How To Watch the 2024–2025 NFL Season: TV, Streaming, and Mobile
We’ve outlined every channel you need for watching NFL games, including the best TV providers for the 2024–2025 NFL season.
The 2024–2025 NFL season is underway, and YouTube TV with NFL Sunday Ticket is the best way to watch the most live Sunday games. But you’ll also need Amazon Prime Video, ESPN+, Netflix, and Peacock to get every live NFL game this season.
Our guide outlines the league’s six core broadcasters, including every NFL channel and service. Each section also includes provider recommendations based on viewing habits.
So lace up your shoulder pads and apply your eye black because football is almost here, and CableTV.com is taking you to the gridiron.
Jump to:
What channels have NFL games?
NFL action airs across multiple networks and services, including marquee NFL broadcasters like Amazon Prime Video, CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC, and NFL Network.
Because the NFL regular season includes 272 games across 18 weeks, you’ll need access to in-market and out-of-market viewing options to receive the most game coverage. Below is a list of every major NFL channel and service for watching live games.
- Amazon Prime Video
- CBS
- ESPN
- ESPN+
- FOX
- Netflix
- NBC
- Peacock
- NFL Network
- NFL Sunday Ticket
Pro tip: Paramount+ subscribers can stream live NFL on CBS games, while Peacock Premium subscribers get access to live NFL on NBC games. Both services also have their fair share of football movies available for streaming.
Additional NFL simulcasts and alternate broadcasts air on channels like ABC, ESPN2, and Nickelodeon. You can also catch extra NFL coverage on NFL RedZone. The channel operates only on Sundays during the regular season, but it provides live coverage of every Sunday afternoon game regardless of regional blackouts.
NFL schedule: key events and channels
It’s never too early to plan your next NFL watch party. Head over to our NFL Schedule This Week to view upcoming NFL matchups, including kickoff times and channel listings.
We’ve also outlined the most significant NFL events to keep an eye on in the table below.
| Event | Start date | Channels |
|---|---|---|
| 2024 Hall of Fame Game | Aug. 1, 2024 | ABC, ESPN |
| NFL Playoffs | Jan. 11, 2025 | CBS, ESPN/ABC, FOX, NBC, Prime Video |
| NFL Pro Bowl Games | Feb. 2, 2025 | ABC, ESPN |
| NFL Honors | Feb. 6, 2025 | FOX, NFL Network |
| Super Bowl LIX | Feb. 9, 2025 | FOX, Fox Deportes, Tubi, Telemundo |
| NFL Scouting Combine | Feb. 24, 2025 | NFL Network, NFL+ |
| 2025 NFL Draft | Apr. 24, 2025 | ABC, ESPN, NFL Network |
Data effective as of post date.
In-market games: CBS and FOX
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Most NFL matchups take place on Sunday afternoons on either CBS or FOX. Typically, games with an AFC road team are broadcast on CBS, while NFC road team games air on FOX.
Because many NFL games happen at once on Sunday afternoons, you’ll be able to see only the ones selected for your location. Several factors determine the in-market games for your area. But usually, you’ll get every game featuring your nearest team and any games with playoff implications for that club.
CBS and FOX are easily accessible through most TV providers. But if you live within range of your local CBS and FOX affiliates, you can catch every in-market NFL game with an over-the-air (OTA) antenna.
A good antenna usually costs between $20 and $60. The best part is that it’s a one-time payment that will give you access to many live sports for years to come. We like the Mohu Leaf 50 because of its 60-mile range and 4K capabilities, but there are many antenna options to consider.
Pro tip: You can verify which channels you’ll pick up with an OTA antenna by entering your zip code on the Federal Communications Commission’s (FCC) Reception Map Tool.
Out-of-market games: NFL Sunday Ticket
Data effective as of post date. Plus $72.99/mo recurring for YouTube TV. Compatible device and internet connection required. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
NFL Sunday Ticket is the go-to TV plan for anyone who supports a non-local team or wants the most live NFL games. Last season, the out-of-market sports package moved from DIRECTV to YouTube TV and YouTube Primetime Channels.
Getting NFL Sunday Ticket through YouTube TV is the best route for cord-cutters because you’ll also have NFL channels like CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC, and NFL Network. That’ll get you almost every game this season, all in one place. (You’ll miss only the non-local Thursday Night Football games on Amazon Prime Video and any exclusives streaming on ESPN+, Netflix, and Peacock.)
While NFL Sunday Ticket with YouTube TV is ideal for any football superfan, its cost is as daunting as playing a one-on-one tackling drill against Ray Lewis. Fortunately, you won’t have the contract and equipment requirements that came with DIRECTV. But you may want to explore NFL+ for an inexpensive way to watch out-of-market NFL games on demand.
Pro tip: Since NFL Sunday Ticket left DIRECTV, there are more ways to access out-of-market NFL games. We highlight these options in our How To Get NFL Sunday Ticket Without DIRECTV guide.
Thursday Night Football
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links. Read full disclaimer.
Amazon Prime Video is home to Thursday Night Football, with the streaming service hosting 16 matchups during the 2024 regular season. Not every Thursday night game streams on Prime Video—games in Weeks 1 and 13 air on NBC. But Prime Video will continue with its NFL Black Friday game this season and carry one game in the NFL Wild Card Round.
If you’re interested in Prime Video for only its NFL games, we recommend checking out the Thursday Night Football schedule. That’ll help you determine when your favorite teams are playing and whether you need Prime Video for the entire season.
Sunday Night Football
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
Mike Tirico, Cris Collinsworth, and Melissa Stark are back for Sunday Night Football, airing on NBC and streaming on Peacock. The 2024 NFL season features 18 Sunday Night Football games and a Peacock-exclusive match in Week 1. Three other matchups round out NBC’s regular-season coverage: its annual NFL Kickoff game in Week 1, a Thanksgiving night fixture, and a Saturday game in Week 16.
You can watch Sunday Night Football on NBC through most TV providers. But you can also pick up the channel with an OTA antenna if you live near an NBC affiliate.
Another cheap option for watching Sunday Night Football is Peacock. The streaming service’s premium plans start at $7.99 a month and give you complete access to every Sunday Night Football game and NBC playoff match.
Monday Night Football
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
ESPN presents 23 Monday Night Football games during the 2024 NFL season, including three games airing solely on ABC. Key matchups included the New York Jets at the San Francisco 49ers in Week 1 and the Baltimore Ravens at the Los Angeles Chargers in Week 12.
Joe Buck and Troy Aikman occupy the broadcast booth for Monday Night Football. But don’t worry; you can still catch Monday Night Football with Peyton and Eli on ESPN2 and ESPN+. The Manning brothers will host eleven alternate telecasts (or Manningcasts) during the 2024 campaign, and you can expect many fun guests to show up.
ESPN is available through every major TV provider, with Sling TV’s Orange plan being the cheapest way to get the channel. But you don’t need a TV plan to watch every Monday Night Football game because of those select games on ABC, which you can access with an OTA antenna.
NFL International Series
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
The 2024 NFL International Series features five games played across venues in Brazil, the U.K., and Germany. Peacock will stream the first matchup, while NFL Network will carry the other four.
Most TV providers carry NFL Network, while a standalone Peacock subscription starts at $7.99 a month. But if you live in Green Bay, Milwaukee, and Philadelphia, you can watch the Peacock game on your local NBC station.
| Game | Date | Time (ET) | Channel |
|---|---|---|---|
| Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles | Friday, Sept. 6 | 8:15 p.m. | Peacock |
| New York Jets vs. Minnesota Vikings | Sunday, Oct. 6 | 9:30 a.m. | NFL Network, NFL+ |
| Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Chicago Bears | Sunday, Oct. 13 | 9:30 a.m. | NFL Network, NFL+ |
| New England Patriots vs. Jacksonville Jaguars | Sunday, Oct. 20 | 9:30 a.m. | NFL Network, NFL+ |
| New York Giants vs. Carolina Panthers | Sunday, Nov. 10 | 9:30 a.m. | NFL Network, NFL+ |
Data effective as of post date.
Other options for watching NFL games
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
For U.S.-based viewers, NFL+ (formerly NFL Game Pass) is an inexpensive way to watch NFL games. The hitch is that live regular season and playoff games are viewable only on phones and tablets. But you can watch every NFL game on a wider range of devices through NFL+ Premium ($14.99 a month) if you wait until after the game ends. The premium plan also includes NFL Network and NFL RedZone without device limitations—an excellent feature for fantasy football fans.
Nothing compares to live sports on a big-screen TV. But saving money and watching games on your own time isn’t so bad. Plus, there are no commercials when you watch archived games on NFL+, and you can use its spoiler-free feature to help keep final scores a secret.
How to watch NFL preseason games
The 2024 NFL preseason began on August 1 with the Pro Football Hall of Fame Game. Most NFL preseason matchups air primarily on local stations, but NFL Network and other national channels carry select preseason games.
NFL+ is an excellent option for streaming live NFL preseason action—offering live out-of-market game access throughout August. But you can find more preseason viewing recommendations in our How To Watch the NFL Preseason guide.
How to watch NFL games for free
CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links. Amazon.com Price; $39.99 (as of 5/17/24 3:00 p.m. CT). Read full disclaimer.
You can watch free NFL games by connecting an over-the-air (OTA) antenna to your TV. If you’re near a local ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC station, you’ll have free access to many NFL games—including playoff fixtures and the Super Bowl. The FCC’s Reception Map Tool is a great place to verify which channels are available in your area.
Of course, an antenna isn’t free. But an easy one-time purchase will ensure you have NFL coverage for many seasons. You’ll also get access to UFL gridiron action, plus NBA, NHL, and MLB games. We recommend the Mohu Leaf 50 because of its wide range and picture quality.
Unfortunately, if an antenna doesn’t work for your location, there’s no easy way to watch live NFL games for free online. But you can always try signing up for a free trial to a live TV streaming service. Our Best Streaming Services for Sports page closely examines streaming providers dedicated to sports.
How to watch NFL games FAQ
What streaming services have NFL Network?
You can stream NFL Network on NFL+, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Each service also offers NFL RedZone, but you may need to subscribe to a higher-tiered plan or add-on to receive the channel.
Can I watch NFL online for free?
No, you can’t watch live NFL games for free online. While the NFL mobile app is free to download, you must log in with a TV provider or NFL+ account to watch live in-market and primetime games.
Can I watch NFL games without cable?
Yes, you can watch NFL games without cable. An HD antenna can get you in-market and select national games while streaming services like Fubo and Hulu + Live TV also carry NFL channels. YouTube TV has the best NFL coverage now that it offers NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on.
How can I watch NFL in Spanish?
You can watch select Spanish-language NFL broadcasts on ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, Telemundo, and UNIVERSO. Other channels also offer Spanish-language audio through the secondary audio programming (SAP) feature included through most cable and satellite TV providers.
Why you should trust us
Our sports experts watched the past several NFL seasons and spent over 20 hours researching the upcoming season to determine the best ways to watch NFL games. We examined every broadcasting option and compared the most popular TV providers head to head. We based our provider recommendations on pricing, NFL game quantity, and ease of use.
Check out our How We Rank page to learn more about our methods.
Disclaimer
Data effective as of post date. Offers and availability may vary by location and are subject to change.
*Amazon.com price as of 5/17/24 3:00 p.m. CT. Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon.com at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product. CableTV.com utilizes paid Amazon links.
Certain content that appears on this site comes from Amazon. This content is provided “as is” and is subject to change or removal at any time.
