The Lions could see a fair dial back in primetime games in 2026 -Why we think that

The Lions could see fewer primetime and nationally televised games in 2026, and it won’t really be their fault

Mike Payton — Detroit Lions Beat Writer
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Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium.
Dec 25, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Detroit Lions quarterback Jared Goff (16) calls a play at the line of scrimmage against the Minnesota Vikings in the first quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images

The Detroit Lions have been one of the most popular teams in the NFL in the last three years. Because of that, they’ve been featured to the rest of the country a lot.

In 2025, the Lions had just five 1:00 games all year. One of those was Thanksgiving. Every other game the Lions had was either 4:25. nationally televised in prime time, or on a holiday. That schedule was a real marathon for the players, fans, and us in the media. It might be a little easier in 2026.

The Lions’ schedule points to the team having a lot fewer primetime or nationally televised games

For starters, the Lions are playing some pretty bad teams this year because they have a fourth-place schedule. Many of the teams they’re playing this season either didn’t have a primetime game or had just one or two. Take a look.

Primetime games for the Lions’ 2026 opponents in 2025

The Lions’ opponents this year didn’t have much exposure in 2025

  • Falcons: 5
  • Bills: 5
  • Panthers: 1
  • Bears: 3
  • Packers: 4
  • Vikings: 4
  • Saints: 0
  • Buccaneers: 4
  • Patriots: 3
  • Jets: 2
  • Dolphins: 5
  • Cardinals: 2
  • Titans: 0
  • Giants: 3

Ok, let’s break it down a little further. A lot of the teams that didn’t have a lot of national exposure last year didn’t really get any better. You can make an argument for the Panthers, but that’s about it.

Then there are some of the teams that had a good amount, but probably won’t in 2026. The Dolphins are going pretty much full rebuild, and didn’t do anything in the offseason that screams star power. The Vikings are NFC North rivals, but they’re pointing towards rebuilding themselves and feel like 1:00 opponents. The Falcons are on the bubble. But they don’t have a lot of star power outside of Bijan Robinson.

Then there’s Germany. The teams that are speculated to be there against the Lions are the Giants, Buccaneers, and Patriots. Just a hunch here, but the Giants make the most sense. That’s going to be an early morning game.

So where could the primetime games come from? Look where the star power and the stories are. The Lions and Bills always have a fun matchup and there’s a lot of stars. That one writes itself. Then there’s Dan Campbell vs Ben Johnson parts three and four. One of those is bound to be a prime-time game.

Then you have to account for the Thursday night matchup with the up-and-coming team. That’s where I see the Panthers game being.

If you’re thinking the Lions see no primetime games, that’s not happening. Instead of five, you might see three. Then add two more nationally televised games with Thanksgiving and Germany. Maybe throw in an America’s Game of the Week or two in there as well.

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