If you’re checking your watch or scrolling through sports apps wondering when is the lions next football game, I have some news that might be a little tough to swallow if you were hoping for a playoff run. Honestly, the Detroit Lions’ season is over. The regular season wrapped up on January 4, 2026, with a solid 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears, but because they finished with a 9-8 record and fourth in the NFC North, they didn't make the cut for the post-season.
So, the short answer? There isn’t a game next week. Or next month.
The Lions won't take the field for a real, meaningful football game until the 2026 NFL Preseason in August. Usually, those dates drop in mid-May when the NFL releases the full schedule. While we don't have the exact kickoff times yet, we know exactly who they are playing and where those games will happen.
The Long Wait for the 2026 Season
It feels weird to say it, but we are officially in "next year" territory. After a season that saw the Lions fight through a three-game skid only to finish strong in Chicago, the focus has shifted entirely to the front office. General Manager Brad Holmes and Head Coach Dan Campbell are already in the "lab."
They just fired Offensive Coordinator John Morton after only one season. That tells you everything you need to know about the urgency in Detroit right now. They aren't satisfied with 9-8. They want the North back.
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Who do the Lions play in 2026?
Even though the specific dates for when is the lions next football game are TBD, the league's rotation rules have already locked in the opponents. Because Detroit finished fourth in the division, they actually get a "fourth-place schedule," which might be the silver lining fans need.
Here is the breakdown of who is coming to Ford Field and where the Lions are heading on the road:
Home Games at Ford Field:
- The Division: Chicago Bears, Green Bay Packers, Minnesota Vikings.
- NFC South & AFC East: New Orleans Saints, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, New England Patriots, New York Jets.
- The Performance Matchups: Tennessee Titans (AFC South 4th place) and New York Giants (NFC East 4th place).
Away Games:
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- The Division: Chicago, Green Bay, Minnesota.
- NFC South & AFC East: Atlanta Falcons, Buffalo Bills, Miami Dolphins, Carolina Panthers.
- The Performance Matchup: Arizona Cardinals (NFC West 4th place).
Why the Schedule Looks Different This Time
The NFL uses a formulaic rotation. For 2026, the NFC North is matched up against the NFC South and the AFC East. This is why you see teams like the Bills and Dolphins on the docket.
The Buffalo trip is already circled on a lot of calendars. Highmark Stadium in late autumn or winter is a beast of its own, and seeing the Lions' offense try to keep pace with Josh Allen will be a massive litmus test for whoever replaces John Morton as OC.
Also, keep an eye on that Arizona trip. The Lions and Cardinals have developed a weird, frequent rivalry lately because of where they keep finishing in the standings. It's becoming the game that nobody talks about but always seems to have playoff implications by December.
Critical Dates Before the First Kickoff
Since you can't watch a game this Sunday, you’ve gotta watch the calendar instead. The "game" is now happening in meeting rooms and at the scouting combine.
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- Late January 2026: Senior Bowl and the East-West Shrine Bowl. This is where Holmes finds those "grit" players he loves.
- February 23 – March 2, 2026: The NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis.
- March 11, 2026: Free agency officially begins. Expect the Lions to be aggressive in the secondary.
- April 23–25, 2026: The NFL Draft in Pittsburgh. Detroit is currently slated to pick at No. 17 overall.
What Most People Get Wrong About the Offseason
A lot of fans think the team just "rests" until August. That couldn't be further from the truth. Penei Sewell recently mentioned in an interview that the offensive line lost some of its "swagger" last year. That kind of internal locker room assessment is what happens in January and February.
If you're asking when is the lions next football game because you want to see them win a Super Bowl, the work for that started the second they walked off the field in Chicago. They are currently looking for a new Offensive Coordinator, and rumors are swirling about a former Detroit QB possibly being in the mix for the job.
Actionable Steps for Lions Fans
While the field is empty, the news cycle isn't. Here is how to stay ready for the 2026 return:
- Audit Your Tickets: If you're looking for season tickets or single-game seats for the New England or Tampa Bay home games, start checking the Lions' official portal in April.
- Watch the Coordinator Hire: The identity of the 2026 Lions will be decided by who Dan Campbell hires in the next few weeks. If they go with a heavy run-game specialist, expect more of that 2024-style "dent the earth" football.
- Clear Your Schedule for May: The NFL usually drops the exact dates and "Monday Night Football" slots in the second week of May. That is when you can finally put a real date on the "next game."
The 9-8 finish in 2025 was a roller coaster. It lacked the playoff magic of 2023, but the foundation is still there. We just have to wait through the Michigan winter before the Honolulu Blue returns to Ford Field.
Next Steps for You
You should track the NFL Draft order updates as the playoffs progress, as the Lions' pick at 17 could shift slightly depending on any late-season trade compensations being finalized. You can also sign up for the Lions' official "Schedule Release" alerts on their website to be the first to know the exact date of the preseason opener.