Where to Watch NFL

The National Football League (NFL) is the most-watched sports league in the United States and enjoys a significant global audience. Whether you’re a die-hard fan, a casual viewer, or a newcomer, the question of where to watch NFL games is as important as the games themselves. As of 2024, the NFL offers a variety of ways to catch live games, from traditional TV broadcasts to advanced streaming platforms that deliver high-definition content right to your mobile devices.

This article provides a complete guide to where you can watch NFL games, covering all the available streaming services, TV channels, and platforms that offer access to live games, pre-game coverage, post-game analysis, and much more. We will explore regional availability, international options, subscription details, and how to get the best viewing experience, wherever you are in the world.

1. The NFL’s Traditional Broadcast Partners Where to Watch NFL

CBS Sports

CBS has long been a major broadcaster of NFL games and will continue its coverage in 2024. The network primarily covers the AFC games on Sundays, broadcasting regional games in the afternoon (1:00 PM and 4:25 PM ET slots). CBS also has rights to the AFC Championship game, certain key matchups throughout the season, and games in both the divisional and wild-card playoff rounds.

CBS is available via most cable and satellite providers, as well as over-the-air with a digital antenna, making it one of the most accessible platforms for watching NFL games. CBS All Access, which was rebranded as Paramount+, is also available for streaming the network’s NFL coverage.

FOX Sports

Fox is another long-standing NFL broadcast partner, mainly responsible for NFC games. Like CBS, Fox broadcasts regional games on Sunday afternoons (1:00 PM and 4:25 PM ET) as well as the NFC Championship game, and select playoff games. Fox also has the rights to some of the biggest games of the season, including the Thanksgiving Day games, which have become a major tradition.

Fox’s coverage is accessible through cable, satellite, and free over-the-air TV. Fox’s streaming service, Fox Sports Go, also allows users to stream games live, although access may require authentication through a cable subscription.

NBC: Sunday Night Football

NBC is the home of Sunday Night Football (SNF), one of the most-watched programs in the U.S. each week. NBC broadcasts SNF games live and in high-definition, providing extensive pre-game and post-game coverage. The network also airs key NFL playoff games and the annual Hall of Fame Game that kicks off the NFL preseason.

NBC offers the Peacock streaming service, where you can watch live SNF games. Peacock offers both free and premium tiers, with live NFL games generally available on the premium tier.

ESPN: Monday Night Football

ESPN has exclusive rights to Monday Night Football (MNF), airing all MNF games live. In addition to the regular season games, ESPN is part of the playoff broadcasting rotation, showing a wild-card game. ESPN’s presentation of NFL games includes in-depth analysis, special features, and player interviews.

ESPN is available via most cable and satellite providers, and it’s also available on the ESPN app and ESPN+, ESPN’s streaming service. ESPN+ requires a subscription, but it also offers exclusive NFL content, including special shows and documentaries that supplement live game coverage.

NFL Network

NFL Network is the league’s dedicated channel, offering comprehensive NFL coverage 24/7. The channel broadcasts Thursday Night Football (shared with Amazon Prime), some exclusive live games, preseason games, and extensive commentary, analysis, and highlight shows. During the NFL season, NFL Network is the go-to place for in-depth coverage, featuring shows like Good Morning Football and NFL GameDay.

NFL Network is available through cable, satellite, and various streaming services like YouTube TV, Sling TV, and FuboTV.

Amazon Prime Video: Thursday Night Football

In 2024, Amazon Prime Video continues its exclusive broadcast of Thursday Night Football (TNF). Amazon signed a landmark deal with the NFL in 2021 to stream TNF, making it the first major streaming service to acquire exclusive rights to an NFL broadcast. Fans can watch games via the Amazon Prime Video app on smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, or any other compatible devices.

A subscription to Amazon Prime is required to watch TNF games on the platform, but the service offers a free trial for new users. In addition to live games, Amazon also offers pre-game shows, post-game analysis, and alternate commentaries, giving viewers a more customizable experience.

2. Streaming Services for NFL Games Where to Watch NFL

In the modern era, streaming services have become an increasingly popular option for watching live sports, including the NFL. Whether you’re cutting the cord from traditional cable or just looking for more convenient ways to watch games on the go, these services offer various packages and pricing options.

NFL+: The League’s Official Streaming Service Where to Watch NFL

NFL+ is the NFL’s own streaming platform, providing a comprehensive solution for watching live games on mobile devices. NFL+ offers both a standard and premium subscription, with the standard tier allowing fans to stream local and primetime games live on mobile and tablet devices. The premium tier includes access to full game replays, condensed replays, and the NFL Films library.

While NFL+ is limited to mobile streaming, it’s a great option for those who want to watch games on the go. The platform also includes radio broadcasts for every game, as well as live audio from NFL Network shows.

YouTube TV

YouTube TV is one of the most popular live streaming services for NFL fans, offering access to CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and the NFL Network in its base package. This makes it an excellent choice for those who want to watch a variety of games throughout the week, including Sunday afternoon games, Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, and Thursday Night Football.

YouTube TV also includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, allowing you to record games and watch them later at your convenience. In 2024, YouTube TV will also serve as the home for NFL Sunday Ticket, which allows fans to watch out-of-market games live.

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV is another excellent streaming option for NFL games, offering access to CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN, as well as NFL Network through its live TV package. Hulu’s Live TV service comes bundled with the standard Hulu streaming library, which gives users access to thousands of on-demand movies and TV shows in addition to live sports.

Hulu + Live TV includes cloud DVR capabilities, allowing subscribers to record games and watch them later. Like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV is a good solution for cord-cutters who still want access to live NFL broadcasts.

FuboTV

FuboTV is a sports-centric streaming service that offers one of the most comprehensive packages for NFL fans. The base plan includes CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, providing coverage of most NFL games throughout the season. FuboTV also offers several add-on packages for enhanced sports coverage, including additional NFL shows and analysis.

One of the advantages of FuboTV is its focus on sports, which makes it a great option for fans who want access to not only NFL games but also other major sports leagues. The service includes cloud DVR and supports simultaneous streaming on multiple devices.

Sling TV

Sling TV is a more budget-friendly streaming option that offers access to ESPN (via Sling Orange) and Fox and NBC (via Sling Blue). However, Sling TV does not include CBS, which means you won’t be able to watch AFC games on Sundays.

While Sling TV is less expensive than other options, its channel lineup may be limiting for those who want access to all NFL games. However, it’s a good choice for fans who are primarily interested in NFC and primetime games.

Paramount+

Paramount+ (formerly CBS All Access) is CBS’s dedicated streaming service and offers live streaming of NFL games that air on CBS. This includes AFC games on Sunday afternoons, as well as certain playoff games. Paramount+ also provides on-demand access to CBS shows, movies, and original content, making it a versatile streaming platform for NFL fans.

While Paramount+ focuses on CBS games, it’s an affordable option for fans who primarily want to watch AFC games and don’t need access to other networks.

Peacock

Peacock is NBC’s streaming platform and offers live access to Sunday Night Football, as well as select playoff games and the Super Bowl when NBC holds the rights. Peacock’s premium tier is required to stream live NFL games, but the platform offers a variety of content beyond NFL broadcasts, including movies, TV shows, and original programming.

Peacock is an ideal choice for those who primarily want access to SNF and other NBC content. It’s also one of the more affordable streaming options available.

3. International NFL Viewing Options Where to Watch NFL

The NFL’s global popularity continues to grow, and fans outside the U.S. have several options for watching games in 2024.

NFL Game Pass International Where to Watch NFL

NFL Game Pass International is the go-to option for fans living outside the U.S. It provides live streaming of every NFL game, including regular season, playoff games, and the Super Bowl. Subscribers also get access to on-demand replays, condensed games, and the NFL Films library.

NFL Game Pass International is available in various regions, including Europe, Asia, and Latin America. Unlike the U.S. version of NFL+, which is limited to mobile streaming, Game Pass International can be accessed on a wide range of devices, including smart TVs, tablets, and computers.

Sky Sports (UK)

In the UK, Sky Sports holds the broadcast rights to NFL games.