Detroit Lions fans worried about needing a Netflix subscription to watch the team on Christmas Day can breathe easy. Despite the NFL’s historic move to stream a live game on Netflix, there are multiple ways to watch Lions vs. Vikings without Netflix.
Lions vs. Vikings Christmas Game Details
Matchup: Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings
Date: Christmas Day
Time: 4:30 p.m. ET
This marks the first time the NFL has partnered with Netflix for a live regular-season game, but Netflix is not the only viewing option, especially for fans in Detroit.
Watch Lions vs. Vikings on Local TV (No Netflix Required)
Good news for fans in the Detroit metro area: the game will be broadcast locally on CBS Detroit.
If you receive CBS 62 (Detroit’s local CBS affiliate), you can watch the game live on traditional television.
No Netflix subscription, no streaming hassle, and no worrying about slow holiday internet connections.
Stream the Game on the CBS App in Detroit
Another option for local viewers is the CBS News app:
The game will stream live through the app
Make sure the Detroit local market is selected
Available to viewers within the Detroit broadcast area
NFL Plus Is an Option for All Fans
For fans outside Detroit—or anyone without cable—NFL Plus provides another way to watch:
NFL Plus carries all nationally televised and streamed NFL games
Lions vs. Vikings will be available nationwide
Important limitation:
Streaming is mobile-only (phone or tablet)
Not available on TV screens without casting
Cost comparison:
NFL Plus: $6.99/month
Netflix (with ads): $7.99/month
NFL Plus is the cheaper option if you’re subscribing just for the game.
Final Verdict: Plenty of Ways to Watch Without Netflix
If you don’t subscribe to Netflix—or simply don’t like the idea of football moving to another streaming service—you’re covered. Between CBS Detroit, the CBS app, and NFL Plus, Lions fans have multiple ways to watch the Christmas Day showdown against the Vikings.




