So, you're looking for the kickoff time to see Dan Campbell’s squad hit the turf next week. I get it. We've all grown accustomed to those high-stakes January afternoons where the Honolulu Blue takes over Ford Field. But here is the tough, unvarnished truth for the Motor City: the Detroit Lions do not play next week.
After a gritty 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears on January 4, 2026, to close out the regular season, the Lions officially wrapped up their year. While they finished with a winning record of 9-8—their fourth consecutive winning season—it wasn't quite enough to crack the NFC playoff bracket this time around.
If you are looking at the TV schedule for next week, January 17 and 18, 2026, you'll see the NFL Divisional Round in full swing. But instead of the Lions, you'll be watching the Chicago Bears host the Los Angeles Rams or the New England Patriots take on the Houston Texans. It's a bit of a gut punch after the recent success we've seen in Detroit, but that’s the reality of the 2025-2026 NFL cycle.
Why the Lions Aren't Playing Next Week
Football is a game of inches, and for Detroit, those inches didn't add up in December. A late-season three-game skid effectively ended their playoff hopes before the Week 18 finale. They were officially eliminated after a Week 17 loss to the Minnesota Vikings.
Even though they beat the NFC North champion Bears in the final game, the standings were already locked. The Lions finished fourth in a surprisingly deep NFC North. It’s a weird spot to be in—9-8 and sitting at home while teams with similar records are moving on.
What the Schedule Looks Like Instead
Since you won't be tuning in to see Jared Goff or Amon-Ra St. Brown next week, here is what the actual NFL Divisional Round schedule looks like for the weekend of January 17-18, 2026:
- Saturday, Jan 17: Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos (4:30 PM ET on CBS)
- Saturday, Jan 17: San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks (8:00 PM ET on FOX)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Houston Texans at New England Patriots (3:00 PM ET on ABC/ESPN)
- Sunday, Jan 18: Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears (6:30 PM ET on NBC)
It’s definitely strange seeing the Bears in that primetime Sunday slot while Detroit fans are already looking at mock drafts. Honestly, the "what time do the lions play next week" search is usually a sign of a city that has finally learned to expect postseason football. It’s a good problem to have, even if the answer this year is "they don't."
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Schedule
The silver lining? We already know who the Lions will be playing when they return in the fall of 2026. Because they finished fourth in the division, their 2026 schedule is actually looking a bit more manageable than the gauntlet they ran this year.
Detroit will have nine home games at Ford Field and eight on the road. The big highlights include home games against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the New England Patriots. They also get the fourth-place "crossover" games against the Arizona Cardinals, New York Giants, and Tennessee Titans.
2026 Home Opponents:
- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
2026 Road Opponents:
- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- Carolina Panthers
- Arizona Cardinals
Actionable Steps for Lions Fans
Since there’s no game to prep for next week, your "fandom" tasks have shifted from buying wings to scouting prospects.
- Mark the Draft Date: The 2026 NFL Draft is set for April 23-25 in Pittsburgh. Detroit currently holds the No. 17 overall pick.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Keep an eye on the Rams vs. Bears game on January 18. Seeing how the division-rival Bears handle the postseason will give a good indicator of what the Lions need to do to jump back into the top spot next year.
- Check Free Agency: The NFL allows clubs to begin signing free agents on January 5, 2026. Brad Holmes usually moves quietly but effectively here.
The hunt for a Super Bowl in Detroit is on a temporary hiatus, but with the 17th pick and a core group of All-Pros like Penei Sewell and Jack Campbell returning, the "what time do the Lions play" question will have a much more exciting answer this time next year.