Panthers vs. Lions: How to Watch Sunday Night Football, Start Time and TV Details
The Detroit Lions head into Sunday night’s matchup with the Carolina Panthers looking to maintain their impressive offensive start to the 2026 season.
Detroit has scored 31 points in each of its first three games, with running back Jahmyr Gibbs and wide receiver Amon-Ra St. Brown leading an offense that has continued to produce despite injuries along the offensive line.
The Panthers, meanwhile, are coming off a disappointing Week 3 loss to the Cleveland Browns. Carolina also took major hits on defense, with starting cornerbacks Jaycee Horn and Mike Jackson both expected to miss extended time because of injuries.
That could make for a difficult challenge against a Lions offense that has shown plenty of firepower early in the season.
The two teams will meet under the lights at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte for Week 4’s edition of Sunday Night Football.
How to watch Panthers vs. Lions
– TV: NBC
– Live streaming: DIRECTV, Peacock and Fubo
– Date: Sunday, October 4
– Kickoff: 8:20 p.m. ET
– Location: Bank of America Stadium, Charlotte, North Carolina
NBC will carry the national broadcast, with Mike Tirico handling play-by-play and Cris Collinsworth providing color commentary.
Fans who prefer to stream the game can watch through DIRECTV, Peacock or Fubo.
What to watch for
Detroit’s offense has been one of the biggest storylines of the opening weeks. Gibbs and St. Brown have both made strong starts, while the Lions have consistently found ways to put points on the board.
Carolina will need a much better offensive performance than it produced against Cleveland while also finding a way to slow down Detroit’s attack without two of its starting cornerbacks.
With both teams entering the game with plenty to prove, Sunday’s matchup could provide an early indication of where each team is headed this season.
What’s next for the Panthers?
Carolina’s upcoming schedule includes:
– Oct. 18: at Eagles — 8:20 p.m. ET
– Oct. 25: vs. Buccaneers — 1 p.m. ET
– Oct. 29: at Packers — 1 p.m. ET
– Nov. 8: vs. Broncos — 8:15 p.m. ET
– Nov. 15: at Saints — 1 p.m. ET
What’s next for the Lions?
Detroit’s upcoming games include:
– Oct. 11: at Cardinals — 4:25 p.m. ET
– Oct. 25: vs. Packers — 4:25 p.m. ET
– Nov. 1: vs. Vikings — 1 p.m. ET
– Nov. 8: at Dolphins — 1 p.m. ET
– Nov. 15: vs. Patriots — 9:30 a.m. ET
The Lions and Panthers kick off at 8:20 p.m. ET on Sunday, October 4, with NBC carrying the game nationally.
