The 2025 season felt like a whirlwind for the Motor City. We saw the Detroit Lions battle through a gritty 17-game stretch, ultimately finishing with a 9-8 record. It was enough to secure a fourth consecutive winning season—something that felt impossible just a few years back—but not quite enough to crack the 2026 NFL playoff bracket.
If you’re checking the TV guide or trying to buy tickets for a game this weekend, here is the short answer: the Lions are officially in the offseason. After their 19-16 victory over the Chicago Bears on January 4, 2026, their campaign ended.
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They won’t suit up for a meaningful game again until August 2026 for the preseason, with the regular season officially kicking off in September 2026.
When Do Detroit Lions Play Again? Looking Toward the 2026 Schedule
While the exact dates and kickoff times won't be released by the NFL until the middle of May, we already know exactly who the Lions are playing. Because they finished fourth in the NFC North, their 2026 strength of schedule looks a bit different than the gauntlet they faced last year.
Honestly, it’s a weird mix of matchups. They’ll have nine home games at Ford Field and eight games on the road. Here is the breakdown of the opponents you'll see on the 2026 calendar.
Home Games at Ford Field
- Chicago Bears (Divisional Rival)
- Green Bay Packers (Divisional Rival)
- Minnesota Vikings (Divisional Rival)
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
Away Games on the Road
- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- Carolina Panthers
- Arizona Cardinals
Why the Lions Aren't Playing in the 2026 Playoffs
It's a bitter pill for many fans to swallow. Despite that winning 9-8 record, the NFC North was a complete powerhouse this year. The Chicago Bears took the division crown at 11-6, and even the Green Bay Packers managed to sneak into the Wild Card round with a 9-7-1 record.
The Lions were essentially "math-ed" out of the postseason. A rough three-game skid late in the season, including losses to the Steelers and Vikings in December, proved to be the undoing. Even though Dan Campbell's squad finished strong with that win at Soldier Field in Week 18, they needed more help from around the league that just never came.
Key Dates for the 2026 Detroit Lions Offseason
Since the question of "when do Detroit Lions play again" is settled for the next several months, the focus shifts to how Brad Holmes builds the roster. You've basically got a few big dates to circle if you want to follow the team's progress.
- The 2026 NFL Draft: This is the big one. It’s happening April 23-25, 2026, in Pittsburgh. By virtue of their finish, the Lions hold the No. 17 overall pick.
- Schedule Release: Sometime in mid-May, the NFL will drop the full schedule. That’s when we find out if the Lions get those coveted Thanksgiving or Monday Night Football slots.
- Training Camp: Usually starts in late July. This is when the pads come on and we see the first-round picks in action.
- Preseason Opener: Expect the first whistle in early August 2026.
What to Expect Next Season
There’s a lot of talk about the defense. Finishing 4th in the division means the Lions will face the 4th-place finishers from the NFC East (NY Giants), NFC West (Arizona Cardinals), and AFC South (Tennessee Titans). On paper, this "last-place schedule" should give them a smoother path back to the top of the NFC North.
You've got a core of young talent that isn't going anywhere. But the pressure is mounting. In Detroit, "next year" used to be a punchline. Now, it's an expectation.
The team will likely look to bolster the secondary and find more consistent edge-rushing help opposite Aidan Hutchinson during the free agency period in March. Keep an eye on the salary cap situation; the Lions have been smart with their money, but some big extensions are looming on the horizon.
Actionable Steps for Lions Fans
If you’re looking to stay engaged before the 2026 kickoff, here is what you can actually do right now:
- Track the Draft Order: Follow the No. 17 pick scenarios. Experts like Mel Kiper or Dane Brugler will start mock-drafting the Lions' needs (likely CB or DL) immediately following the Super Bowl.
- Check Ticket Renewals: If you’re a season ticket holder at Ford Field, renewal windows typically open in late winter/early spring.
- Watch the Playoffs: Even though Detroit is out, watching the NFC North rivals (Bears and Packers) will give you a good look at the competition the Lions have to leapfrog next September.
The wait for the 2026 season opener will be long, but the foundation in Detroit remains solid. We’ll see them back on the turf in about seven months.