Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions live stream (Sept. 14): time, TV channel, and how to watch
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The 0-1 Chicago Bears begin their season with a road division matchup at Ford Field, where the 0-1 Detroit Lions will aim to rebound. Playing in the NFC North, both teams carry early-season urgency: Chicago seeks to establish consistency under new head coach Ben Johnson, while Detroit looks to correct offensive line breakdowns that plagued its opener. At stake is early divisional positioning and the chance to build momentum in a tightly contested division. The game kicks off at 1:00 PM ET on FOX on Sunday, September 14, 2025.
Game information: Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions
| Date | Sunday, September 14, 2025 |
| Time | 1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT |
| Venue | Ford Field, Detroit, MI |
| TV (Primary Network) | FOX |
| Channel Guide | DirecTV: Ch. 712 • Dish: Ch. 2/5400 (varies) • Comcast/Xfinity: Ch. 705 (HD) • Spectrum: Ch. 3/1209 (HD) • Verizon Fios: Ch. 506 (HD) |
| Stream | FOX Sports app (TV provider login) • NFL+ (mobile/tablet, in-market only) • Fubo • YouTube TV • Hulu + Live TV • Sling TV (Blue) |
| Radio | Bears Radio Network – WBBM Newsradio 780 AM & 105.9 FM (Chicago) • Lions Radio Network – WXYT-FM 97.1 The Ticket (Detroit) |
| Coverage | Regional coverage map is not yet available; check 506 Sports closer to kickoff. Home-market affiliates: Chicago – WFLD FOX 32 • Detroit – WJBK FOX 2 |
| Free (VPN option) | 7plus (Australia) – free, AU-only. Geo-restricted – only available in Australia; can be accessed abroad while traveling with VPN. |
How to watch Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions for free
The Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions matchup on September 14, 2025, is part of FOX’s Sunday afternoon coverage in the US, but fans abroad have access to select NFL games for free through official international broadcasters. 7plus (Australia) streams every Thursday Night Football game and two Sunday Afternoon games each week, Channel 5 (UK) airs one Sunday Afternoon matchup plus all Monday Night Football games, and TVNZ+ (New Zealand) offers a rotating selection of Sunday fixtures.
Together, these platforms provide fans with up to five free Sunday NFL games each week, in addition to prime-time coverage. However, access is strictly geo-restricted and limited to viewers in their respective countries.
For fans traveling abroad, the only way to keep watching these free broadcasts is with a VPN. Using a reliable service such as NordVPN ensures smooth streaming, consistent access, and the ability to connect securely to servers in Australia, the UK, or New Zealand.
Official US viewing options
The Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions game is part of FOX’s regional Sunday Afternoon coverage. That means both home markets – Chicago (WFLD FOX 32) and Detroit (WJBK FOX 2) – will carry the game locally, while other regions may receive different matchups. A full coverage map is usually published by 506 Sports later in the week.
With cable or satellite
Cable and satellite subscribers who receive FOX can watch the game live on TV or through the FOX Sports app or FoxSports.com using their TV Everywhere login.
Channel Guide for FOX (typical assignments – may vary by region):
- DirecTV: Ch. 712
- Dish: Ch. 2 / 5400 (varies)
- Comcast/Xfinity: Ch. 705 (HD)
- Spectrum: Ch. 3 / 1209 (HD)
- Verizon Fios: Ch. 506 (HD)
For exact channel numbers, check your provider’s listings.
Without cable (live TV streaming services)
- YouTube TV – $72.99/month. Carries FOX in both Chicago and Detroit DMAs. Includes unlimited DVR.
- Hulu + Live TV – $76.99/month (with Disney+ and ESPN+ bundled). Offers FOX in both DMAs. DVR storage included.
- Fubo – $79.99/month. Streams FOX in both DMAs, plus sports-focused add-ons. Cloud DVR included.
- Sling TV (Blue plan) – $40/month. Offers FOX in select markets, including Chicago and Detroit. Confirm availability with your ZIP code before subscribing.
Mobile option
NFL+ provides live streaming of local and primetime games, including Bears–Lions, but only on phones and tablets. Casting to a TV or using smart TV apps is not supported. Plans start at $6.99/month (NFL+ Basic) or $14.99/month (NFL+ Premium with NFL RedZone and full replays).
Over-the-air TV antenna
Viewers in Chicago and Detroit can watch for free with a digital antenna on their local FOX affiliate (WFLD FOX 32 and WJBK FOX 2). Fans in other regions should check local FOX listings to see which game is assigned to their market.
Team-specific platforms
Both the Bears and Lions operate official mobile apps and team websites that feature highlights, radio broadcasts, and press conferences. However, live regular-season games are not streamed through team platforms due to NFL broadcast rights.
How to watch Chicago Bears vs Detroit Lions out of market
The Bears–Lions game is part of FOX’s regional Sunday Afternoon coverage, which means not every US market will receive it. Only the home markets – Chicago (WFLD FOX 32) and Detroit (WJBK FOX 2) – are guaranteed live coverage via their local FOX affiliate. Fans outside these areas will need alternative options.
NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube TV)
The official U.S. package for out-of-market Sunday Afternoon games is NFL Sunday Ticket, available through YouTube TV or as a standalone purchase on YouTube Primetime Channels. Pricing typically starts around $349 per season, with student discounts offered. It includes every CBS and FOX Sunday Afternoon game not airing in your market.
NFL Game Pass International
Outside the US, NFL Game Pass International (distributed via DAZN or Amazon Prime Video depending on the country) streams every NFL game live, including playoffs and the Super Bowl. It also includes NFL Network and NFL RedZone. Subscription pricing varies by region, and sign-ups require a billing address in the service region. While traveling abroad, fans can maintain access with a VPN to connect back to their home country.
NFL RedZone
While not a full-game option, NFL RedZone delivers live look-ins from every Sunday Afternoon game, showing every touchdown and key highlight. It is available as an add-on with YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo.
Traveling Abroad – free-to-air broadcasters
Internationally, some games are carried free-to-air: 7plus (Australia) shows two Sunday Afternoon games weekly, Channel 5 (UK) carries one Sunday Afternoon matchup plus all MNF games, and TVNZ+ (New Zealand) offers rotating Sunday coverage. Commentary and presentation may differ from US broadcasts. These services are geo-restricted and can only be accessed in their home regions, though fans traveling abroad can use a VPN to connect securely back to those countries.
Local Antenna (Home Markets Only)
Fans physically located in the Chicago or Detroit DMAs can watch for free with a digital antenna tuned to their local FOX affiliate. This option does not work outside the home markets due to NFL regional broadcast rules.
