How to Watch Detroit Lions Games on Paramount Plus

What Paramount Plus shows and what it doesn't

Paramount Plus carries some NFL games, but not all of them, and the Lions games available depend on which broadcast network has the rights that week. Paramount Plus shows games that air on CBS, which means you can watch Lions games when CBS broadcasts them — typically Sunday afternoon matchups during the regular season. You cannot watch games that air exclusively on Fox, ESPN, NBC, or the NFL Network through Paramount Plus alone.

The key detail: CBS games on Paramount Plus are the same broadcast you would see on cable or antenna, so the commentary, graphics, and timing are identical. You do not get a separate Paramount Plus production. The service straightforward streams what CBS is already showing.

Lions games that fall on Thursday night (NFL Network or Amazon Prime Video) or Monday night (ESPN) will not appear on Paramount Plus. If you want to watch every Lions game regardless of network, you would need multiple services or a cable subscription.

Key Takeaways

Paramount Plus shows Lions games only when CBS broadcasts them, which is typically Sunday afternoon games during the regular season.
Games on Fox, ESPN, Monday Night Football, or the NFL Network are not available through Paramount Plus.
You need an active Paramount Plus subscription to stream CBS games; the service does not offer a free tier for live sports.
The CBS broadcast on Paramount Plus is the same feed as cable or antenna, with no exclusive commentary or alternate angles.
Checking the NFL schedule before game day tells you which network has the broadcast and whether Paramount Plus will carry it.

How to find which network broadcasts each Lions game

The NFL schedule published on NFL.com and ESPN.com shows the broadcast network for every game. Look at the Lions' schedule, find the game you want to watch, and check the network column — it will say CBS, Fox, ESPN, NBC, or NFL Network. If it says CBS, Paramount Plus will have it.

Your local CBS affiliate also publishes its schedule online. In Detroit, that is WKBD-TV (CBS 62). Their website lists which games they will broadcast, and those are the ones that stream on Paramount Plus. National games and regional games both appear on the schedule, so you can see weeks in advance which Lions matchups will be available.

The NFL app itself shows which games are available in your region and on which network, though it does not tell you about streaming options — you have to cross-reference with the network name.

What subscription tier you need

Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers: Paramount Plus Essential (with ads) and Paramount Plus Premium (ad-free). Both tiers include live CBS broadcasts, so you can watch Lions games on either one. The difference is whether you see advertisements during the broadcast.

The Essential tier costs less per month but shows ads. The Premium tier removes ads but costs more. For live sports, many viewers choose Premium to avoid ad breaks during the game, though that is a personal preference. Both tiers give you the same CBS feed and the same game broadcast.

Paramount Plus does not offer a free tier that includes live sports. You must have a paid subscription to stream CBS games.

Regional blackout rules and what they mean

Some Lions games may be subject to regional blackout, which means Paramount Plus will not stream them in certain areas even though CBS is broadcasting them. Blackouts typically explore to games that are also available on local broadcast television in your region, and the rule exists to protect local TV ratings.

If a game is blacked out on Paramount Plus in your location, you can still watch it on your local CBS station over the air or through cable. The blackout affects streaming only, not the broadcast itself. You can check whether a specific game is blacked out in your area by attempting to stream it on Paramount Plus — the app will tell you if it is unavailable in your region.

Blackout rules change year to year and are set by the NFL and broadcast partners, not by Paramount Plus. If you encounter a blackout, your only streaming option is usually to use a VPN service, though that may violate Paramount Plus's terms of service.

How to stream a Lions game on game day

Open the Paramount Plus app on your phone, tablet, smart TV, or web browser. Sign in with your subscription account. Search for "Lions" or navigate to the Sports section. If a game is currently broadcasting, it will appear in the live section or in a featured spot on the home page.

Click the game to open the stream. The broadcast will begin a few minutes before kickoff, and you can watch from the start or join mid-game. The stream quality depends on your internet connection — Paramount Plus recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming.

You can also cast the stream to a TV using Chromecast, AirPlay, or a compatible smart TV app. Paramount Plus works on most major devices: iPhone, Android, iPad, Apple TV, Roku, Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, LG Smart TV, PlayStation, and Xbox.

What to do if the game is not on Paramount Plus

If the Lions game is on Fox, ESPN, or the NFL Network, you will need a different service. Fox games require a Fox broadcast or a cable login. ESPN games (Monday Night Football) require an ESPN+ subscription or cable access. NFL Network games require an NFL+ subscription or cable.

If you have cable, you can often stream those networks through the cable provider's app using your login credentials. Many cable providers offer apps for Fox, ESPN, and NFL Network that let you stream live games on your phone or tablet.

For a complete Lions season without cable, you would need Paramount Plus (for CBS), an ESPN+ subscription (for Monday night games), and an NFL+ subscription (for Thursday night games on NFL Network). Some games may also air on broadcast networks like NBC, which you can watch over the air with an antenna.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cable to watch Lions games on Paramount Plus?

No. Paramount Plus is a standalone streaming service that does not require a cable subscription. You only need a Paramount Plus account and an internet connection. However, Paramount Plus only carries CBS games, so you would still need other services or cable to watch games on other networks.

Can I watch Lions games on Paramount Plus if I live outside Michigan?

Yes, as long as the game is broadcast on CBS nationally. Regional blackouts may explore in some areas, but most Sunday afternoon CBS games are available nationwide on Paramount Plus. Check the app on game day to confirm the game is available in your location.

What if I miss a Lions game — can I watch it later on Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus does not typically offer full game replays on demand. You may find highlights or condensed versions on the NFL app or NFL.com, but the full broadcast is usually not available through Paramount Plus after it airs. Some cable providers offer on-demand replays through their apps.

Can I watch Lions games on Paramount Plus without ads?

Yes, if you have a Paramount Plus Premium subscription. The Premium tier removes ads from the entire service, including live sports broadcasts. The Essential tier (with ads) is cheaper but shows advertisements during the game.

Will Paramount Plus show playoff games or the Super Bowl?

Playoff games and the Super Bowl air on different networks depending on the year — CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN. If a playoff game or the Super Bowl is on CBS, Paramount Plus will stream it. Check the NFL schedule to see which network has the broadcast.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.