Detroit Lions 2026 Schedule and How to Watch with Sling TV
After another season that fell short of expectations, the Detroit Lions are looking to get back among the NFC's elite in 2026. Here's a complete look at their schedule, offseason additions, and how to watch Lions games with Sling.
The 2025 NFL season was a frustrating one in Detroit. After winning back-to-back NFC North titles in 2023 and 2024, the Lions stumbled to a 9-8 finish and missed the playoffs. Now, head coach Dan Campbell and quarterback Jared Goff return with one of the league's most talented cores, led by playmakers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs, Sam LaPorta, and Aidan Hutchinson. The NFC North remains one of football's toughest divisions, but Detroit has the talent to once again compete for a division title and make a deep postseason run.
Here’s a look at Detroit’s 2026 schedule, along with a deep dive into their offseason moves. Lions fans in Detroit can watch games on FOX, ESPN, and NFL Network by subscribing to Sling Essentials + Select using the link below.
Detroit Lions Training Camp and Preseason Games on Sling
The Lions report to training camp on Tuesday, July 28 and will continue through Aug. 20. Here's a look at Detroit’s preseason schedule, including the games available to watch live with Sling:
Week 1:Thu., Aug. 13 – at Cincinnati Bengals – 7:30 PM ET
Week 2: Sat., Aug. 22 – vs. Washington Commanders – 1:00 PM ET
Week 3: Sat., Aug. 29 – at Indianapolis Colts – 1:00 PM ET
Detroit Lions 2026 Schedule and How to Watch with Sling
Key Matchups to Watch
- Buffalo Bills (Week 2): An early-season Thursday Night Football showdown between two Super Bowl hopefuls. Traveling to Buffalo on a short week will provide an immediate measuring stick for a Lions team looking to establish itself among the AFC and NFC elite.
- Green Bay Packers (Week 7): Detroit opens its NFC North slate with a critical home matchup against its longtime rival. Division games are always pivotal, and this one could help shape the race for the NFC North crown.
- Minnesota Vikings (Week 15): A late-season Sunday Night Football showdown in Minneapolis could have major playoff implications. With both teams expected to contend in the division, this primetime matchup may prove to be one of the biggest games on Detroit's schedule.
Detroit Lions Prime Time Games
- Week 2: at Buffalo Bills — Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night)
- Week 4: at Carolina Panthers — NBC (Sunday Night)
- Week 15: at Minnesota Vikings — NBC (Sunday Night)
- Week 16: vs. New York Giants — ESPN/ABC (Monday Night)
2026 Detroit Lions Season Outlook
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=txy8yPba7O0
The Lions enter the 2026 season looking to bounce back after a disappointing 9-8 finish that left them out of the playoffs following back-to-back NFC North titles in 2023 and 2024. Despite the setback, Detroit returns one of the NFL's most talented cores. Head coach Dan Campbell, general manager Brad Holmes, and quarterback Jared Goff remain in place, joined by offensive standouts Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jahmyr Gibbs and Sam LaPorta, while Aidan Hutchinson anchors a defense that expects to take a significant step forward.
Holmes was aggressive in reshaping the roster during the offseason, adding experienced contributors in free agency while reinforcing key positions through the draft. The Lions addressed depth along the offensive line, secondary and backfield, while also investing in young defensive talent to improve a unit that struggled with injuries in 2025. If Detroit can stay healthy and quickly integrate its newcomers, the Lions have the pieces to return to the top of the NFC North and contend for a deep playoff run.
Detroit Lions Free Agent Additions
- Isiah Pacheco, RB (Kansas City Chiefs)
- Larry Borom, OT (Chicago Bears)
- Cade Mays, C (Carolina Panthers)
- Roger McCreary, CB (Tennessee Titans)
- Christian Izien, DB (Tampa Bay Buccaneers)
- Tyler Conklin, TE (New York Jets)
Detroit Lions 2026 Draft Class
- Blake Miller, OT (Clemson) — Round 1, Pick 17
- Derrick Moore, EDGE (Michigan) — Round 2, Pick 44
- Jimmy Rolder, LB (Michigan) — Round 4, Pick 118
- Keith Abney II, CB (Arizona State) — Round 5, Pick 157
- Kendrick Law, WR (Kentucky) — Round 5, Pick 168
- Skyler Gill-Howard, DT (Texas Tech) — Round 6, Pick 205
- Tyre West, DL (Tennessee) — Round 7, Pick 222