How to watch Commanders-Lions for free in the NFL Playoffs

On By Littum

For the first time in franchise history, the Detroit Lions will make their NFL playoff debut as the No. 1 seed.

That means they got last week off while the rest of the playoff teams (except for the Chiefs) had to battle it out in the Wild Card round, but they’re back in action today against the Washington Commanders. This is the first time century that both teams are in the playoffs at the same time – the last time was in 1999, when Washington beat Detroit in the Wild Card round.

For Detroit, it’s Super Bowl or bust this year after falling short in the 2023-24 NFC title game, and with the best offense in the league, it’s no wonder how they got here this year. The Commanders, on the other hand, clinched their first playoff berth since 2020 this year with a first-year head coach at the helm and a rookie quarterback leading the charge.

Here’s everything you need to know about Washington vs. Detroit, from start time and channel to how you watch for free.

Lions-Commanders date and time: When do the Commanders play the Lions?

Kickoff at the Commanders-Lions game is set for 8:00 PM ET tonight, January 18th.

What channel is Commanders vs. Lions Divisional sent on?

The game Commanders vs. Lions airs on FOX. If you have cable or a TV antenna, just change the channel around 8pm tonight.

How to watch Commanders vs. Lions Free:

If you don’t have cable, the best way to stream the Commanders vs. Lions divisional round for free using a live tv streaming service with a free trial period.

We recommend DIRECTV Stream, which offers a five-day free trial for new subscribers. After the trial period ends, you pay $86.98/month and get access to over 90 live channels including FOX.

fuboTV also offers a free trial for new users. It runs for seven days, after which you’ll be able to save $5 on your first month ($74.99, $79.99/month after).

Other ways to stream Commanders vs. Lions on:

While Sling TV doesn’t offer a free trial, you’ll save money on a full month of streaming instead of just five days free. Sling TV’s Blue plan, which includes FOX, is currently half off in your first month. Instead of $50.99, you pay $25.50. Just one month of Sling Blue will cover the entire run of the NFL playoffs through the Super Bowl.

How to watch Commanders vs. Lions from anywhere:

If you’re outside the US or unable to watch the NFL in your region, consider a VPN (Virtual Private Network). Whether you’re traveling or living abroad, using a VPN allows you to stream live TV and your favorite shows and movies using your usual streaming services without any restrictions. A VPN lets you change the IP address of your device so you can access your favorite apps and websites, whether you’re in the UK, Canada, Mexico or anywhere in the world.

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NFL playoff schedule:

Division Round:

Saturday 18 January

  • Houston in Kansas City4:30 p.m. ET (ABC, ESPN)
  • Washington in Detroit8:00 PM ET (FOX)

Sunday, January 19

  • Rams in Philadelphia3:00 PM ET (NBC)
  • Baltimore at Buffalo6:30 p.m. ET (CBS)

Conference Championship Round:

Sunday, January 26

  • NFC Championship3:00 PM ET (FOX)
  • AFC Championship6:30 p.m. ET (CBS)

Super Bowl LIX

Sunday, February 9

  • AFC Champion vs. NFC champion6:30 PM ET (FOX)

Why Trust Post Wanted by New York Post

This article was written by Angela TricaricoBusiness Writer/Reporter for Post Wanted Shopping and the New York Post’s streaming property, Decides. Angela keeps readers updated with cord cutter friendly offers and information on how to watch your favorite sports teams, TV shows and movies on each streaming service. Not only does Angela test and compare the streaming services she writes about to ensure readers get best pricesbut she is also a superfan specializing in the intersection of shopping, technology, sports and pop culture. Before joining Decider and the New York Post in 2023, she wrote about streaming and consumer technology at Insider Reviews