The 2025-2026 season for the Detroit Lions just wrapped up, and honestly, it was a bit of a rollercoaster. They finished with a 9-8 record, capped off by a gritty 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field on January 4, 2026. While a winning record is always something to celebrate—especially for a franchise that has spent decades in the wilderness—it wasn't enough to punch a ticket to the postseason this time around. Because the Lions finished fourth in the NFC North, the quest for a Super Bowl will have to wait for next year.
So, when do the detroit lions play their next game? Technically, the next time you'll see Jared Goff or Jahmyr Gibbs in a meaningful contest won't be until the 2026 NFL Preseason in August, followed by the regular season opener in September 2026.
I know, that feels like a lifetime away when you're used to the adrenaline of Sunday afternoons at Ford Field. But even though the pads are off for now, the machinery of the 2026 season is already moving. We actually already know exactly who the Lions are playing next year; we're just waiting on the league to drop the specific dates and times.
The 2026 Opponents: Who the Lions Face Next
Since Detroit finished in fourth place in the NFC North, they get what’s often called a "fourth-place schedule." In the NFL's parity-driven system, this means they’ll be matched up against other teams that finished at the bottom of their respective divisions.
It’s kind of a silver lining. While the Chicago Bears (who won the division this year) have to play a "first-place" schedule against giants like the 49ers or Eagles, the Lions get a slightly more manageable path.
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Home Games at Ford Field
The Lions will host nine games in Detroit for the 2026 season. Here is the list of teams coming to Motown:
- Chicago Bears (Divisional Rivalry)
- Green Bay Packers (Divisional Rivalry)
- Minnesota Vikings (Divisional Rivalry)
- New Orleans Saints
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- New England Patriots
- New York Jets
- Tennessee Titans
- New York Giants
The New York Jets and New England Patriots matchups are particularly interesting. Depending on how those teams handle their quarterback situations in the offseason, these could be prime-time candidates.
Road Games: Where the Lions Travel
On the flip side, Detroit heads out for eight road contests. You might want to start looking at flights to these cities:
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- Chicago Bears
- Green Bay Packers
- Minnesota Vikings
- Atlanta Falcons
- Buffalo Bills
- Miami Dolphins
- Carolina Panthers
- Arizona Cardinals
Heading to Buffalo or Green Bay in November or December is never fun for the players, but a road trip to Miami or Atlanta sounds like a pretty good deal for the fans.
Why the Schedule Matters Right Now
You might be thinking, "If the game isn't until September, why do I care in January?" Well, for one, the NFL Draft. Because the Lions finished 9-8 and missed the playoffs, they have officially secured the No. 17 overall pick in the 2026 NFL Draft.
General Manager Brad Holmes has been a wizard with middle-to-late first-round picks. Think back to the 2023 draft where people pouted about taking a linebacker and a running back early, only for Jack Campbell and Jahmyr Gibbs to become cornerstones of the roster. At No. 17, the Lions are in a prime spot to snag a high-end edge rusher or a lockdown cornerback.
The "when" of the schedule is also about the calendar. The NFL usually releases the official 2026 schedule—with the specific dates and times—in mid-May. That’s when we’ll find out if the Lions are playing on Thanksgiving again (they almost certainly will) and how many Monday Night Football slots Dan Campbell’s squad will earn.
Key Dates to Watch Before Kickoff
Even though there are no games today, the "season" for a die-hard fan never really ends. If you're marking your calendar for the next big Lions milestones, here is the timeline:
- Late February 2026: The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. This is where the Lions will scout the next generation of talent to help that secondary.
- March 2026: Free Agency begins. Expect Detroit to be aggressive in keeping their own stars while looking for a veteran piece or two to shore up the defense.
- April 23-25, 2026: The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. This is effectively the "next game" for the front office.
- May 2026: The full schedule release. This is when we'll finally know the exact day and time for every matchup.
- July 2026: Training Camp opens at Allen Park.
- August 2026: Preseason games begin. This will be your first chance to see the 2026 Lions in action.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans
The wait for the next Detroit Lions game is long, but you can stay ahead of the curve. Here is what you should do right now:
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- Check the Draft Big Boards: Start looking at mock drafts for the No. 17 pick. Names like defensive tackle or offensive line depth are likely to pop up.
- Monitor the Coaching Carousel: The Lions' success often means other teams try to poach Ben Johnson or Aaron Glenn. Keeping the coaching staff together is just as important as the roster.
- Review Ticket Options: If you’re planning on attending a game at Ford Field, the waitlist for season tickets is no joke. Now is the time to look into secondary market options or official team deposits.
The Lions finished 2025 strong, winning their last game and securing a fourth consecutive winning season. While the 2026 schedule won't officially kick off for several months, the foundation for that next game is being built in the front office today.