What's the score of the detroit lions game: The Answer Might Bum You Out

So, you’re looking for the score. I get it. We’ve all been there, frantically refreshing a tab or hoping the TV at the bar has the right channel on. But here’s the cold, hard truth: the Detroit Lions are not playing a game today, January 17, 2026.

I know, it stings a little. Especially after the rollercoaster we just sat through. If you’re asking what's the score of the detroit lions game, the answer is basically a big zero because the pads are already packed away for the winter.

The Lions officially wrapped up their 2025-2026 campaign a couple of weeks ago. While other teams are currently beating each other up in the NFL Divisional Round this weekend, Detroit is already looking at draft boards and wondering "what if."

The Last Time They Hit the Field

If you missed the finale, it was actually a bit of a classic Detroit heart-stopper. Back on January 4, 2026, the Lions traveled to Soldier Field to face the Chicago Bears. It was a weird game. The Bears had already clinched the NFC North, and the Lions were playing for pride—and maybe to prove they weren't as bad as their mid-season slump suggested.

The final score of that game was Detroit 19, Chicago 16.

Honestly, it was a gritty win. Jake Bates, who has been a absolute legend since coming over from the UFL, nailed a 42-yard field goal right as the clock hit zero. Jared Goff threw for 331 yards, and Amon-Ra St. Brown was doing Amon-Ra things, racking up 139 receiving yards. It was a nice way to end, but it didn't change the fact that the season was over.

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Why Aren't They Playing Today?

This is where it gets a little depressing for the Honolulu Blue faithful. Despite finishing with a winning record of 9-8, the Lions missed the playoffs.

The NFC was a total bloodbath this year. The Vikings swept Detroit during the regular season, which basically killed any hope of a Wild Card spot. By the time that Week 17 loss to Minnesota happened on Christmas Day (a 23-10 bummer), the writing was on the wall. They finished 4th in the NFC North.

Think about that. A 9-8 record and you’re in last place in your division. That’s just the luck of the draw in the North lately.

Looking Back at the 2025-2026 Rollercoaster

The season started with so much hype. We were coming off that massive 2024 run, and everyone thought the Super Bowl was the only destination. Then reality hit.

• The Highs: Week 2 against the Bears was a 52-21 blowout. We felt invincible.
• The Lows: Losing to the Packers on Thanksgiving (31-24) felt like a punch to the gut.
• The Stats: Jahmyr Gibbs was a monster, putting up 1,223 rushing yards. Jared Goff stayed solid with 34 touchdowns and only 8 picks.

But the defense? Man, that secondary was struggling. Injuries piled up, and they just couldn't get off the field in 3rd-and-long situations. That’s ultimately why you’re searching for a score today and finding nothing but off-season rumors.

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What Happens Now?

Since there’s no game to watch, the focus has shifted entirely to the front office. Brad Holmes has his work cut out for him.

The Lions are sitting with the No. 17 pick in the 2026 NFL Draft. The draft is happening in Pittsburgh this April, and the consensus is that they need to go heavy on the defensive side of the ball—specifically the secondary and maybe another pass rusher to help Aidan Hutchinson.

They also just fired their offensive coordinator, John Morton, after just one season. So, while there's no score on the scoreboard, there's plenty of movement in the coaching rooms.

Your Off-Season Checklist

Since you can't watch a game today, here’s how to stay occupied:

1. Watch the Divisional Round. Even though the Lions aren't in it, you can scout the competition. The 49ers and Seahawks are still at it, and someone has to lose.

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2. Follow the OC Search. Whoever takes over the offense is going to inherit a Ferrari. We need someone who can maximize Gibbs and LaPorta.

3. Check the 2026 Opponents. The NFL has already released who the Lions will play next year. Since they finished 4th, they actually get a "last place" schedule, which includes games against the Giants, Cardinals, and Titans. It might be the "easy" path back to the top.

4. Mark April 23 on your calendar. That’s draft night. That's our next "game."

So, yeah. No score today. Just the typical Detroit January of wishing we were still playing while watching the snow fall outside Ford Field. Better luck next year.

Next Steps for Lions Fans:
Start familiarizing yourself with the 2026 opponent list. The Lions will host the New York Jets and New England Patriots next season, while facing tough road tests in Buffalo and Miami. Understanding these matchups now will help you plan your travel or ticket purchases before the official schedule with dates drops in May.