The energy in Detroit is... complicated right now. After a gritty 19-16 win over the Chicago Bears on January 4, 2026, to close out the season, the locker room didn't head to the playoffs. They headed home. If you're looking for the short answer to when do detroit lions play next, the reality is that the pads won't pop for real until August 2026.
It’s a long wait.
The 2025 campaign was a rollercoaster that ended with a 9-8 record. While a winning season used to be a dream in this city, the bar has shifted under Dan Campbell. Finishing fourth in the NFC North felt like a gut punch, especially after the high-flying success of 2024. But because the regular season is over and the Lions missed the postseason cut, the "next game" isn't a fixed date on the calendar just yet.
The Long Wait for the 2026 Season
We don't have a kickoff time. We don't even have a day of the week. Typically, the NFL releases the official 2026 schedule in mid-May. That’s when we’ll know if the Lions open on a Sunday afternoon or if they've snagged another primetime slot.
Basically, you’re looking at these windows:
- Late July 2026: Training camp starts. No real games, but fans usually flock to Allen Park to see if the new draft picks can actually hit.
- Early August 2026: Preseason begins. Expect three games here, though the starters might only play a series or two.
- September 10-14, 2026: The official Week 1 of the 2026 NFL season.
Honestly, the "next" meaningful thing isn't a game at all. It’s the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh from April 23–25. Since the Lions finished 9-8 and landed in the middle of the pack, they’ve secured the No. 17 overall pick. Brad Holmes has a history of finding gems, and with seven picks currently in the bag—including two in the sixth round—that April weekend is effectively the start of the next season.
Who Will the Lions Face in 2026?
Even without the dates, the opponents are locked in. Because the Lions finished fourth in their division, their 2026 strength of schedule looks a bit different than the gauntlet they ran last year.
At Ford Field, you'll see the usual suspects: the Bears, Packers, and Vikings. But the 2026 home slate also brings some heavy hitters to Detroit. The New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers are the headliners. You’ve also got the Jets, Titans, and the New York Giants coming to town.
The road schedule is where things get tricky. The Lions have to travel to face the Buffalo Bills and the Miami Dolphins. If those games land in November or December, weather becomes a massive factor. They’ll also fly out to play the Falcons, Panthers, and Cardinals.
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Why the 2025 Season Ended Early
It’s weird to think about when do detroit lions play next when the sting of 2025 is still fresh. How did a 9-8 team miss out? It came down to a few ugly stretches. A three-game skid late in the year really derailed things.
Injuries in the secondary were a nightmare. Plus, the offensive line—usually the team’s biggest strength—struggled with consistency. Penei Sewell and Jack Campbell both earned First-Team All-Pro honors, which is huge, but it wasn't enough to overcome five losses decided by a single possession.
Amon-Ra St. Brown has already been vocal about the "sting" of missing the playoffs. He’s the kind of player who keeps a mental list of everyone who doubted him. That 19-16 victory in Week 18 against the Bears was a nice way to end, but it felt like a consolation prize.
What to Do While Waiting for Kickoff
Since we’re months away from a live snap, the focus shifts to roster construction. Free agency kicks off on March 11, 2026. This is when the Lions have to decide which unrestricted free agents are worth the bag and which ones they’ll let walk.
Keep an eye on these milestones:
- February 23 – March 2: The Scouting Combine in Indy.
- March 9 – 11: The "legal tampering" period where the rumors start flying.
- April 20: Offseason workout programs begin.
You can catch most of the 2026 games on the usual networks—FOX and CBS handle the bulk of the NFC North matchups. If the Lions get a Thursday Night game, it'll be on Amazon Prime. For the out-of-town fans, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube remains the go-to.
The 2026 schedule will feature nine home games and eight road games. It's an extra chance to see them at Ford Field compared to last year. While the "when" is still a mystery, the "who" and "where" are ready to go.
Actionable Next Steps for Lions Fans
- Mark the Draft: Block off April 23-25, 2026, on your calendar to see who the Lions take at No. 17.
- Monitor Free Agency: Watch the news starting March 11 to see how Brad Holmes addresses the secondary depth.
- Set a Schedule Alert: Expect the full 2026 NFL schedule release around the second week of May.