If you’re checking the scores today, January 14, 2026, looking for a fresh Lions result, I’ve got some news that might sting a little. The Detroit Lions did not play a game today. In fact, their season officially wrapped up over a week ago on January 4th.
They won that game. It was a gritty, classic Dan Campbell-style 19-16 victory over the Chicago Bears at a chilly Soldier Field. But despite that win, the Lions are watching the playoffs from the couch this week. Honestly, it's the kind of bittersweet ending that only Detroit fans truly understand.
Who won the Detroit Lions game today?
The short answer is nobody. The Detroit Lions finished their regular season with a 9-8 record. While they managed to beat the Bears in their Week 18 finale, it wasn't enough to secure a wildcard spot in the NFC.
Today is Wednesday. The NFL is currently in the lull between the Wild Card round—which just wrapped up on Monday night—and the Divisional round starting this coming Saturday. If you saw the headlines about the Bears winning a massive playoff thriller against the Packers recently, you might have felt a twinge of "that should have been us."
The Week 18 Finale: Lions 19, Bears 16
Let’s look back at that final game because it actually mattered quite a bit, even if it didn't lead to a playoff berth.
📖 Related: Vince Carter Meme I Got One More: The Story Behind the Internet's Favorite Comeback
Jake Bates. Remember that name. The kicker was the absolute hero of the afternoon. He accounted for 13 of the Lions' 19 points, including the game-winning 42-yard field goal as time expired.
The game was a defensive slugfest for three quarters. Detroit’s defense looked like the unit we expected all year, holding Caleb Williams and the Bears scoreless through the first half. Jared Goff was efficient, if not explosive, leaning heavily on Amon-Ra St. Brown, who put up a massive 139 yards on 11 catches.
Why the win didn't lead to a playoff spot
It’s a math problem.
- The Lions finished 9-8.
- The Minnesota Vikings also finished 9-8.
- Because the Vikings swept the Lions during the regular season, Detroit ended up in 4th place in the NFC North.
Basically, the NFC was incredibly top-heavy this year. Teams like the Rams and 49ers snatched up the wildcard spots with better records, leaving Detroit on the outside looking in.
👉 See also: Finding the Best Texas Longhorns iPhone Wallpaper Without the Low-Res Junk
The "What If" Factor: Lions vs. The 2026 Playoff Field
It’s frustrating to see the teams currently advancing. Just this past weekend, we saw the Chicago Bears (the team Detroit just beat!) take down the Green Bay Packers 31-27 in the Wild Card round.
It makes you wonder. If Detroit had found one more win in December—maybe that close loss to the Steelers or the shootout against the Rams—they’d be the ones preparing for a Divisional matchup right now. Instead, the front office is already pivoting to the 2026 NFL Draft.
The Fallout: John Morton Fired
The biggest news coming out of Allen Park since the season ended wasn't a score. It was a pink slip.
On January 6, head coach Dan Campbell made the tough call to fire offensive coordinator John Morton after just one season. The offense, while statistically decent, lacked the "identity" Campbell demands. There’s already a ton of chatter about who takes the reigns next. Rumors are swirling about a few former Lions quarterbacks potentially joining the staff, but nothing is set in stone yet.
✨ Don't miss: Why Isn't Mbappe Playing Today: The Real Madrid Crisis Explained
What's Next for the Lions?
Since you can't watch them play today, here is the timeline for the Detroit Lions' offseason. This is where the 2026 roster actually gets built.
- Senior Bowl (January 31): Brad Holmes will be in Mobile, Alabama, scouting the next wave of talent.
- Franchise Tag Window (Feb 17 - March 3): Keep an eye on Alim McNeill and other key expiring contracts.
- Free Agency Starts (March 11): This is the "legal tampering" period where the Lions have to address the secondary.
- 2026 NFL Draft (April): Because of their 9-8 finish, Detroit's draft position is locked in the middle of the pack.
The Lions have 28 free agents heading into this spring. That includes veterans like Alex Anzalone, who has been the heartbeat of the defense. Decisions made in the next six weeks will dictate whether the Lions return to the top of the NFC North or stay stuck in this "almost" territory.
It’s a tough day to be a fan when the playoff highlights are playing and your team isn't in them. But a winning season is still a winning season. The foundation is there; the execution just needs to catch up to the hype.
If you’re looking for a team to root for this weekend since the Lions are out, the divisional matchups feature some familiar foes. You can catch the 49ers taking on the Seahawks or the Rams heading to Chicago for a rematch that Lions fans will definitely be watching with a "we beat them" smirk.
Key Offseason Insight: Watch the offensive coordinator search. Dan Campbell took over play-calling late in the season, and whether he keeps those duties or hands them to a new hire will be the biggest storyline of the summer.