What Network Is Lions Game On

What Network is Lions Game On? Your Complete Guide

Figuring out where to watch the Detroit Lions play can sometimes feel like solving a puzzle. With so many networks and streaming options available, it’s easy to get confused. This guide will clear up the confusion and make sure you never miss a Lions game. We’ll break down the different networks that usually show Lions games, explain how the NFL schedule works, and give you tips on where to find the game each week. Let’s jump in and make sure you’re all set to cheer on the Lions!

Understanding the NFL Broadcasting Landscape

The National Football League (NFL) has a very specific way of distributing its games across different TV networks and streaming services. This system is set up to reach the most people possible and make sure there’s a variety of games to watch each week. Knowing the main players involved in broadcasting NFL games will help you a lot when trying to figure out what channel the Lions are playing on.

The Big Networks: Where Most Games Air

Four main networks traditionally broadcast the majority of NFL games during the regular season:

• CBS (Columbia Broadcasting System): CBS often shows games from the American Football Conference (AFC). However, they sometimes show games involving the Lions when the Lions play an AFC team.
• Fox: Fox primarily broadcasts games from the National Football Conference (NFC), which is where the Lions play. Because the Lions are in the NFC, Fox is the network you will most often see the Lions on.
• NBC (National Broadcasting Company): NBC is the home for “Sunday Night Football,” which features prime-time matchups, including Lions games from time to time.
• ESPN (Entertainment and Sports Programming Network): ESPN primarily airs “Monday Night Football,” but it may also air some other special games including some with the Lions.

These are the main networks you’ll want to keep an eye on. They make up the core of the NFL broadcasting schedule. Knowing which conference the Lions play in will give you a clue about the network you need to check.

Other Important Broadcast Partners

Besides the big four, there are other outlets that may occasionally carry Lions games. These include:

• NFL Network: This channel is dedicated entirely to the NFL and often broadcasts Thursday night games, and may occasionally show other contests too.
• Amazon Prime Video: In recent years, Amazon has gained the rights to “Thursday Night Football” and shows those games exclusively on its streaming platform. So, if a Lions game is on a Thursday, check if it’s on Amazon Prime.
• Local Channels: Sometimes, local TV stations will broadcast games that aren’t on national networks, particularly if it’s a rivalry game, or the game is being shown through a local affiliate for one of the main networks (for example if the Lions game is on Fox, you will likely see it on the local affiliate of Fox).

How the NFL Schedule Affects Game Broadcasting

The NFL schedule isn’t random. It’s carefully created so that teams play a fair and varied number of opponents. This scheduling also dictates which network gets to broadcast each game. A few things are important to remember:

Conference Matchups and Network Affiliations

As mentioned before, the Lions are part of the NFC. This means that many of their regular season games, especially non-prime-time games, will air on Fox. However, when the Lions play a team from the AFC, the game could potentially be shown on CBS instead. These affiliations aren’t set in stone, but they do act as a guide to know what to expect.

Prime Time Games: Sunday, Monday, and Thursday

Prime time games have their own networks:

• Sunday Night Football: This game is usually on NBC. So, if the Lions are playing on Sunday night, you’ll be looking for the game on NBC.
• Monday Night Football: This game is broadcast on ESPN. If you see the Lions on Monday night, head over to ESPN.
• Thursday Night Football: These games are usually on NFL Network or Amazon Prime Video. Now, in a lot of cases, Thursday Night Football is primarily on Amazon Prime Video.

Flex Scheduling

Flex scheduling is important to understand, especially later in the season. The NFL can change the times and broadcast networks of some games to make sure more important games are shown to a wider audience. This means a Lions game that was scheduled for the afternoon on Fox can be “flexed” to a prime-time slot on NBC or ESPN. You should always double-check the schedule closer to game time to make sure you know what channel to watch.

Finding the Right Network for the Lions Game: A Step-by-Step Guide

With all of this information, finding the right network may still seem tricky, but it doesn’t have to be! Here is a process you can use to find out which network is broadcasting the Lions game.

Step 1: Check the NFL Schedule

The first step is to check the NFL’s official schedule. You can find this information on the NFL’s website or through many sports news outlets. These schedules will show you the day, time, and even the broadcast network for every game.

Helpful Tip: Make sure you are checking the most up-to-date schedule, as things can change (especially with flex scheduling).

Step 2: Determine the Time of the Game

Knowing the time of the game is important for figuring out the network:

• Afternoon Games: These games are almost always on Fox or CBS, depending on whether the Lions are playing a team from the NFC or AFC, respectively.
• Sunday Night Games: These are broadcast on NBC.
• Monday Night Games: These are on ESPN.
• Thursday Night Games: These are typically on NFL Network or Amazon Prime Video.

Step 3: Identify the Opponent

Knowing who the Lions are playing will also help with your network search. If they’re playing another NFC team, they’re most likely on Fox. If it’s an AFC opponent, CBS may carry the game.

Step 4: Look for Local Listings

If you can’t find the network using the first few steps, check your local TV listings. Sometimes, local stations will broadcast games not shown on national networks. This might be due to local network affiliates or some kind of unique deal.

Step 5: Use Online Resources and Apps

Many websites and apps provide up-to-date NFL schedules with the game’s broadcast information. Some options include:

• The official NFL app
• ESPN app
• Sports news sites like ESPN.com, CBSsports.com, or Foxsports.com
• Your local cable provider’s website

Streaming Options for Lions Games

If you’re not able to watch the game on traditional television, don’t worry! There are many different streaming options to consider:

Official Streaming Services

• NFL+: The NFL has its own streaming service that allows you to watch out-of-market games on your mobile devices (phones and tablets) and live local and primetime games on phones and tablets.
• ESPN+: In addition to its live TV coverage, ESPN’s streaming service may carry some games not broadcast on the main channel.
• Paramount+: Because CBS broadcasts some NFL games, you can watch those games on Paramount+, which has live feeds of CBS.
• Peacock: NBC’s streaming service, Peacock, carries NBC games that include “Sunday Night Football.”

Other Streaming Options

• Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, Sling TV, FuboTV: These services provide live TV streaming, including channels that broadcast NFL games. They are often good alternatives to traditional cable.
• Amazon Prime Video: As mentioned earlier, Amazon has exclusive rights to “Thursday Night Football” so you can watch those Lions games directly on their service.

Important Note About Blackouts

Blackouts are something you should know about. Sometimes, games aren’t shown on local television if they don’t sell out. However, these are becoming less common. If you are streaming a game, blackouts may still apply and could result in you being unable to watch the game.

Keeping Track of the Lions Schedule

The best way to avoid confusion is to know when the Lions are playing. Here are a few suggestions to help you with keeping track of the Lions’ schedule:

Use a Sports Calendar

Sync your sports calendar on your phone or use a sports app to keep track of all of the Lions’ games. Many of these apps will automatically update and will even send you reminders before the game.

Follow the Lions on Social Media

The Lions’ official social media accounts often post their game schedule and where you can watch the game. By following them, you’ll get reliable updates right from the source.

Set Reminders

Set reminders on your phone or calendar for each game so that you don’t miss the kickoff. It is also good to set an additional reminder before the game so you can prepare your space.

By using all of this, you’ll be ready to go when it’s time for the Lions to play!

Finding what channel the Lions are on doesn’t need to be hard. By understanding how the NFL’s broadcast schedule works, knowing which networks to check, and following the tips, you’ll be all set to watch the Lions game week after week. Remember, the main networks are CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN, but other options include the NFL Network, Amazon Prime Video, and local stations. You also have great streaming options. The key is to check your schedules and stay updated. Now, you’re all ready to settle in and cheer on the Lions!