Finding the right game on Sunday can be a total headache. Honestly, with all the different streaming apps and regional blackouts, it’s like you need a PhD in media rights just to see Jordan Love take a snap. If you're asking what channel is the Packers lions game on, you’ve probably noticed the NFL schedule is getting weirder every year.
Between the legacy broadcasters and the new-age streamers, things move fast. For this specific matchup between Green Bay and Detroit, the answer usually depends on whether it's a "protected" game or if it’s been flexed into a primetime slot.
What channel is the Packers Lions game on right now?
Typically, when these two NFC North heavyweights meet, the broadcast rights land with FOX or CBS. Since they are both in the same conference, FOX is the traditional home for their Sunday afternoon battles. However, under the current "cross-flexing" rules, the NFL frequently moves these games over to CBS to balance out the afternoon viewership numbers.
- Check your local FOX affiliate first. In the Midwest, this is almost always where you'll find the game if it kicks off at 1:00 PM or 4:25 PM ET.
- Look at CBS. If FOX is carrying a different regional powerhouse, the Lions and Packers often slide over to CBS.
- Prime Video and NBC. If it’s a Thursday night or Sunday night affair, you can ditch the local channels entirely.
Football in 2026 isn't just about turning on the TV. You've got to consider the "flex" schedule. The league loves this rivalry. Because both teams have been hovering near the top of the division, the NFL often moves their late-season matchups into the Sunday Night Football slot on NBC.
🔗 Read more: Who Won the Golf Tournament This Weekend: Richard T. Lee and the 2026 Season Kickoff
Streaming options for cord-cutters
If you’ve ditched cable, you aren't out of luck. Basically, you just need a stable internet connection and a few logins. For games on FOX or CBS, YouTube TV, Fubo, and Hulu + Live TV are the most reliable bets because they carry local affiliates.
If the game is on CBS, you can stream it directly on Paramount+. It’s usually cheaper than a full cable replacement. For the primetime games, Peacock handles the Sunday night broadcasts, while Amazon Prime Video owns the Thursday night rights. Honestly, it's a lot of apps to keep track of, but that's the modern NFL landscape for you.
Why the broadcast schedule keeps changing
The NFL uses a system called "flex scheduling" to make sure the best games are in front of the most eyes. This is why you can't always trust the schedule you printed out in August. For a high-stakes divisional game like this, the league might move the start time with only 12 days' notice.
💡 You might also like: The Truth About the Memphis Grizzlies Record 2025: Why the Standings Don't Tell the Whole Story
It’s kinda frustrating for fans planning tailgates. But for the networks, it's all about the ratings. When Jared Goff and Jordan Love are trading touchdowns, everyone wants a piece of that action.
Watching outside the local market
If you live in, say, Florida or California, you might be at the mercy of the "coverage map." This is the colorful map you see on sites like 506 Sports that shows which part of the country gets which game. If you're outside the Green Bay or Detroit markets, you might get stuck watching a different regional game instead.
In that case, NFL Sunday Ticket (available via YouTube TV) is the only legal way to guarantee you see every single play. It’s an investment, sure, but for die-hard fans, it beats sitting in a crowded sports bar every weekend.
📖 Related: The Division 2 National Championship Game: How Ferris State Just Redrew the Record Books
A history of Packers vs. Lions on TV
This isn't just any game; it's one of the oldest rivalries in football history. They've played over 180 times. Because of that history, it’s a staple of the Thanksgiving Day tradition. For decades, if you wanted to know what channel is the Packers lions game on during Turkey Day, the answer was almost always FOX.
- The Thanksgiving Slot: Detroit always plays at home on Thanksgiving. The Packers are one of their most frequent guests.
- The Monday Night Factor: ESPN still gets a fair share of these matchups, especially if the division title is on the line.
- Radio alternatives: If you're on the road, the Packers Radio Network or the Lions Radio Network via SiriusXM is a lifesaver.
Actionable steps for game day
Don't wait until five minutes before kickoff to figure out where the game is playing. Technical glitches and "searching for signal" messages are the last things you want to deal with when the ball is in the air.
- Check the NFL app: The official app usually lists the confirmed local channel 48 hours before the game.
- Verify your streaming logins: If you're using Paramount+ or Peacock, make sure you haven't been logged out or that your subscription hasn't lapsed.
- Use a digital antenna: If you’re in the local market, a cheap over-the-air antenna can get you the game in high definition for free, skipping the streaming lag entirely.
- Confirm the kickoff time: Flex scheduling can move a game from 1:00 PM to 4:25 PM or even 8:20 PM ET.
The best way to stay prepared is to check your local listings on Saturday night. Schedules are finalized by then, and you won't have to scramble when the pre-game show starts.
To ensure you never miss a snap, download the official team apps for the Packers or Lions. They provide real-time updates on broadcast changes and injury reports that national networks might miss. You should also bookmark a reliable sports schedule site to track any last-minute flex changes during the final weeks of the season.