The Detroit Lions are coming off a 34-7 loss to the Los Angeles Chargers in their preseason opener and need to bounce back when they face the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. The Lions kept their starters on the sideline in the previous game and plan to continue that approach, turning this into a crucial proving ground for young players and roster bubble candidates.
Atlanta is taking the same approach with their starters, creating an even matchup between two teams focused on evaluating talent and roster depth. From quarterback battles to rookies fighting for roster spots, this preseason showdown offers plenty of compelling storylines.
Lions vs. Falcons Week 1 Preseason Game: How, When, and Where To Watch
The Falcons have confirmed they won’t play their starters on Friday, keeping Michael Penix Jr. and Kirk Cousins on the bench. Instead, Easton Stick and Emory Jones will split the snaps as they compete for the backup quarterback position. Meanwhile, Cousins remains in trade discussions that could reshape Atlanta’s depth chart.
Detroit is making its own quarterback change. While Kyle Allen started in the Hall of Fame game, the Lions are now turning to Hendon Hooker to lead the offense against Atlanta. This creates fascinating backup quarterback battles on both sides of the field.
Here’s everything you need to know about the game:
- Start time: Friday, Aug. 08, 2025, 7:00 p.m. ET
- Channel: Local
- Live stream options: NFL+, DirectTV Stream, Fubo TV
- Radio stations: Lions Radio Network
- Starting QBs: Hendon Hooke, Easton Stick OR Emory Jones
What Are the Local Channels to Watch the Lions vs. Falcons Week 1 Preseason Game?
On Friday, the Falcons’ preseason opener against the Lions at Mercedes-Benz Stadium won’t appear on NFL Network. However, both fan bases have local options to catch the action.
Atlanta fans can watch the preseason opener on WAGA (Fox 5). Lions supporters have access through the Lions TV Network, ensuring both teams’ fans can follow their squads’ preseason progress.
What Are the Streaming Options to Watch Lions vs. Falcons Week 1 Preseason Game?
Fans without cable access can stream the Lions vs. Falcons Week 1 preseason game through several platforms:
NFL+
NFL+ is the top choice for streaming preseason NFL games. The service includes NFL Network coverage of many preseason contests and ad-free game highlights.
NFL+ costs $6.99 per month or $49.99 for the entire season. However, they’re currently offering a 20% discount on annual plans, bringing the total to just $39.99.
The premium option, NFL+ Premium, runs $14.99 per month or $99.99 for the season (discounted to $79.99 with the 20% savings). NFL+ Premium adds NFL RedZone, NFL Pro for fantasy lineup optimization, and complete game replays, including condensed versions and all-22 coaches’ film.
DirecTV Stream
DirecTV’s Choice+ Sports Pack bundles NFL Network with ESPN, ABC, NBC, CBS, and Fox, plus college networks like ACC Network, Big Ten Network, and SEC Network. A package with these channels costs $69.99 per month.
DirecTV Stream sweetens the deal with a five-day free trial available across all packages, including their premium ULTIMATE package.
FuboTV
FuboTV offers similar coverage to DirecTV but charges $84.99 for the first month of streaming access. The service includes ESPN, NFL Network, Fox, ABC, CBS, NBC, and over 100 additional live channels, plus a free trial period.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV provides another streaming path for NFL preseason coverage. Packages start at $82.99 monthly and include a free three-day trial for new users. The service features all major channels, including CBS, ESPN, FS1, FOX, NBCSN, and NFL Network.
