Detroit Lions TV Schedule
✦ Edited and fact-checked by Taylor Kujawa, our Sports Editor with 8+ years covering the sports and digital media industries.
2026 Detroit Lions schedule and game times
With a rugged slate of physical NFC North battles and high-profile travel on deck, the 2026 Detroit Lions TV schedule promises plenty of hard-hitting, energetic football. The season includes its fair share of standard Sunday games, as well as marquee matchups worth circling on your calendar.
To stay on top of everything the schedule has to offer, we recommend bookmarking this page. After all, we monitor all the broadcast details, including kickoff times and channel listings, so you know exactly when and where to catch the games on TV.
NFL - Detroit Lions Schedule
| Week | Opponent | Date | Time (ET) | Channels |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Preseason | Thursday, Aug. 13 | 7:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Preseason | Saturday, Aug. 22 | 12:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Preseason | Saturday, Aug. 29 | 1:00 p.m. | TBD | |
Week 1 | Sunday, Sept. 13 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
Week 2 | Thursday, Sept. 17 | 8:15 p.m. | ||
Week 3 | Sunday, Sept. 27 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
Week 4 | Sunday, Oct. 4 | 8:20 p.m. | ||
Week 5 | Sunday, Oct. 11 | 4:25 p.m. | ||
Week 6 | Bye Week | — | — | — |
Week 7 | Sunday, Oct. 25 | 4:25 p.m. | ||
Week 8 | Sunday, Nov. 1 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
Week 9 | Sunday, Nov. 8 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
Week 10 | Sunday, Nov. 15 | 9:30 a.m. | ||
Week 11 | Sunday, Nov. 22 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
Week 12 | Thursday, Nov. 26 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
Week 13 | Sunday, Dec. 6 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
Week 14 | Sunday, Dec. 13 | 1:00 p.m. | ||
Week 15 | Sunday, Dec. 20 | 8:20 p.m. | ||
Week 16 | Monday, Dec. 28 | 8:15 p.m. | ||
Week 17 | Sunday, Jan. 3 | 4:25 p.m. | ||
Week 18 | TBD | TBD | TBD |
Key dates for the 2026 Lions season
As you can see above, the 2026 NFL calendar gives Detroit a grueling dose of holiday battles, overseas flights, and bitter divisional rivalries. Here are five noteworthy details to keep an eye on.
- Home opener: The Lions officially open the gates at Ford Field on September 13, welcoming the New Orleans Saints to Detroit to kick off their home slate in Week 1.
- International trip: Detroit travels to Germany to face the New England Patriots at Allianz Arena in Munich on November 15. It’s an early matchup, so be sure to set your alarm.
- Bye week: The team’s week of rest comes early on, as the Lions get a Week 6 bye—giving them the weekend of October 18 off.
- Thanksgiving Day: A cherished Motor City tradition continues as the Lions host the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on November 26.
- NFC North showdowns: The Lions face a brutal winter stretch, traveling to Soldier Field to play the Chicago Bears on January 3 before an intense Week 18 clash against the Green Bay Packers.
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Detroit Lions TV schedule FAQ
How many primetime games do the Lions have?
Detroit has four confirmed primetime games in 2026. The team also has at least two nationally televised games in early windows, including their Munich game on FOX and their annual Thanksgiving Day showcase on CBS.
When do the Lions play the Packers this season?
Detroit hosts the Green Bay Packers at Ford Field on Sunday, October 25. The Lions will later close out the regular season by traveling to Lambeau Field for a Week 18 rematch, scheduled for either January 9 or 10.
When do the Lions play the Bears this season?
The Lions host the Chicago Bears at Ford Field on Thanksgiving Day (November 26). The two division rivals will meet again for a late-season rematch at Soldier Field in Chicago on January 3.
Which Lions games are subject to flexible scheduling?
Most late-season Sunday matchups are subject to the NFL's flexible scheduling policy. Start times and broadcast channels for the Lions' crucial December and January NFC North battles could shift to maximize national television audiences.
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CableTV.com editors created this article using original analysis and proprietary inputs, with AI tools assisting in drafting. The final content was reviewed and edited for accuracy and quality.
