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The Detroit Lions may have fewer primetime games in 2026 due to their heavy schedule in 2025. Despite their popularity, the team is expected to see a reduction in nationally televised matchups.
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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. Jeffrey Becker-Imagn Images
The Lions could see fewer primetime and nationally televised games in 2026, and it wonāt really be their fault
The Detroit Lions have been one of the most popular teams in the NFL in the last three years. Because of that, theyāve 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.
For starters, the Lions are playing some pretty bad teams this year because they have a fourth-place schedule. Many of the teams theyāre playing this season either didnāt have a primetime game or had just one or two. Take a look.
The Lionsā opponents this year didnāt have much exposure in 2025
The Lions could see a reduction in primetime games due to the demanding schedule they faced in 2025, which included many nationally televised matchups.
In 2025, the Detroit Lions had only five 1:00 PM games, with one being on Thanksgiving.
The scheduling of the Lions' games is influenced by their popularity, previous performance, and the demand for nationally televised matchups.
The Lions' 2025 schedule featured mostly 4:25 PM games, primetime broadcasts, and holiday games, making it particularly demanding.

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Ok, letās break it down a little further. A lot of the teams that didnāt have a lot of national exposure last year didnāt really get any better. You can make an argument for the Panthers, but thatās about it.
Then there are some of the teams that had a good amount, but probably wonāt in 2026. The Dolphins are going pretty much full rebuild, and didnāt do anything in the offseason that screams star power. The Vikings are NFC North rivals, but theyāre pointing towards rebuilding themselves and feel like 1:00 opponents. The Falcons are on the bubble. But they donāt have a lot of star power outside of Bijan Robinson.
Then thereās 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. Thatās 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 thereās a lot of stars. That one writes itself. Then thereās 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. Thatās where I see the Panthers game being.
If youāre thinking the Lions see no primetime games, thatās not happening. Instead of five, you might see three. Then add two more nationally televised games with Thanksgiving and Germany. Maybe throw in an Americaās Game of the Week or two in there as well.
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Mike Payton May 4, 2026