NBC: For the Sunday Night Football spotlights we all hope for.
- ESPN/ABC: Monday Night Football remains a staple.
- Amazon Prime: For the Thursday Night Football matchups.
- Netflix: Keep an eye on this—Netflix is increasingly grabbing holiday games.
Best Streaming Options for Detroit Fans
If you're sick of cable, the landscape for 2026 is basically a battle of the apps. YouTube TV is still the heavyweight champ because it carries almost everything, including NFL Sunday Ticket if you live outside of Michigan. Fubo is a close second for sports fans, though it's getting pricey.
For the budget-conscious, a combination of Paramount+ (for CBS games) and an antenna for local FOX/NBC/ABC broadcasts is sort of the "pro move." It saves you about $70 a month compared to the big streaming bundles.
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What’s Next for the Lions?
Since you can't watch a game today, the "game" has shifted to the front office. The 2026 NFL Draft and free agency are the next big milestones. With 29 free agents on the roster, Brad Holmes has a mountain of paperwork on his desk.
Fans should be watching the status of Alim McNeill and Taylor Decker. These are the guys who define the line of scrimmage. If the Lions can't re-sign their interior anchors, the 2026 season might look a lot like the one that just ended.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the 2026 Opponent List: The Lions will host the New England Patriots and the New York Jets at Ford Field next season. Start looking at ticket availability for those home stands.
- Audit Your Streaming Services: If you only subscribed to Paramount+ or Peacock to watch NFL games, you might want to pause those subscriptions until the preseason begins in August to save some cash.
- Watch the Senior Bowl: Keep an eye on draft prospects in late January and early February. This is where the Lions traditionally find their "diamonds in the rough" to fix that secondary.
The wait for the next Lions game is long, but the rebuild—or "retool"—never actually stops.