The National Football League (NFL) season is here, bringing with it the excitement of hard-hitting action, game-winning plays, and of course, fantasy football bragging rights. With the 2024-2025 season in full swing, fans are eager to catch every moment. However, navigating the landscape of NFL broadcasting can be confusing, with games spread across various networks and streaming platforms. This guide breaks down everything you need to know about How To Stream Nfl Games online, ensuring you don’t miss a single snap.
From preseason matchups to the Super Bowl showdown, there are hundreds of NFL games to watch each season. These games are broadcast across a variety of channels, including local networks, national broadcasters, and an expanding array of streaming services – some of which even hold exclusive rights to certain games. Understanding where to find your favorite teams play each week is crucial for any dedicated fan.
The NFL regular season officially commenced on Thursday, September 5th, with an electrifying game between the Baltimore Ravens and the Kansas City Chiefs. The Chiefs, reigning Super Bowl champions, secured a 27-20 victory on their home field, setting the stage for an action-packed season. The regular season extends until January 5th, 2025, culminating in the playoffs and the ultimate prize – the Super Bowl.
To simplify your viewing experience, we’ve meticulously researched all available options to provide you with a comprehensive guide on watching NFL games this season. Whether you’re looking for cable alternatives, live streaming services in the US, or international streaming solutions, we’ve got you covered. Consider this your go-to resource, updated throughout the season to provide the most current information.
Your Comprehensive Guide to Streaming NFL Games on Every Platform
Below is a detailed table outlining the networks and streaming services that will broadcast NFL games. This chart focuses on in-market local broadcasts and national broadcasts during the regular season. Please note that out-of-market games are not included with these standard services unless explicitly mentioned.
| AFC afternoon games (CBS) | NFC afternoon games (Fox) | Sunday Night Football (NBC) | Monday Night Football (ESPN) | Thursday Night Football | NFL Network games | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Antenna | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No | No |
| Sling TV Orange + Blue | No | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Hulu + Live TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| YouTube TV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| FuboTV | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | Yes |
| Paramount Plus | Yes | No | No | No | No | No |
| Peacock Premium | No | No | Yes | No | No | No |
| Amazon Prime Video | No | No | No | No | Yes | No |
| NFL+ (mobile only) | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
Streaming NFL Games Without Cable: Your Options Explored
For cord-cutters and those looking to ditch traditional cable TV, streaming offers a plethora of ways to watch NFL games. Let’s delve into each of the top streaming services, outlining what they offer and how they can help you catch all the NFL action you crave. Whether you prioritize comprehensive coverage or budget-friendly options, there’s a streaming service tailored for you.
Sling TV: A Customizable and Budget-Friendly Choice
For viewers seeking a streamlined and cost-effective streaming solution, Sling TV stands out as a highly customizable service. Offering a range of plans, Sling TV allows you to select the channels you need, avoiding unnecessary costs for channels you won’t watch. New subscribers often benefit from significant discounts on their first month, making it an even more attractive option to try out.
Sling TV offers three primary plans: Sling Orange, Sling Blue, and Sling Orange + Blue. Sling Orange and Sling Blue are each priced at $46 per month, while the combined Sling Orange + Blue plan is available for $61 per month. For NFL enthusiasts, the Sling Blue plan is particularly noteworthy as it includes NFL Network, as well as local Fox and NBC channels in select markets. Sling Orange includes ESPN, essential for Monday Night Football. Importantly, Sling Orange does not include CBS. To maximize your NFL viewing on Sling, the Sling Orange + Blue plan is recommended, providing the most comprehensive access to NFL content throughout the season. Furthermore, for fans who want to catch every touchdown, the Sling Blue Sports Extra package offers NFL RedZone for an additional $11 per month.
What you get with Sling TV for NFL:
- Local FOX games (in select markets – check local availability)
- Sunday Night Football on NBC (in select markets – check local availability)
- Monday Night Football on ESPN (Sling Orange & Orange + Blue plans)
- NFL Network Games (Sling Blue & Orange + Blue plans)
What Sling TV doesn’t offer for NFL:
- Local CBS games
- Thursday Night Football games (exclusive to Amazon Prime Video)
- Out-of-market games (require NFL Sunday Ticket, available via YouTube TV)
FuboTV: The Sports Fan’s Streaming Paradise
FuboTV is specifically designed for sports enthusiasts, boasting a vast channel lineup that includes not only NFL broadcast networks but also a wide array of regional and international sports leagues. This extensive sports coverage sets FuboTV apart from many competitors in the streaming market. While FuboTV offers add-on packages to further customize your channel selection, the base plan itself provides a robust offering for NFL viewing. New customers can take advantage of a one-week free trial to experience FuboTV’s offerings firsthand.
Priced at $80 per month for the Pro plan, FuboTV provides a comprehensive selection of NFL games, comparable to Hulu + Live TV but with broader sports coverage overall. FuboTV includes all the essential network and cable channels needed to watch local NFL games, primetime matchups, and NFL Network broadcasts. For fans seeking the ultimate NFL Sunday experience, the Sports Plus package, priced at $11 per month, adds NFL RedZone to your FuboTV subscription.
NFL Content on FuboTV Includes:
- Local FOX games
- Local CBS games
- Sunday Night Football on NBC
- Monday Night Football on ESPN
- NFL Network games
What you won’t find on FuboTV for NFL:
- Thursday Night Football games (Amazon Prime Video exclusive)
- Out-of-market games (requires NFL Sunday Ticket)
Hulu + Live TV: Entertainment and NFL in One Package
Hulu + Live TV provides a comprehensive entertainment package, bundling over 90 live channels with Hulu’s extensive on-demand library, and access to Disney+ and ESPN+. While adding live TV significantly increases the price compared to standalone Hulu, it offers a flexible month-to-month contract, allowing you to cancel anytime. As a live TV streaming service, Hulu + Live TV is considered a top-tier option, balancing content variety with ease of use.
For $77 per month, Hulu + Live TV provides nearly everything you need to stream NFL games. It includes access to local FOX and CBS channels (subject to local market availability and potential blackouts), ensuring you can watch regional NFL broadcasts. Furthermore, Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN and NFL Network, covering Monday Night Football and NFL Network games. A significant value add is the inclusion of Disney+ and ESPN+ subscriptions, along with regular on-demand Hulu content, all at no extra cost. For NFL RedZone access, the Sports add-on package is available for an additional $10 per month.
What Hulu + Live TV Offers for NFL Fans:
- Local FOX games
- Local CBS games
- Sunday Night Football on NBC
- Monday Night Football on ESPN
- NFL Network games
NFL Games Not Available on Hulu + Live TV:
- Thursday Night Football games (Amazon Prime Video exclusive)
- Out-of-market games (require NFL Sunday Ticket)
YouTube TV: A Robust Live TV Streaming Service with NFL Sunday Ticket
While Hulu + Live TV bundles on-demand content perks, YouTube TV excels as a dedicated live TV streaming service, particularly for those primarily interested in replacing cable. YouTube TV is currently offering a promotional price for new members, with the first three months available for $58 per month.
YouTube TV provides access to local and primetime NFL games for $73 per month. New subscribers can take advantage of a limited-time offer to get the first four months for $53 per month, after a free trial period, resulting in significant savings. Like other services, YouTube TV also offers NFL RedZone as part of their Sports Plus package for an additional $11 per month.
A major differentiator for YouTube TV is its offering of NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on package, starting in the 2023 NFL season. NFL Sunday Ticket provides access to all out-of-market Sunday afternoon games, significantly expanding NFL coverage. While NFL Sunday Ticket can be purchased standalone for $119.75/month for four months (or $479 annually), bundling it with a YouTube TV subscription offers cost savings.
NFL Game Coverage on YouTube TV:
- Local FOX games
- Local CBS games
- Sunday Night Football on NBC
- Monday Night Football on ESPN
- NFL Network games
NFL Games Not Included with Standard YouTube TV:
- Thursday Night Football games
- Out-of-market games*
*Out-of-market games are available as an add-on with the NFL Sunday Ticket package.
Peacock: Your Home for Sunday Night Football and Exclusive NFL Games
Peacock is a dedicated streaming service from NBCUniversal, offering a mix of hit NBC TV shows, Universal movies, original programming, and select live sports, including NFL games. Peacock is the exclusive streaming home for all Sunday Night Football games broadcast on NBC.
Peacock will stream every Sunday Night Football game during the 2024 season, including the Thursday night season kickoff game on September 5th. Additionally, Peacock exclusively streams the NFL First Friday game on September 6th. In the previous season, Peacock also streamed a playoff game, indicating potential for further exclusive NFL content. Peacock subscriptions start at $8 per month for an ad-supported plan and $14 per month for ad-free streaming of on-demand content (live content, including NFL games, may still include commercials even on the ad-free plan).
NFL Games You Can Stream on Peacock:
- Every Sunday Night Football game for the 2024 season.
- Exclusive NFL First Friday game (September 6, 2024).
NFL Games Not Available on Peacock:
- Local CBS games
- Local FOX games
- Monday Night Football on ESPN
- Thursday Night Football games
- NFL Network games
- Out-of-market Sunday afternoon games
Paramount+: CBS Games and More at an Affordable Price
Paramount Plus is ideal for viewers primarily interested in watching NFL games broadcast on CBS, alongside a wealth of content from CBS, Nickelodeon, Comedy Central, BET, and MTV. Subscribing to the Paramount+ premium tier unlocks ad-free on-demand streaming and access to Showtime content, further expanding its entertainment value.
If your primary NFL focus is CBS games, a Paramount Plus subscription might be all you need. Paramount+ allows you to stream live CBS broadcasts, including local NFL games airing on CBS in your market. The service also boasts a growing library of on-demand shows and exclusive original series.
Paramount+ offers two main plans: Paramount+ Essential for $8 per month with commercials, and Paramount+ Premium for $13 per month, which includes ad-free on-demand streaming and Showtime. Both plans offer a one-week free trial. Currently, significant savings are available on annual plans. Note that even with the ad-free plan, live broadcasts, including NFL games, will still contain commercials.
NFL Games Available on Paramount+:
- Local CBS games
NFL Games Not Streamed on Paramount+:
- Local FOX games
- Sunday Night Football on NBC
- Monday Night Football on ESPN
- Thursday Night Football games
- NFL Network games
- Out-of-market Sunday afternoon games
Amazon Prime Video: The Exclusive Home of Thursday Night Football
Amazon Prime Video has become the exclusive streaming destination for Thursday Night Football. Starting September 12th, all Thursday Night Football regular-season matchups will be streamed exclusively on Prime Video. This season, Thursday Night Football expands to 16 games. The broadcast team features seasoned NFL commentators, including former Sunday Night Football play-by-play announcer Al Michaels, alongside Kirk Herbstreit in the booth, and Kaylee Hartung as the sideline reporter. Adding to its NFL offerings, Prime Video will also exclusively stream a Wild Card playoff game in January 2025.
Check price at Amazon Prime Video
A standalone Amazon Prime Video membership costs $9 per month. Alternatively, it’s included as part of a full Amazon Prime subscription, priced at $139 per year or $15 per month, offering a range of benefits beyond just video streaming, including free shipping and other Amazon services.
NFL Games Streaming on Amazon Prime Video:
- Thursday Night Football games
- Exclusive Wild Card playoff game (January 2025)
NFL Games Not Available on Amazon Prime Video:
- Local CBS games
- Local FOX games
- Monday Night Football on ESPN
- Sunday Night Football games on NBC
- NFL Network games
- Out-of-market Sunday afternoon games
NFL+: Mobile Streaming for Fans on the Go
NFL+ is the NFL’s official mobile streaming service, designed for fans who want to watch live games on their smartphones or tablets. NFL+ subscribers can stream live local and primetime games (both regular season and postseason), NFL Network games, and out-of-market preseason games, directly on their mobile devices.
To access live games via NFL+, location services must be enabled on your mobile device to verify your viewing market for local games. In addition to live games, NFL+ subscribers gain access to an extensive library of on-demand content from NFL Films and NFL Network, accessible within the NFL app.
NFL+ Premium, priced at $15 per month or $100 per year, offers additional features. NFL+ Premium allows you to watch full game replays after they air and provides access to coaches film and game footage typically used by NFL analysts. Crucially, NFL+ Premium includes NFL RedZone, making it a valuable option for dedicated fans who want comprehensive Sunday football coverage on their mobile devices.
NFL Games Streamable on NFL+ (Mobile Only):
- Local FOX games (mobile devices only)
- Local CBS games (mobile devices only)
- Sunday Night Football on NBC (mobile devices only)
- Monday Night Football on ESPN (mobile devices only)
- Thursday Night Football games (mobile devices only)
- NFL Network games (mobile devices only)
NFL Games Not Included with NFL+:
- Out-of-market games (except preseason) – NFL Sunday Ticket is required for out-of-market regular season games on TVs.
ESPN+: Select Monday Night Football Games and More Sports
ESPN+ is ESPN’s dedicated streaming service, primarily focused on live sports. Subscribers gain access to a wide range of sports content, including MLB, NHL, NFL, soccer, golf, and UFC events. ESPN+ offers monthly and annual subscription options, priced at $11 per month or $110 per year, respectively. Bundling ESPN+ with Disney+ and Hulu is also available, often providing a cost-effective way to access a broad spectrum of entertainment and sports content.
While ESPN+ doesn’t broadcast NFL games every week, it does stream select NFL matchups throughout the season. Notably, ESPN+ will live stream divisional round playoff games after the regular season concludes. In 2024, ESPN+ will stream several Monday Night Football games, including matchups like Jets vs. 49ers (September 8), Commanders vs. Bengals (September 23), Seahawks vs. Lions (September 30), and others listed below.
NFL Games on ESPN+ Include:
- Select ESPN and/or ABC Monday Night Football games.
- A divisional playoff game.
NFL Games Not Available on ESPN+:
- Local FOX games
- Local CBS games
- Sunday Night Football on NBC
- Most Monday Night Football games (check ESPN+ schedule for specific games)
- Thursday Night Football games
- NFL Network games
DAZN: International NFL Game Pass for Global Fans
For NFL fans residing outside of the United States and China, DAZN is the exclusive home of NFL Game Pass International. NFL Game Pass International is the only service offering comprehensive live and on-demand access to every NFL game, including playoffs, in supported countries outside of the US and China.
Starting from the 2023 season and continuing in 2024, NFL Game Pass International on DAZN provides access to every single NFL game, from preseason to the Super Bowl. Pricing for NFL Game Pass International on DAZN varies by region. For example, in the United Kingdom, it’s offered at £15.99/month with a 12-month contract or £14.99/week without a long-term commitment. Viewers in the UK may experience a 24-hour delay for up to two Sunday games per week. In Canada, all NFL action is available through a regular DAZN subscription, eliminating the need for a separate Game Pass.
NFL Game Pass International on DAZN can be accessed via the DAZN app on a wide range of devices, including Apple and Android mobile devices, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Apple TV, Smart TVs (from Sony, LG, Panasonic, Roku), and gaming consoles like PlayStation and Xbox.
Antenna: Free Local and Sunday Night Football Broadcasts
For a one-time cost, a digital antenna offers a simple and free way to watch local NFL games broadcast over-the-air. An antenna like the Channel Master Flatenna, our top pick, can be purchased for around $29 and provides access to local channels within range of your location. For more antenna recommendations, refer to our guide on the best digital antennas.
With a digital antenna, you can watch regional NFL games broadcast on local networks in your area, including games airing on FOX and CBS. Additionally, you’ll receive the weekly Sunday Night Football game broadcast on NBC. As a single purchase with no recurring fees, an antenna is a cost-effective option if you primarily want to watch your local NFL team’s games and Sunday Night Football.
NFL Content Available via Antenna:
- Local FOX games
- Local CBS games
- Sunday Night Football on NBC
NFL Games Not Accessible with an Antenna:
- Out-of-market games
- Monday Night Football
- Thursday Night Football
- NFL Network games
Understanding Blackouts and Out-of-Market Games
Even with comprehensive streaming packages, certain restrictions can prevent you from watching specific NFL games. The most common limitation is the availability of out-of-market games. Many standard streaming services restrict your viewing options to games that are typically broadcast locally on over-the-air television networks in your city.
Conversely, comprehensive packages like NFL Sunday Ticket are specifically designed to provide out-of-market games, meaning you’ll still need to rely on traditional broadcast options or other streaming services for local games. Networks use various factors to determine broadcast market regions.
Game blackouts are a separate issue. A blackout occurs when local affiliate stations decline to broadcast a game, typically due to low ticket sales within the local market. This practice aims to encourage fans to attend games in person. Blackouts can also occur due to contractual disputes or other less common circumstances.
Traveling can also complicate watching your favorite teams, even with multiple streaming subscriptions. This is where VPNs can be helpful, as discussed below.
Free Ways to Watch NFL Games
If you prefer not to use cable, streaming services, or even a digital antenna, there are limited options for watching free NFL games each week. These may include free over-the-air broadcasts with an antenna, or potentially promotional free trials from streaming services. Check local listings for any free broadcast opportunities in your area.
Watching NFL Games from Anywhere with a VPN
If you’re traveling outside your home region or country and want to access your usual NFL streaming subscriptions, a VPN (Virtual Private Network) can be a valuable tool. A VPN allows you to virtually change your device’s location by connecting through servers in different countries. It also encrypts your internet connection for enhanced security. For example, if a service is available in the UK but you’re traveling elsewhere, connecting to a UK-based VPN server can allow you to access the service as if you were in the UK.
ExpressVPN is a highly recommended VPN service. It’s consistently ranked as one of the best VPNs due to its performance, security, and ease of use. ExpressVPN offers a 30-day money-back guarantee, allowing you to try it risk-free. Currently, ExpressVPN is offering a discount of 49% on annual subscriptions, plus an extra three months free, totaling 15 months of service. For more information, read our ExpressVPN review or click the link below to explore their offer.
Staff Pick
Steps to Watch NFL Games with a VPN:
- Sign up for a VPN: If you don’t already have a VPN subscription, sign up with a provider like ExpressVPN.
- Install the VPN app: Install the VPN application on the device you’ll use for streaming NFL games.
- Connect to a server: Open the VPN app, turn it on, and select a server location in the region where the game or streaming service is available.
- Access your streaming service: Go to your chosen streaming service or website to watch NFL games.
- Sign up if needed: If you’re subscribing to a new streaming service, you may need to use a local postal/zip code and payment method for that region. Free streaming sites may also require account creation.
- Start watching: Enjoy the game!
Disclaimer: VPN usage may be subject to legal restrictions in certain countries. Using VPNs to bypass regional restrictions on streaming content may violate the terms of service of some streaming platforms. Business Insider does not endorse or condone any illegal use of VPNs.
By Lillian Brown, Associate Editor of Streaming
and Brendan Griffiths, Senior Commerce Director
