A new NFL season is about to kick off, and the games are spread across more apps than ever. Here is who shows what, so you can watch your team without paying for everything.
- Which app shows each game window
- How to watch out-of-market games
- Watching on your phone with NFL+
- Ways to save
The NFL TV Map in One Table
| When | Where it airs | How to stream it |
|---|---|---|
| Sunday afternoon | CBS and FOX (local games) | Paramount+, FOX One or a live TV service |
| Sunday Night Football | NBC | Peacock |
| Monday Night Football | ESPN and ABC | ESPN app (with an ESPN subscription) |
| Thursday Night Football | Prime Video | Prime Video (Amazon Prime) |
| Out-of-market Sunday games | NFL Sunday Ticket | YouTube TV or YouTube |
| Holiday and special games | Netflix and others | Netflix (select games) |
The schedule can change during the season. The official NFL schedule shows the channel for every game.
Sunday Afternoons: CBS and FOX
Most games are on Sunday afternoon, on CBS and FOX. Which game you see depends on where you live: you get the local or regional matchups chosen for your market.
- CBS games stream on Paramount+, on the plan that includes your live local CBS station.
- FOX games stream on FOX One, FOX’s streaming app.
- Both channels are also free with an antenna, if you live within range of the local stations.
Sunday Night Football: Peacock
NBC’s Sunday Night Football, the most-watched show on TV, streams live on Peacock. Peacock also gets some games only it shows, so check the schedule if you follow a specific team.
Monday Night Football: ESPN
Monday nights belong to ESPN, with some games also on ABC. You can stream them in the ESPN app with an ESPN subscription or by logging in with your TV provider.
Thursday Night Football: Prime Video
Thursday Night Football is a Prime Video exclusive. If you already have Amazon Prime, it is included. The local markets of the two teams playing can also see the game on a local channel.
Every Out-of-Market Game: NFL Sunday Ticket
Live in one state but cheer for a team from another? NFL Sunday Ticket shows every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game. It is sold through YouTube TV (as an add-on) or on YouTube, and there are usually discounts before the season starts.
On Your Phone: NFL+
The NFL’s own subscription, NFL+, lets you stream live local and primetime games on your phone or tablet, plus NFL Network and live game audio. NFL+ Premium adds NFL RedZone and full game replays. It lives inside the official NFL app; our NFL app guide shows how to set it up.
How to Save Money This Season
- Start with what you have. If you have Amazon Prime, Thursday nights are covered.
- Get an antenna. CBS, FOX, NBC and ABC are free over the air in most areas.
- Add services month by month. Most streaming plans can be canceled anytime.
- Watch the playoffs window. Some services offer deals in December and January.
Quick Picks by Type of Fan
| If you… | Start with | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Watch your local team only | Antenna + Paramount+ or FOX One | Covers most Sunday afternoon games in your market |
| Never miss primetime | Peacock + Prime Video + ESPN | Sunday, Thursday and Monday nights |
| Live far from your team | NFL Sunday Ticket | Every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game |
| Watch on your phone | NFL+ | Live local and primetime games on mobile |
| Want one bundle | A live TV service such as YouTube TV | CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN and NFL Network together |
Watching on the Big TV
Every service above has an app for smart TVs and streaming devices such as Roku, Fire TV, Google TV and Apple TV boxes. Install the apps and log in a day before the game; some ask you to confirm a code on your phone, and you do not want to do that during kickoff.
- Check that your internet plan handles HD streaming, especially if others are online at the same time.
- Close other apps and downloads during the game to avoid buffering.
- Use the “start over” or replay option some apps offer if you miss the start.
The Playoffs
The regular season runs through early January, then the playoffs begin, ending with the Super Bowl in February. Playoff games are spread across the same partners (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN/ABC, Prime Video and others), so the apps you use in the regular season usually cover the postseason too. Check the schedule each week, because channels are announced close to the games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there one service that has every NFL game?
No. You need a combination: a live TV service or local channels, Peacock, Prime Video, the ESPN app, Netflix for a few special games and Sunday Ticket for out-of-market games.
How can I watch my team if I live in another state?
NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV or YouTube shows out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. Primetime games are national and easier to find.
Can I watch NFL games on my phone?
Yes. NFL+ streams live local and primetime games on phones and tablets, and most streaming apps work on mobile.