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How to Watch NFL Games (Even Without Cable)

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IN THIS ARTICLE

1When does the NFL play?

2What channels broadcast NFL games on TV?

3Do streaming services carry live NFL games?

+Show 4 more...

OTHER SECTIONS

Tips and Warnings

Related Articles

References

Co-authored by Jennifer Mueller, JD

Last Updated: February 13, 2022 References

Are you ready for some football? The NFL has broadcast deals with several networks and streaming
services so you can watch any game you want, when you want, on a multitude of devices. The easiest
way to watch all the NFL games live is to get cable TV—but "easiest" doesn't always mean "least
expensive." Here, we've got answers to your questions about how to watch the NFL, both in the US and
abroad.
Question

When does the NFL play?

Image titled Watch the NFL Step 1

NFL games air in 4 time slots during the regular season.

Typically, games are played on Thursday nights, Sunday afternoons, Sunday nights, and Monday nights.
Due to holidays, there might occasionally be a game on a Saturday or multiple games on a Thursday.
Each of these time slots is controlled by different channels and streaming services:[1]

Monday Night Football: ESPN, ESPN+ (streaming)

Thursday Night Football: NFL Network, FOX, Amazon Prime (streaming)[2]

Sunday afternoon games: FOX/CBS, Tubi/Paramount+ (streaming)

Sunday Night Football: NBC, Peacock (streaming)

Question

What channels broadcast NFL games on TV?

Image titled Watch the NFL Step 3

ESPN, NBC, FOX, CBS, and the NFL Network broadcast NFL games.

All NFL games are broadcast on over-the-air networks. On Sunday afternoons there are a lot of different
games being played at once. The games you see depend on where you live (your local market).
Essentially, the networks air games that are most likely to be popular in your area. So, for example, if you
live in Tennessee, you're more likely to see a (Tennessee) Titans game than a (Las Vegas) Raiders game.
[3]

On Sunday afternoon, FOX carries NFC games (Rams, 49ers, Cardinals, Seahawks, Saints, Buccaneers,
Panthers, Falcons, Vikings, Lions, Bears, Packers, Eagles, Cowboys, Washington, Giants). FOX uses the
Tubi streaming service for digital devices.

CBS carries Sunday afternoon AFC games (Steelers, Bengals, Browns, Ravens, Dolphins, Patriots, Bills,
Jets, Texans, Colts, Jaguars, Titans, Raiders, Chiefs, Broncos, Chargers). CBS simulcasts on its Paramount+
streaming service.[4]

Question

Do streaming services carry live NFL games?

Image titled Watch the NFL Step 4

Yes, you can stream NFL games through any service that carries the networks.

FuboTV, Hulu Plus Live TV, and Youtube TV all carry CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and the NFL Network in most
markets. All of these services cost around $65 a month. All of these services also offer NFL RedZone as
an add-on for $10 or $11 a month if you want highlights from every game played on Sunday.[5]

YouTube TV and FuboTV stream Thursday night games in 4K, although you'll have to pay an extra $20 a
month to get the higher definition stream on YouTube TV.

If you get both the Orange and Blue plans with Sling TV for $50 a month, you'll get ESPN and the NFL
Network. In some major markets, you can also get FOX and NBC, but you won't have CBS.

Question

Can I watch NFL games for free?

Image titled Watch the NFL Step 2

Yes, you can watch local-market games on the Yahoo!

Sports App.[6] The Yahoo! Sports App allows you to stream local-market and primetime NFL games live,
and the best part is it's absolutely free! You don't have to have a cable subscription or subscribe to the
app to watch. It is restricted by region, though, and only available in the US.[7]

NFL markets are tricky. The easiest way to check what games are airing in your market is to use the maps
on 506 Sports. Go to the NFL page (https://506sports.com/nfl/) then click the number for the week
you're interested in to bring up the map.

You can also watch local-market games on a TV with an antenna if you can pick up NBC, CBS, or FOX.
Since you have to buy the equipment, this isn't technically completely free, but if you already have an
antenna, you're good to go.

Streaming services, such as Hulu, also offer live NFL games. If you set up a free trial, you could watch
games for free that way.[8] Again, as with Yahoo! Sports, you'll only get local-market games.
Question

What devices can I stream NFL games on?

Image titled Watch the NFL Step 5

Streaming services are available on any device with internet access.

The beauty of streaming is that you can watch the game anywhere. All the streaming services that offer
NFL content have mobile apps you can download on iOS and Android phones and tablets. You can also
watch on your laptop, smart TV, or through a game system such as Xbox or PlayStation.[9]

Not all streaming services are compatible with all devices, so make sure you can use the service you
want (or download its app) before you subscribe.

If you want to watch on multiple devices at the same time, make sure you purchase a subscription
package that makes that possible. Most streaming services allow simultaneous streaming on 2 or 3
devices by default, but you'll have to pay extra for more.

Question

How can I watch NFL games outside my local market?

Image titled Watch the NFL Step 6

Use DIRECTV to watch out-of-market games in the US.

The NFL has an exclusive media deal with DIRECTV for out-of-market games.[10] With the NFL Sunday
Ticket, you have access to all out-of-market games aired on FOX or CBS. The only games you'll miss out
on are some international games.[11]

The NFL Sunday Ticket is included on DIRECTV's "CHOICE," "ULTIMATE," and "PREMIER" packages. The
CHOICE package starts at $74.99 a month, plus taxes and fees.

If it's impossible for you to get DIRECTV, you might be able to get unlimited streaming through
NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV. Go to https://nflst.directv.com/?CMP=VUC-NFL-GN-WBV-SUNDAYREADY to see if
it's available in your area.

The streaming service is only available for students and people who live in pockets of select metropolitan
areas out of reach of a satellite signal, or in multi-unit buildings where satellite dishes can't be installed.
[12]

NFLSUNDAYTICKET.TV is $73.49/month for 4 months, for a total of $293.96. The same service plus the
NFL RedZone channel is $99.00/month for 4 months, for a total of $395.99.[13]
Question

How do I watch the NFL if I live outside the US?

Image titled Watch the NFL Step 7

Subscribe to NFL Game Pass to watch live games internationally.

While the domestic Game Pass doesn't include live streaming, the international version does. NFL Game
Pass International is available on Android and Apple devices in over 180 countries around the world.[14]

The monthly price of NFL Game Pass varies in each country. For comparison, the domestic version, which
doesn't include live streaming, is $99 a month.[15]

You might be able to spoof your location using a VPN (virtual private network) so you can purchase the
international version of NFL Game Pass in the US. However, this violates the terms of service and could
end up costing you more than it's worth.[16]

Community Q&A

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Warnings

Some subscribers "share" their streams on social media so you can watch out-of-market games for free.
Be aware that while it's not technically illegal for you to watch one of these streams (if you can find one
—social media platforms are vigilant about piracy), it is illegal to stream the content.[17]

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References

↑https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-new-broadcast-deals-running-through-2033-season

↑https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-thursday-night-football-2021

↑https://www.nfl.com/news/nfl-announces-new-broadcast-deals-running-through-2033-season

↑https://www.nfl.com/standings/

↑https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/nfl-2021-streaming-how-to-watch-football-
redzone-this-season-without-having-cable-fantasy-football-livestream/

↑https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-live-streams-2021-watch-free-without-cable/
4a0ms3nqrcj718kf1mxghqioh

↑https://sports.yahoo.com/nfl/live-video/
↑https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nfl/news/nfl-live-streams-2021-watch-free-without-cable/
4a0ms3nqrcj718kf1mxghqioh

↑https://www.cnet.com/tech/services-and-software/nfl-2021-streaming-how-to-watch-football-
redzone-this-season-without-having-cable-fantasy-football-livestream/

More References (8)

About This Article

Jennifer Mueller, JD

Co-authored by:

Jennifer Mueller, JD

Doctor of Law, Indiana University

This article was co-authored by wikiHow staff writer, Jennifer Mueller, JD. Jennifer Mueller is an in-house
legal expert at wikiHow. Jennifer reviews, fact-checks, and evaluates wikiHow's legal content to ensure
thoroughness and accuracy. She received her JD from Indiana University Maurer School of Law in 2006.
This article has been viewed 6,634 times.

25 votes - 84%

Co-authors: 5

Updated: February 13, 2022

Views: 6,634

Categories: Fandom

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Jennifer Mueller, JD

Co-authored by:

Jennifer Mueller, JD

Doctor of Law, Indiana University

Co-authors:

Updated:

February 13, 2022

Views:

6,634

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25 votes - 84%

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