If you’re currently staring at your TV remote and wondering what time is the lions game on sunday, I have some news that might sting a little. The Detroit Lions aren't playing today, January 18, 2026.
It’s a weird feeling, right? Usually, by mid-January, we’re either deep in the playoff hype or already arguing about who the front office should grab in the first round of the draft. But this year, the schedule has left a bit of a void for the Honolulu Blue faithful.
Where Are the Lions Today?
The regular season officially wrapped up back on January 4, 2026. If you remember that chilly afternoon in Chicago, the Lions actually pulled off a gritty 19-16 win against the Bears at Soldier Field. It was a nice way to end a rollercoaster year, but it wasn't enough to keep the season going into the Divisional Round we're seeing this weekend.
The reality is that while teams like the Rams and the Bears are duking it out today, the Lions are already looking toward the 2026 season. They finished fourth in the NFC North, which is a tough pill to swallow after the high expectations of the last few years.
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What’s Actually on TV This Sunday?
Even though you won't see Jared Goff or Amon-Ra St. Brown on the field today, there is plenty of NFL action. If you’re a football junkie, you’ve still got two massive Divisional Round games to fill the void.
Houston Texans at New England Patriots
- Time: 3:00 PM ET
- Channel: ABC / ESPN
- The Buzz: Everyone is talking about Drake Maye. The kid has been a revelation for the Patriots this year, basically carrying that offense on his back. Seeing if he can handle the Texans’ top-ranked defense is the main draw here.
Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears
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- Time: 6:30 PM ET
- Channel: NBC / Peacock
- The Buzz: This is the one Lions fans might actually care about. The Bears, who finished second in our division, are hosting the Rams at Soldier Field. It’s a primetime slot, and honestly, seeing how the Bears handle the playoff pressure might give us some insight into the NFC North power struggle for next year.
Why People Keep Asking What Time Is The Lions Game On Sunday
It's actually pretty common for search traffic to spike like this. Fans are used to the Lions being a staple of the conversation, especially with the playoff runs of recent memory. There’s also the "habit" factor. For eighteen weeks, your Sunday is built around the Detroit schedule. When that suddenly stops, the brain doesn't always catch up immediately.
Plus, there was a little bit of confusion earlier this morning because the Penn State Nittany Lions are playing today. If you’re a college basketball fan, Penn State is taking on Maryland at 5:00 PM ET. If you caught a headline about "The Lions" playing on Sunday, that was likely the culprit.
Looking Ahead to the 2026 Season
Since there is no game today, the focus for the Lions has shifted entirely to the 2026 opponents. The NFL has already locked in the matchups based on the final standings. Because Detroit finished fourth, they’re actually going to have a "fourth-place schedule" next year, which could be a huge silver lining.
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Home Games at Ford Field:
- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New England Patriots (This will be a massive ticket)
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
Road Trips:
- Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota (The usual suspects)
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Carolina Panthers
- Miami Dolphins
- Arizona Cardinals
It's a weird mix. Traveling to Buffalo and Miami in the same year is a logistical headache, but playing the fourth-place teams from the AFC South (Titans) and NFC East (Giants) should, theoretically, give the Lions an easier path back to the postseason than they had this year.
Actionable Next Steps for Displaced Fans
Since you can't watch the Lions today, here is how you can actually spend your Sunday productively as a fan:
- Watch the Bears vs. Rams game at 6:30 PM ET. It’s always good to scout the divisional competition, and seeing how Chicago handles the Rams' pass rush will tell you a lot about what the Lions need to do to beat them in 2026.
- Track the Draft Order. With the Lions' season over, the front office is locked into their draft position. Keep an eye on the playoff outcomes, as they will finalize the later picks in the first round where the Lions might be looking to trade up or down.
- Follow the Senior Bowl news. We’re getting into that window where draft prospects start to separate themselves. Brad Holmes has a history of finding gems in the mid-rounds, so staying ahead of the names being mentioned now is a pro move.
The answer to what time is the lions game on sunday is, unfortunately, "not today." But the groundwork for next season is already being laid in the front office at Allen Park. Use this Sunday to enjoy the playoffs as a neutral observer—it’s a lot less stressful on the heart rate.