The NFL has officially announced the kickoff time and date for the Detroit Lions’ Week 18 matchup against the Chicago Bears — and the final game of the 2025 regular season will now take place on Sunday, January 4, 2026 at 4:25 p.m. ET. The game will be televised nationally on FOX with coverage also available via streaming on the FOX Sports App and FOXSports.com. �
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This scheduling update comes after a tumultuous stretch for Detroit. The Lions were eliminated from playoff contention after their Christmas Day loss to the Vikings, but Sunday’s game still carries significance — particularly for draft positioning and offseason momentum heading into 2026. A loss could improve Detroit’s draft slot, while a win would help close the season on a high note against an NFC North rival. �
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Here’s what you need to know about the updated schedule:
📅 Date: Sunday, January 4, 2026
⏰ Kickoff Time: 4:25 p.m. ET
📺 TV: FOX
📱 Streaming: FOX Sports App, FOXSports.com
📍 Location: Soldier Field — Chicago, IL �
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This Week 18 broadcast time is part of the league’s broader Week 18 schedule, which features games across the afternoon and into the evening as teams wrap up their regular seasons. �
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For Lions fans, this matchup may not have playoff implications, but it remains a chance for the team to finish strong, build confidence heading into the offseason, and give Lion Nation something to cheer about before 2026 arrives.
BREAKING SCHEDULE UPDATE: Lions–Bears Kickoff Time Changed for National FOX Broadcast
