Honestly, trying to figure out the lions vs packers channel used to be a whole lot simpler. You’d wake up, grab a coffee, and just know that if it was a Sunday afternoon, you were flipping to FOX or maybe CBS. That was the deal. But the 2025-2026 season basically took that old playbook and threw it into a woodchipper. Between the massive Thanksgiving showdowns and the late-season flex scheduling, fans have been left frantically scrolling through their guides like they’re searching for a lost remote in the couch cushions.
It's annoying. You've probably been there, right? Kickoff is five minutes away and you're still seeing a cooking show where the game should be.
Where to Find the Lions vs Packers Channel Today
The reality is that the "channel" depends entirely on when they're playing. For the 2025 season that just wrapped up, the Thanksgiving Day classic was parked on FOX. That’s the traditional home for the Detroit Lions on the holiday, and Kevin Burkhardt and Tom Brady were the ones calling the shots from the booth. But if you were looking for their first meeting earlier in September, you had to jump over to CBS and Paramount+.
Why the flip? The NFL’s "cross-flexing" rules mean the league can move games between networks to make sure the biggest audiences see the best matchups. Since Detroit and Green Bay are both massive draws now, they get moved around more than a rookie on special teams.
The Streaming Chaos
If you're not using a traditional cable box, things get even more tangled. You basically need a spreadsheet to keep track of the log-ins.
- Paramount+ is your go-to when the game is on CBS.
- FOX One or the FOX Sports app handles the FOX broadcasts.
- NFL+ works if you're okay watching on a phone or tablet, but it won't let you cast to your 75-inch TV unless you have the premium tier.
- Fubo or YouTube TV are the safest bets because they carry the local affiliates, but they’ll cost you a lot more than a single app.
Why This Rivalry is Suddenly "Must-Watch" TV
Let’s be real: for a long time, this wasn’t a rivalry. It was the Packers beating up on the Lions while Detroit fans wore paper bags over their heads. But things shifted. Dan Campbell brought a specific kind of "bite your kneecaps" energy to Detroit, and suddenly the Lions aren't just a tough out—they’re a powerhouse.
Even with the Lions finishing at the bottom of the NFC North this past season, the games against Green Bay were absolute wars. The Packers, led by Jordan Love, managed to sweep the season series in 2025, including that heartbreaking Thanksgiving win at Ford Field. That loss basically sealed the division for Green Bay and sent the Lions into a tailspin that landed them in fourth place.
It’s weirdly poetic. The Lions were the kings of the North in 2024, and then the division flipped completely upside down in 2025. Now, everyone is looking toward the 2026 schedule with a mix of dread and excitement.
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Looking Ahead: The 2026 Lions vs Packers Channel Outlook
Since the 2025 regular season is officially in the books, we already know who plays who in 2026. The dates and times won't be out until the big NFL schedule release in May, but the locations are locked.
- Detroit will host the Packers at Ford Field.
- Green Bay will host the Lions at Lambeau Field.
Because the Lions finished last in the division, they actually get a "last-place schedule" for 2026. This means they'll play the cellar-dwellers of other divisions, like the Titans and the Giants. The Packers, finishing near the top, get the heavy hitters. This creates a fascinating dynamic for their 2026 matchups. Will the Lions use that "easier" schedule to build momentum before they face Green Bay? Or will the Packers continue their dominance?
When those games finally roll around, expect the lions vs packers channel to likely be FOX for at least one of them. They love keeping this divisional heat on their primary afternoon slot. However, don't be shocked if a Monday Night Football appearance on ESPN or ABC happens. The league knows this matchup prints money.
Radio is the Secret Weapon
If you’re stuck in the car or just can't deal with the lag of a streaming app, the radio is still the most reliable way to follow along.
- Lions Radio Network: Dan Miller’s "Touchdown Detroit!" call is legendary. It’s carried on 97.1 The Ticket in Detroit.
- Packers Radio Network: Wayne Larrivee and Larry McCarren have been the voice of Green Bay for decades. In Milwaukee, you'll find them on 95.7 BIG FM.
- SiriusXM: Usually found on channels 82 or 226.
Actionable Tips for the Next Game
Don't wait until the coin toss to figure out where to watch. Here is how you stay ahead of the broadcast mess.
First, download the 506 Sports maps the Wednesday before the game. They produce color-coded maps that show exactly which parts of the country are getting which game on their local CBS or FOX station. It’s the only way to be 100% sure if you're "in-market."
Second, check the NFL schedule specifically for "Flex" notices. Starting in Week 5, the NFL can move Sunday afternoon games around with 12 days' notice. If the Lions and Packers are both firing on all cylinders, that 1:00 PM game could easily jump to the 4:25 PM "Game of the Week" slot or even Sunday Night Football on NBC.
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Lastly, if you're an out-of-market fan, YouTube TV’s NFL Sunday Ticket is the only way to guarantee you see every snap. It's expensive, but it beats the stress of trying to find a "legal-ish" stream that freezes every time someone enters the red zone.
The rivalry is only getting more intense. Whether you're wearing Honolulu Blue or Green and Gold, the 2026 season is going to be a gauntlet. Keep your apps updated and your antenna pointed toward the city. The next chapter of this NFC North feud is going to be loud.