You probably woke up this morning, grabbed your coffee, and reflexively checked your phone to see how the Detroit Lions did. It's a habit. We’ve all been there, especially after the roller coaster that was the 2025-2026 NFL regular season. But if you’re looking for a football score from Friday, January 16, 2026, you’re going to be a little confused.
The Detroit Lions didn't play a game yesterday.
Honestly, it’s kind of a bummer. After that wild Week 18 finale where the Lions took down the Chicago Bears 19-16 on a last-second Jake Bates field goal, the season just... stopped. Because the Lions finished 9-8 and landed in fourth place in the NFC North, they missed the cut for the playoffs. While other teams are gearing up for the Divisional Round today, the Lions are already looking at draft boards and booking tee times.
What Was the Score of the Lions Game Yesterday? (The Short Answer)
Since there was no NFL game, there is no score to report for the Detroit Lions football team. They’ve been out of action since January 4, 2026.
However, "Lions" is a popular name. If you follow other sports, you might have seen some "Lions" in action on Friday, January 16. For instance, in the college hockey world, the Lindenwood Lions absolutely handled Stonehill College with a 6-2 victory. Over on the tennis courts, the North Alabama Lions had a rougher day, falling 7-0 to Ole Miss in their season opener.
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If you were looking for the ECHL (minor league hockey) results, the Trois-Rivières Lions were scheduled to play the Adirondack Thunder. So, unless you’re a die-hard puck-head or a college tennis aficionado, the "Lions score" you were looking for probably doesn't exist.
Why Aren't the Detroit Lions Playing Right Now?
It’s the question that haunts every fan in Michigan. The Lions finished the season with a winning record (9-8), which in many years would be enough to sneak into a Wild Card spot. This year? Not so much.
The NFC North was a total buzzsaw. The Bears finished 11-6, and both the Packers and Vikings stayed just ahead of Detroit in the tiebreakers. It’s frustrating because the Lions actually ended on a high note. Beating the division-champion Bears at Soldier Field was a statement win. Jared Goff threw for 331 yards, and Amon-Ra St. Brown looked like a superstar with 139 receiving yards.
But a mid-season slump and a few heartbreaking losses—like that 29-24 nail-biter against the Steelers in late December—basically sealed their fate. By the time yesterday rolled around, the Lions were already deep into their "evaluation phase."
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The 2025-2026 Final Stretch
To give you some context on why they're home right now, look at how the final month played out. It wasn't pretty until the very end:
- Dec 14: Lost to the Rams (41-34) in a shootout.
- Dec 21: Lost to the Steelers (29-24).
- Dec 25: A Christmas Day loss to the Vikings (23-10).
- Jan 4: Won against the Bears (19-16).
That three-game losing streak in December is exactly why you weren't watching Dan Campbell on your TV yesterday.
What’s Next for Detroit Fans?
Even though there was no score to check yesterday, the "offseason" is actually where the real work begins. The Lions’ 2026 opponents are already set. Because they finished fourth in the North, they actually get a slightly "easier" schedule next year based on the NFL's seeding rules.
They’ll be facing the fourth-place finishers from other divisions, which means matchups against the Tennessee Titans, the New York Giants, and the Arizona Cardinals.
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Next steps for the team? It’s all about the draft and free agency. The front office is likely looking at the secondary and maybe some depth on the defensive line. Jared Goff is still the guy, but after a season where they narrowly missed the dance, the pressure is going to be immense when training camp rolls around.
If you’re still itching for football today, January 17, you’ve got the NFL Divisional Playoffs. The Denver Broncos are hosting the Buffalo Bills, and the 49ers are taking on the Seahawks. It's not the Lions, but it's the best we've got until September.
Actionable Takeaways for Lions Fans
- Stop searching for scores: The Lions are officially in the offseason. Mark your calendars for the NFL Draft in April.
- Watch the Divisional Round: Use today's games to scout the competition. The Seahawks and 49ers are showing exactly what the Lions need to do to navigate a tough NFC.
- Check the 2026 Schedule: Start planning your road trips. The Lions will be heading to Miami, Buffalo, and Arizona next season.
While "what was the score of the lions game yesterday" might have yielded a big zero for football, the silver lining is that the team ended 2025 with momentum. Now, we just wait.