If you’re checking the schedule to see who do lions play this week, I have some news that might sting a little. The Detroit Lions are officially done for the season.
It’s a weird feeling, honestly. After a couple of years where the "One Pride" faithful were used to deep January runs and high-stakes playoff drama, the 2025-26 campaign hit a bit of a wall. The Lions finished their regular season on January 4, 2026, with a gritty 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears, but it wasn't enough to punch a ticket to the postseason.
So, while the rest of the NFC is currently beating each other up in the Divisional Round, the Lions are back in Allen Park cleaning out lockers and looking toward the draft.
The Playoff Picture Without Detroit
While Detroit is sidelined, the NFL schedule is still moving at breakneck speed. This weekend—January 17 and 18, 2026—features some massive matchups that Lions fans are probably watching with a bit of "what if" in their hearts.
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Specifically, the NFC is seeing the San Francisco 49ers travel to face the Seattle Seahawks, and the Los Angeles Rams taking on the Chicago Bears. It’s particularly annoying for Lions fans to see the Bears in this spot, especially since Detroit actually beat them in the final week of the season. But because the Vikings swept the Lions earlier in the year, Detroit ended up at the bottom of the NFC North despite a respectable 9-8 winning record.
Football is a game of inches. And tiebreakers.
Why the Lions Aren't Playing This Week
The 2025 season was a bit of a rollercoaster. They started hot, but the wheels kind of wobbled mid-season. Why? A few reasons experts are pointing to:
- Coaching Turnover: The team parted ways with Offensive Coordinator John Morton. It’s hard to find a rhythm when the play-calling duties are in flux.
- Secondary Struggles: Injuries hit the defensive backfield hard. You can't let elite QBs pick you apart and expect to play in late January.
- The Division Got Tough: The NFC North is currently a meat grinder. When a 9-8 record lands you in 4th place, you know the neighborhood is getting expensive.
Dan Campbell hasn't minced words about it. He’s already mentioned he’s open to keeping the play-calling duties himself for 2026 or finding a "home run" hire to replace Morton. Names like Arthur Smith and Mike McDaniel have been floating around the Detroit rumor mill, though McDaniel is currently a hot commodity for head coaching vacancies elsewhere.
Looking Ahead: The 2026 Opponents Are Already Set
Since the Lions aren't playing this week, the front office is already looking at the 2026 schedule. Because they finished 4th in the division, they actually get a "last-place schedule" next year, which might be the silver lining this fan base needs.
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Next season, Ford Field will host some heavy hitters. We’re talking about the New England Patriots, Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and the New York Jets. On the road, they’ll have to travel to Buffalo and Miami. It’s not an easy road, but it’s a clear one.
What Should Lions Fans Do This Weekend?
Basically, you’ve got two choices. You can mope about the fact that the Lions aren't playing, or you can scout the competition.
Watching the Rams vs. Bears game is probably your best bet. You’ll get to see how Chicago handles the pressure—and let’s be real, most Lions fans will be rooting for a Rams blowout.
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The focus now shifts to the 2026 NFL Draft, which is happening in Pittsburgh this April. Detroit currently holds the No. 17 overall pick. Most mock drafts are already screaming for offensive line depth or a premier edge rusher to pair with Aidan Hutchinson.
Next Steps for Lions Fans:
- Monitor the OC Search: Keep an eye on who Dan Campbell interviews over the next ten days. This hire will define the 2026 offense.
- Draft Prep: Start looking at scouting reports for offensive tackles. Protecting the QB is clearly Priority No. 1 for the offseason.
- Root for Chaos: Since Detroit is out, the best way to enjoy the playoffs is to hope for the most dramatic, bracket-busting upsets possible.