The 2026 Detroit Lions schedule begins in the preseason on August 13 with a road game at the Cincinnati Bengals. From there the full 2026 Detroit Lions schedule includes three exhibition games, a 17-game regular season, one bye week, an international contest in Germany, multiple primetime windows, and a Thanksgiving home game that will shape the year.
Here is every date, time, network, and venue for the upcoming season.
2026 Detroit Lions Schedule
| Date | Logo | Opponent | Time | Tickets |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Preseason | ||||
| Thursday | at Cincinnati BengalsPaycor Stadium, Cincinnati, OH | 7:00pm ET ETLocal | ||
| Preseason | ||||
| Saturday | Washington CommandersFord Field, Detroit, MI | 12:00pm ET ETLocal | ||
| Preseason | ||||
| Saturday | at Indianapolis ColtsLucas Oil Stadium, Indianapolis, IN | 1:00pm ET ETNFLN/Local | ||
| Sunday | New Orleans SaintsFord Field, Detroit, MI | 1:00pm ET ETFOX | ||
| Thursday | at Buffalo BillsHighmark Stadium, Orchard Park, NY | 8:15pm ET ETPrime Video | ||
| Sunday | New York JetsFord Field, Detroit, MI | 1:00pm ET ETFOX | ||
| Sunday | at Carolina PanthersBank of America Stadium, Charlotte, NC | 8:20pm ET ETNBC/Peacock | ||
| Sunday | at Arizona CardinalsState Farm Stadium, Glendale, AZ | 4:25pm ET ETFOX | ||
| Bye Week | ||||
| Sunday | OFF | |||
| Sunday | Green Bay PackersFord Field, Detroit, MI | 4:25pm ET ETFOX | ||
| Sunday | Minnesota VikingsFord Field, Detroit, MI | 1:00pm ET ETFOX | ||
| Sunday | at Miami DolphinsHard Rock Stadium, Miami Gardens, FL | 1:00pm ET ETFOX | ||
| International Game | ||||
| Sunday | New England PatriotsFC Bayern Munich Stadium, Munich, Germany | 9:30am ET ETFOX | ||
| Sunday | Tampa Bay BuccaneersFord Field, Detroit, MI | 1:00pm ET ETCBS | ||
| Thursday | Chicago BearsFord Field, Detroit, MI | 1:00pm ET ETCBS | ||
| Sunday | at Atlanta FalconsMercedes-Benz Stadium, Atlanta, GA | 1:00pm ET ETCBS | ||
| Sunday | Tennessee TitansFord Field, Detroit, MI | 1:00pm ET ETFOX | ||
| Sunday | at Minnesota VikingsU.S. Bank Stadium, Minneapolis, MN | 8:20pm ET ETNBC/Peacock | ||
| Monday | New York GiantsFord Field, Detroit, MI | 8:15pm ET ETESPN | ||
| Sunday | at Chicago BearsSoldier Field, Chicago, IL | 4:25pm ET ETFOX | ||
| TBA or Sat Jan 9 | ||||
| Sunday | at Green Bay PackersLambeau Field, Green Bay, WI | Time TBA ETTV TBA | ||
Preseason Results
Detroit finished the preseason 2-1. The Lions opened with a 16-14 loss at Cincinnati, followed with a 17-13 win over Washington at home, and closed with a 25-16 victory at Indianapolis. Those results gave the coaching staff a solid evaluation period before the regular season began.
How the Regular Season Unfolds
The Lions open at home against the New Orleans Saints, then travel to Buffalo on Thursday Night Football. A home contest against the Jets follows, leading into Sunday night and afternoon road games at Carolina and Arizona. The bye week arrives on October 18.
After the break Detroit hosts Green Bay and Minnesota, then visits Miami. An international game against New England in Munich comes next, followed by home dates with Tampa Bay and Chicago on Thanksgiving. A road contest at Atlanta sits in early December, then a home game against Tennessee, a Sunday night trip to Minnesota, and a Monday night home date with the Giants. The season closes with a road contest at Chicago and a finale at Green Bay (still TBA and possibly flexed to Saturday). The combination of early home opportunities, two meetings with Green Bay, Minnesota, and Chicago, a useful midseason bye, an international contest, and a late stretch filled with primetime and holiday games gives the schedule a distinct rhythm.
Games That Stand Out
A few dates already feel bigger than the rest. The Thursday night trip to Buffalo and the international game against New England in Munich are clear calendar highlights. The two meetings with Green Bay, the two against Minnesota, and the two against Chicago will go a long way toward deciding the NFC North. The Sunday night game at Carolina, the Thanksgiving home contest against Chicago, the Sunday night trip to Minnesota, and the Monday night home date with the Giants also land in high-visibility windows.
How to Watch Lions Games
Most Sunday afternoon games are listed on FOX or CBS. Primetime slots include Prime Video, NBC/Peacock, and ESPN. The Munich game airs on FOX at 9:30 a.m. ET. The final contest remains TBA. Preseason used local and NFL Network coverage. Check local listings closer to each week for any flexible scheduling updates.
What This Schedule Means for Detroit
The 2026 Detroit Lions schedule offers an early home start, a rare international game in Germany, and a demanding late stretch filled with division and national-window opportunities. The mid-October bye arrives at a useful point, and the combination of NFC North rivalries and tougher interconference tests will keep every week meaningful. How the Lions handle the North slate and the tougher primetime games will largely determine their postseason path.
FAQ
When does the 2026 Detroit Lions schedule start?
Preseason begins August 13 at Cincinnati. The regular season opens September 13 against New Orleans.
When is the Lions’ bye week?
Detroit is off on October 18.
How many home games do the Lions have?
Nine regular-season Lions home games at Ford Field (including the international game), plus one preseason home contest.
Are there any special or TBA games on the schedule?
Yes. The game against New England is an international contest in Munich, multiple primetime windows are locked in, and the final game at Green Bay remains TBA and could still be flexed to Saturday.
