Where to Find Lions Games on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus carries some Detroit Lions games, but not all of them. The service shows games that CBS broadcasts nationally — typically one Lions game per week during the regular season when CBS has the broadcast rights that week. You will not find every Lions game on Paramount Plus, and the schedule changes week to week depending on which network holds the broadcast rights.

To find this week's Lions game on Paramount Plus, open the app or website and look for the Sports section or search "NFL" directly. Paramount Plus lists upcoming games in the Sports hub, usually with kickoff time and which team is playing. If you see the Lions listed there, the game is available to stream on your Paramount Plus subscription.

The Lions play 17 regular season games per year. CBS broadcasts roughly half of them, Fox broadcasts some, and a few air on ESPN, NBC, or the NFL Network instead. Only the CBS games appear on Paramount Plus, because Paramount Plus is owned by the same parent company as CBS and has the rights to stream CBS broadcasts.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus streams Lions games only when CBS broadcasts them nationally, which is roughly one game per week during the regular season.
  • You can check the Sports section of Paramount Plus or search "NFL" to see if this week's Lions game is available to stream.
  • Games broadcast by Fox, ESPN, NBC, or the NFL Network do not appear on Paramount Plus and require a different streaming service or cable login.
  • A Paramount Plus subscription (any tier) includes access to live sports broadcasts, so you do not need an add-on package.

Which Games CBS Broadcasts and When

CBS typically holds the rights to broadcast AFC games and some NFC games throughout the NFL season. The Lions are an NFC team, so CBS does not carry every Lions game — only the ones where CBS has the national broadcast slot that week. During the regular season, CBS usually broadcasts one game at 1 p.m. Eastern time on Sundays and sometimes a second game at 4 p.m. Eastern time.

The NFL schedule is set months in advance, but which network broadcasts which game can shift based on ratings and playoff implications. To know whether a specific Lions game will be on CBS (and therefore on Paramount Plus), check the official NFL schedule on NFL.com or the Lions' official website. Both list the broadcast network for each game.

Prime-time games — Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football — are never on Paramount Plus. Those air on Amazon Prime Video, NBC, and ESPN respectively. If the Lions are playing on a Thursday, Sunday night, or Monday night, you will need to stream on a different service or watch on cable.

What Subscription Tier You Need

All Paramount Plus subscription tiers include live sports, including NFL games. You do not need a higher tier or an add-on to watch Lions games. The basic tier (with ads) and the premium tier (ad-free) both stream the same live broadcasts at the same time.

The only difference between tiers is that the ad-supported plan shows commercials during the game, while the ad-free plan does not. Both cost less than a month of cable, and both give you access to all live CBS sports broadcasts, including Lions games when CBS carries them.

How to Stream on Different Devices

Paramount Plus works on phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, and Google Chromecast. read the Paramount Plus app on your device, log in with your account, and navigate to the Sports section to find the Lions game. The stream quality adjusts automatically based on your internet speed, but a connection of at least 5 Mbps is recommended for smooth playback.

If you are streaming on a phone or tablet, you can cast the game to a TV using Chromecast or AirPlay. Open the Paramount Plus app, start the game, and tap the cast icon to send it to your TV. This works on most modern televisions and streaming devices.

What to Do If the Lions Game Is Not on Paramount Plus

If the Lions are playing but the game is not listed on Paramount Plus, it means CBS does not have the broadcast rights that week. Check which network is broadcasting the game by looking at the Lions' official schedule or NFL.com. Then use that network's streaming service or app to watch.

Fox games require Fox Now or a cable login. ESPN games require ESPN Plus or a cable login. NBC games require Peacock or a cable login. The NFL Network carries some games and requires an NFL Plus subscription or cable access. If you have cable, you can often log in to these apps with your cable account credentials instead of paying for a separate subscription.

Another option is to check whether your local CBS affiliate streams the game for free on their website or app. Some local stations stream their broadcasts to viewers in their area, even without a Paramount Plus subscription. Search "[your city] CBS live stream" to see if your local station offers this.

Checking Your Internet Speed Before Game Day

A weak internet connection can cause the stream to buffer or drop during the game. Before kickoff, run a speed test on your device using a free tool like Speedtest.net. Paramount Plus recommends at least 5 Mbps for standard quality and 25 Mbps for 4K quality. If your speed is below 5 Mbps, move closer to your router, restart your modem, or contact your internet provider.

If you are streaming on multiple devices at the same time (for example, someone else is watching a movie while you watch the game), your available bandwidth splits between them. Close other apps and pause other streams before the game starts to avoid buffering.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Lions games on Paramount Plus if I don't have cable?

Yes. A Paramount Plus subscription is all you need to watch Lions games that CBS broadcasts. You do not need cable. However, if the Lions game is on Fox, ESPN, NBC, or the NFL Network that week, you will need a different streaming service or cable login for that specific game.

Do I need to pay extra to watch live sports on Paramount Plus?

No. Live sports, including NFL games, are included in all Paramount Plus subscription tiers. You do not need an add-on package or a higher tier. The only difference between tiers is whether you see ads during the broadcast.

What if the Paramount Plus stream keeps buffering during the game?

Check your internet speed — you need at least 5 Mbps for smooth streaming. Restart your modem and router, close other apps on your device, and pause any other streams in your household. If the problem continues, move closer to your router or contact your internet provider.

Can I watch Lions games on Paramount Plus on my phone while I'm away from home?

Yes. The Paramount Plus app works on phones and tablets anywhere you have an internet connection. Log in with your account and navigate to the Sports section to find the game. You can also cast it to a TV if one is available.

What happens if I miss a Lions game on Paramount Plus?

Paramount Plus does not offer on-demand replays of live sports broadcasts. If you miss the game, check the NFL's official website or the Lions' website for highlights and full-game replays, which are often posted after the broadcast ends.