If you’re checking the scores to see who scored for the lions today, you might be a little confused by the calendar. Today is Wednesday, January 14, 2026. The NFL regular season is officially in the rearview mirror, and for the Detroit Lions, the pads are already tucked away in lockers.
Detroit didn’t play today. They aren't in the playoffs this year. Honestly, it’s a bit of a bummer for a city that’s been riding a high for a few years, but the 2025-2026 campaign ended on a bittersweet note ten days ago.
The last time the Lions actually put points on the board was January 4, 2026, in a gritty, cold-weather battle at Soldier Field against the Chicago Bears. Even though the Lions finished the season 9-8 and missed out on a Wild Card berth, they went out swinging. They played spoiler. They beat a playoff-bound Bears team 19-16.
The Men Who Put Up Points in the Finale
The scoring summary from that January 4th game tells the story of a team that relied on its superstars and a very reliable leg.
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Jake Bates was the absolute hero of the day. He didn’t just score; he carried the entire offensive production through the uprights. Bates accounted for 13 of the Lions' 19 points. He was perfect. He knocked down field goals from 34, 30, and 25 yards before the drama really started.
Then there was the touchdown. Jahmyr Gibbs proved once again why he’s one of the most electric playmakers in the league. In the second quarter, Jared Goff found Gibbs on a short 15-yard pass that Gibbs basically turned into a highlight reel. He shook a defender, hit the corner, and dove into the end zone.
But the real story of who scored for the lions today—or rather, in their final game—was the walk-off. With the score tied 16-16 and the clock bleeding out, Bates stepped up for a 42-yarder. He drilled it. Game over. Lions win.
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Breaking Down the Points
- Jake Bates (K): 13 points (4 FGs, 1 PAT)
- Jahmyr Gibbs (RB): 6 points (1 Receiving TD)
Why the Lions Aren't Playing Today
It’s weird not seeing Detroit in the Wild Card mix. After the success of the previous seasons, 9-8 feels like a step backward, even if it’s a winning record. The NFC North was a meatgrinder this year. The Chicago Bears (11-6) and the Green Bay Packers (9-7-1) both squeezed into the postseason, leaving Dan Campbell’s squad on the outside looking in.
The Lions had some glaring issues down the stretch. They lost four straight games in December. That’s where the season evaporated. Losses to the Vikings, Rams, and Steelers turned a promising 8-4 start into a desperate scramble. By the time they beat the Bears in Week 18, the math just didn't work in their favor anymore.
Amon-Ra St. Brown was his usual self, hauling in 11 catches for 139 yards in that final game. He was actually named the "Player of the Game" by some outlets, even though he didn't find the end zone. He moved the chains. He kept the drives alive so Bates could finish them.
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What Happens Next for Detroit?
Since the Lions are done, the focus has immediately shifted to the front office. Brad Holmes has a lot of work to do. The team is currently looking for a new Offensive Coordinator, and there’s a lot of chatter about getting Goff more weapons or perhaps shoring up a secondary that got scorched during that December losing streak.
The 2026 NFL Draft order is already being solidified. Because the Lions finished with nine wins, they aren't getting a top-10 pick, but they’ll have enough draft capital to be dangerous.
If you're looking for live football right now, you'll have to look toward the Divisional Round matchups coming up this weekend. The Lions are observers now. It’s a tough pill to swallow for Lions fans who expected a deep January run, but that walk-off win against Chicago at least provided a moment of pride to end the year.
Actionable Next Steps for Fans:
- Check the final 2025-2026 NFC North standings to see exactly how the tiebreakers fell.
- Monitor the Detroit Lions' official "Daily Drive" updates for news on the new Offensive Coordinator search.
- Look ahead to the 2026 NFL Draft projections, where the Lions will likely target defensive back depth or a vertical threat at wide receiver.