Wait. If you’re asking when do lions play next, you probably aren't looking for a nature documentary on the Serengeti. You’re looking for Dan Campbell’s squad. You want to know if the Detroit Lions are about to bite a kneecap off or if it’s a bye week.
It is Saturday, January 17, 2026.
Right now, the NFL is in the heart of the postseason. If you are checking the schedule today, it means the Lions have either clawed their way into the Divisional Round or you're already mourning a Wild Card exit (or heaven forbid, a missed playoff spot, though this roster is too talented for that). Based on the current NFL calendar, the Divisional Round games take place today and tomorrow.
The Detroit Lions play next in the Divisional Round of the NFC Playoffs. If they advanced past the Wild Card weekend, their game is scheduled for either this afternoon or tomorrow, Sunday, January 18. Specifically, the NFL slots these games at 4:30 PM ET and 8:15 PM ET on Saturday, and 3:00 PM ET and 6:30 PM ET on Sunday. You need to check the official NFL bracket because the seeding determines whether they are at Ford Field or flying out to a place like Philly or San Francisco.
Why the Postseason Schedule is Kind of a Mess
The NFL doesn't make it easy. They wait until the very last second to announce kickoff times for the playoffs because they want the best TV ratings. Honestly, it’s annoying for fans trying to book flights.
If the Lions won the NFC North—which they were favored to do this season—they likely hosted a game last week. Now, they are facing the highest remaining seed. If they are the #1 seed (coming off a bye), this is their first appearance of the tournament.
The Stakes for the Next Game
This isn't just another Sunday. This is about the "window." Jared Goff isn't getting any younger, even if he’s playing some of the most efficient football of his career. Ben Johnson, the offensive coordinator everyone tried to hire away for three years, has kept this unit humming. When the Lions play next, they are likely facing a defensive front that will test Penei Sewell and Taylor Decker to their absolute limits.
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The Lions’ identity hasn’t changed. They want to run the ball. They want to dominate the trenches. Whether they are playing at home under the lights in Detroit or deal with the grass in an outdoor stadium, the strategy remains: feed Amon-Ra St. Brown early and let Jahmyr Gibbs find the edge.
What Happens if They Lose?
If the Lions lose their next game, or if they already played and lost in the Wild Card round, "when do lions play next" shifts to the 2026 preseason.
That’s a long wait.
The 2026 NFL season won't officially kick off until September. However, we already know who their opponents will be for the 2026 regular season based on the NFL's rotation formula. Every team plays their own division twice, one division from the AFC, and one from the NFC, plus "placeholder" games based on where they finished in the standings.
Home Opponents at Ford Field for 2026:
- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Plus teams from the NFC East and AFC West (based on the current rotation).
Away Opponents for 2026:
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- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Expect a trip to somewhere like Dallas or New York depending on the final 2025 standings.
The Evolution of the Lions Game Day Experience
It’s weird to think how much things have changed in Detroit. Ten years ago, you could get a ticket for the price of a decent sandwich. Now? Forget it. Ford Field is one of the loudest environments in professional sports. If the Lions are playing at home next, expect the decibel levels to cross the 120 mark.
Experts like Brian Baldinger have pointed out that the Lions’ "blue-collar" style actually hides a very sophisticated schematic approach. They use more pre-snap motion than almost anyone else in the league. This is why fans are so obsessed with knowing exactly when they play; you can’t miss the first quarter. If you’re five minutes late, you might miss a fake punt or a trick play that Campbell decided to run on his own 30-yard line.
Managing Expectations
Let’s be real for a second. Being a Lions fan involves a certain amount of scar tissue. Even when the team is great, there’s that nagging feeling in the back of your head that a referee is going to blow a whistle or a weird rule from 1942 is going to be enforced.
But this 2025-2026 team feels different. The depth is real.
When you check the TV schedule for the next game, look for the broadcast pairings. If the Lions are in the "Game of the Week" slot, you’re looking at Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady on FOX or the lead crew on CBS. That’s how you know the league finally views Detroit as a heavyweight.
How to Watch the Lions Play Next
If you are streaming, things get complicated. The NFL loves to spread games across different platforms.
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- Local Broadcast: If you live in the Michigan area, it’ll be on your local FOX, CBS, or NBC affiliate.
- National Streams: For the playoffs, games are usually simulcast on Peacock or Paramount+.
- NFL+: This is the go-to for mobile viewing, though the blackout rules are still a headache.
Honestly, the best way to keep track is the official Detroit Lions app. It pushes notifications the second a kickoff time is confirmed.
The "When Do Lions Play Next" Checklist
To make sure you don't miss a single snap, keep these variables in mind:
- The Time Zone: Detroit is Eastern Time. If they are playing in Santa Clara or Seattle, that 4:00 PM start is actually 7:00 PM for the folks back home.
- The Jersey Color: Lions usually wear the Honolulu Blue at home. If they are in the "all-whites" or the "motor city" alternates, they are likely on the road or doing a special prime-time event.
- Injury Reports: Check the Friday afternoon report. If Sam LaPorta or Aidan Hutchinson are listed as "Questionable," the game's vibe changes instantly.
The Cultural Impact of the Current Run
The city of Detroit is different when the Lions are winning. It’s not just sports; it’s economic. Local bars in Corktown and Eastern Market see a massive surge in revenue. When people ask when do lions play next, they are often planning their entire weekend around it—brunch, parking, and post-game celebrations.
Brad Holmes, the General Manager, has built this through the draft. It’s a sustainable model. This isn’t a one-year fluke. Because of that, the "next game" is always part of a larger journey toward a potential Super Bowl appearance.
In the 2025 season, the Lions showed they could win ugly. They won games where Goff threw three picks. They won games where the defense gave up 400 yards. That resilience is what makes the upcoming playoff matchup so intriguing. They are never out of it.
Final Steps for the Dedicated Fan
Stop Googling every ten minutes and just set a calendar alert. If the Lions are playing this weekend, the game is already set in stone. If you are looking for the Super Bowl—which is February 8, 2026, in New Orleans—you have to wait for the NFC Championship game result.
Next Steps for Lions Fans:
- Sync your digital calendar: Use the official NFL calendar sync tool to get automatic updates on kickoff times.
- Check the Weather: If the Lions are playing an away game in a cold-weather city like Philadelphia or Green Bay, the "run-heavy" script becomes even more important.
- Verify the Network: Don't get caught scrambling for a login five minutes before kickoff. Verify if the game is on ESPN/ABC or a traditional network.
- Monitor the Seeding: If you’re planning to buy tickets for the next round, keep an eye on the "upset" games. A lower seed winning could mean the Lions host the NFC Championship instead of traveling.
The roar is back. Whether it’s this Sunday or the start of the next season, the Lions have finally become the team the rest of the league fears. Keep the Honolulu Blue ready.