How to Watch This Year’s Entire NFL Season Without Cable
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The NFL is the most popular sport in the United States. Its distribution has become more complicated in recent years. But you can stream every game you want without cable. I explain everything below.
In a hurry? Check out these three popular streaming services with which you can watch most NFL games live during the 2024-25 season:
- Fubo: The best streaming service for international sports also provides 150+ well-selected channels. Fubo allows you to try out its service with a free trial.
- DIRECTV: Get a great channel lineup with the best selection of RSNs in the industry. A 5-day free trial is now available for DIRECTV.
- Hulu + Live TV: This total entertainment streaming service provides a great on-demand selection and all the essential live TV channels with a 3-day free trial.
If you can’t watch your favorite sports because of your location, get ExpressVPN to access the content you deserve.
Monday’s NFL Games
| NFL Games Today |
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| None |
How to Stream NFL Games
The televising of NFL games is organized, consistent, and predictable (unlike most other popular pro sports). But that doesn’t keep it from being complicated and difficult to follow.
This chart will give you an overview of which streaming services carry which games, divided by when the games air.
| Thu Night | Sun Morning† | Sun AFC | Sun NFC | Sun Night | Mon Night | |
| DIRECTV | ❌ | 💲 | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Fubo | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Hulu Live | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Sling TV | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️§ | ✔️§ | ✔️ |
| YouTube TV | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Prime Video | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| NFL+ ‡ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Paramount+ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
| Peacock | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ❌ |
| ESPN+ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ |
| Antenna | ❌ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
Live TV Streaming Services for NFL Games
The first 5 providers on the list above are live TV streaming services. Although things are changing slowly, the vast majority of NFL games are broadcast on live TV channels. So one of these services will likely be the foundation of your viewing.
All of these services offer all of the live TV channels that air NFL games with the exception of Sling TV. It does not offer CBS at all and only offers ABC, FOX, and NBC in select markets. But depending on your location and favorite team, it can be an outstanding deal.
No one service has all the games. Even if it carries all the channels, Thursday Night Football games require Amazon Prime Video or NFL+. And not all Sunday afternoon games are shown in all areas but there are options for getting around this.
On-Demand Streaming for NFL Games
The distinction between live and on-demand streaming is getting less clear every day as on-demand platforms offer more live sports. The most important of these is Amazon Prime Video, which is now the home of Thursday Night Football.
If you want to watch CBS, NBC, ESPN+ game replays, you should sign-up for NFL+ Premium (see below).
Streaming Devices for NFL Games
Every streaming service (except NFL+, which is limited to mobile devices) supports the following devices:
- Amazon Fire TV
- Android Mobile
- Android TV smart TVs
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
- iOS (iPhone)
- Roku
- Samsung smart TVs
- Web Browsers
Other smart TVs like those from LG and Vizio as well as gaming systems Xbox and PlayStation are widely supported.
NFL+ for Live Mobile Streaming
NFL+ allows you to livestream all in-market and primetime NFL games — for $6.99/month. It also includes NFL Network. The catch is that you are limited to streaming on your phone or tablet.
The subscription also includes access to all live out-of-market preseason games, live game audio, and NFL library programming.
If you upgrade to NFL+ Premium for $14.99/month, you can watch all games after they end. You get complete full and condensed game replays of all games on all devices, in commercial-free HD 720p.
See our NFL+ review for all the details.
Streaming Out-of-Market NFL Games
Most NFL fans are focused on their local team(s). But fans far from their favorite teams (out-of-market) face special difficulties watching games. But cord-cutters now have two good options.
First, you can get NFL Sunday Ticket, the league’s out-of-market streaming service available through YouTube and YouTube TV. But it is fairly expensive. You may be better off using a VPN to watch out-of-market games.
Non-Streaming Options for Watching NFL Games
I’m big on streaming, but even I recognize there are some occasions when streaming providers are not the best options. Here are two alternatives.
- Watch for Free with a Digital Antenna: If you live in a location within range of the necessary towers, you can get Fox, CBS, ABC, and NBC for free over-the-air. In HD! (Trust me, it’s a lot of football.) Sling TV’s even giving them away! Use the FCC’s DTV tool to see what channels you’re missing out on.
- I hate to admit it, but sometimes, even for all their faults, your old, expensive (but reliable) satellite or cable provider is your best choice. With increasing competition from the streaming services, many have lowered their rates, or are offering pretty sweet deals. If you have to go this route, I recommend DIRECTV Satellite.
All the Channels You Need to Stream NFL Games
The simplest bet for NFL fans is to watch games with a live TV streaming service. What’s the best service for streaming NFL games live? Here’s an overview of which live TV streaming services offer the key channels:
 |  |  |  |  | |
| NBC | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️‡ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| Fox | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️‡ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| CBS | ✔️ | ✔️ | ❌ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| ABC | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️†‡ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| NFL Network | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
| NFL RedZone | 💲 | 💲 | 💲 | 💲 | 💲 |
| ESPN | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ | ✔️ |
The vast majority of NFL regular season games take place on Sunday afternoons and are broadcast on FOX and CBS. But this has been changing slowly since Monday Night Football debuted in the 1970s. And it gets more diverse all the time — especially with streaming-only games.
Looking for NFL playoff games? See our complete guide for everything you need to know!
Sunday Afternoon Football Games
Each Sunday afternoon, you will have your choice of 4 games to watch — two each on your CBS and FOX local affiliates. Of course, since they air in two timeslots, you will only be able to watch two of the games live.
The games that are aired in your local media market will be those deemed of most interest to fans there. As a result, you will always see your local team(s) play.
NFL Night Games
The NFL features three night games each week:
- Thursday Night Football: Streamed on Amazon Prime Video at 8:15 pm. One of these games is actually on the Friday after Thanksgiving. If your local team is playing on Thursday Night Football, one of your local channels will also air the game.
- Sunday Night Football: Broadcast at 8:20 pm on NBC. It also streams live on Peacock Premium.
- Monday Night Football: Airs one or two games by ESPN Sports. This means that it’s usually on ESPN and ABC but one game is even streaming-only on ESPN+. Ten Manningcast games will be featured on ESPN2.
Special Presentation NFL Games
Most of the games fall into the categories above, but there are a few special circumstances throughout the season.
International Games on NFL Network and Peacock
The NFL is expanding its series of international games this year. There will be six games but the last is during Week 18 and has not been announced.
| Date | Time | City | Teams | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fri Sep 6 | 8:15 pm | São Paulo | Green Bay at Philadelphia | Peacock |
| Sun Oct 6 | 9:30 am | London | New York Jets vs Minnesota | NFLN |
| Sun Oct 13 | 9:30 am | London | Jacksonville vs Chicago | NFLN |
| Sun Oct 20 | 9:30 am | London | New England at Jacksonville | NFLN |
| Sun Nov 10 | 9:30 am | Munich | New York Giants vs Carolina | NFLN |
| TBD | TBD | Madrid | TBD | TBD |
The first game will be at Arena Corinthians. The three London games will be at (first, second) Tottenham Hotspur Stadium and (third) Wembley Stadium. The Munich game will be held at Allianz Arena. And the final game will be at Santiago Bernabéu Stadium, home of soccer powerhouse Real Madrid CF.
Saturday NFL Games
The NFL schedules Saturday games once the NCAA Bowl Games start. But there is a catch: many aren’t scheduled until late in the season. Here are the games I have information on.
| Date | Time (ET) | Teams | TV |
| Sat Dec 21 | 1:00 pm | Houston Texans at Kansas City Chiefs | NBC |
| Sat Dec 21 | 4:30 pm | Pittsburgh Steelers at Baltimore Ravens | FOX |
Holiday NFL Games
The NFL is planning some extra festive multi-headers for Thanksgiving Day and Christmas Day this year.
Thanksgiving Day NFL Games (Thursday, November 28, Week 13)
As usual, CBS, FOX, and NBC share broadcasting of the Thanksgiving Day games:
| Date | Time (ET) | Teams | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Thu Nov 28 | 12:30 pm | Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions | CBS |
| Thu Nov 28 | 4:30 pm | New York Giants at Dallas Cowboys | FOX |
| Thu Nov 28 | 8:20 pm | Miami Dolphins at Green Bay Packers | NBC |
Christmas Day NFL Games (Monday, December 25, Week 17)
Both these games will be streaming-only on Netflix:
| Date | Time (ET) | Teams |
|---|---|---|
| Wed Dec 25 | 1:00 pm | Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers |
| Wed Dec 25 | 4:30 pm | Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans |
Offseason NFL
Our Choice
Cutting the cord can be confusing, but for NFL fans, YouTube TV is a slam dunk. It’s got all the local channels you need to catch in-market games, plus extras like NFL Network and RedZone. Plus, it’s easy to use and works on tons of devices – phone, tablet, smart TV, you name it. Sure, there are other options, but YouTube TV hits the sweet spot of channel variety, value, and ease of use. Try it out with a free trial and see for yourself!
FAQs
How do I watch NFL games live for free?
If you have searched for free NFL games to watch, you undoubtedly have come across a lot of services that are scams. The only legal ways to watch NFL for free are:
- Use a free trial of one of a paid streaming service
- Get an antenna for local channels.
I recommend staying away from illegal sites. They are potentially dangerous and generally unreliable. Much better to install an HD antenna or subscribe to a low-cost service like NFL+.
Can I livestream NFL on Amazon Prime?
Yes, you can. Amazon Prime subscribers can watch most Thursday Night Football matches starting with the 2022 season, directly from the Prime Video app. Amazon Prime costs $8.99/month and includes free 2-day shipping on Amazon, free video streaming, and more.
Can I watch NFL games on Netflix?
Netflix is an on-demand service, and at one time that meant that it didn’t offer any live programming. But that has changed. And this year, Netflix will stream two Christmas Day games live:
| Date | Time (ET) | Teams | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Wed Dec 25 | 1:00 pm | Kansas City Chiefs at Pittsburgh Steelers | Netflix |
| Wed Dec 25 | 4:30 pm | Baltimore Ravens at Houston Texans | Netflix |
How can I watch Thursday Night Football online?
It has been a while now since NFL fans were fully covered with cable or satellite. Most Thursday Night Football games are available to stream only. You can watch these with Amazon Prime Video. You can also watch these games live with a subscription to NFL+, but you can only watch live on mobile devices.
Can I live stream NFL games on ESPN+?
Last year, you could livestream a dozen games on ESPN+. Thus far this season, only one game has been scheduled (but I expect some to be added):
| Date | Time (ET) | Teams | TV |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mon Oct 21 | 9:00 pm | Los Angeles Chargers at Arizona Cardinals | ESPN+ |
How do I watch NFL playoffs online?
Once the playoffs are underway, there are plenty of ways to watch online. Options are pretty similar to the regular season, with games airing on ESPN, Fox, NBC, and CBS. So services like Fubo and Hulu + Live TV will work well for you. You can learn more in our NFL playoffs guide.
How do I watch NFL games from outside the United States?
Fans outside the US need the NFL Game Pass. You’ll get access to all the games. Your US-based football friends will be super jealous. Game Pass is available in most countries outside the United States (where you’re supposed to use NFL+) or China. If you’re in Canada, NFL Game Pass is included with your subscription to a popular sports streaming service. See our NFL Game Pass review for more information on international NFL viewing.
How do I watch NFL games in Spanish?
Prime Video features an alternate Spanish-language stream of Thursday Night Football with its own on-air announcers. How you select it will depend on the device you are using. It is selected under the Audio section. You can find this on most devices by pressing Up on your remote control.
Can I watch NFL games using a VPN?
Yes, you can use a VPN to watch games with the streaming services reviewed above. A VPN, or Virtual Private Network, is a type of connection software that provides an extra layer of security and privacy. More relevantly, for the purposes of watching NFL games, it can change where the internet thinks you are located in the world. I recommend ExpressVPN.
See our VPN NFL game viewing guide for all the details.
How do Fox and CBS divvy up the Sunday afternoon games?
Up until recently, CBS had the rights to AFC games, and Fox had the rights to NFC games. If it was an inter-conference game, the away team usually determined the broadcaster. According to NFL Operations, this year this is no longer necessarily the case. However, if you examine the schedule, most games tend to follow this guideline.
Do I need NFL Sunday Ticket?
Most NFL fans do not need Sunday Ticket. The NFL has actually done quite a good job distributing games to fans. And most of it is done for free. NFL Sunday Ticket has a certain reputation as the thing serious fans fork over hundreds of dollars for but it’s really just certain kinds of fans who should do so — fans who are focused on one or more non-local teams.
Check out our guide to out-of-market NFL watching, which also has links to guides on how to watch specific teams, and our NFL Sunday Ticket review for further discussion.
How do I listen to live NFL games?
For those Sundays, Mondays, and Thursdays that you just cannot be in front of a screen, you have NFL on TuneIn. Listen to every score as it happens, in real-time. TuneIn offers the best audio game-day experience for cord-cutting NFL fans, all for free. You can also listen on the radio (either your local station if it’s a local team, or SiriusXM NFL Radio if it’s not) and via NFL+.
A passionate cord-cutter and longtime subscriber to numerous streaming services, Frank has first-hand experience navigating the complexities of sports streaming.
With a PhD in Atmospheric Physics from the Oregon Graduate Institute and a professional background in early streaming technology, Frank combines deep technical insight with practical, real-world knowledge.
His mission at Hotdog.com was straightforward: help sports fans get hassle-free access to the games they love, at the best price, without frustration.
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