The 2025 NFL season kicks off soon. Fans everywhere are excited to watch their teams play. This year, watching NFL games online is easier than ever before. You no longer need cable TV to enjoy football.
Many streaming options now let you see your favorite teams live. However, choosing the right service can be confusing. Prices, games, and streaming options vary widely.
This simple guide shows exactly how to watch NFL games online. You will learn about free and paid ways to stream the games. Follow these tips to enjoy every game without cable or confusion.
The NFL schedule spreads across different channels and streaming services. Each day has its special lineup. Here’s how it works this season.
Where to Watch NFL Games in the 2025-26 Season
Here is the quick streaming options at a glance:
| Game Day | Channels/Platforms |
|---|---|
| Sunday Daytime | CBS (Paramount+), FOX (Tubi or Fox One), NFL Network |
| Sunday Night | NBC (Peacock) |
| Monday Night | ESPN/ABC (ESPN+) |
| Thursday Night | Prime Video (NBC Week 1 only) |
| Friday Specials | YouTube (free, Week 1), Prime Video (Black Friday) |
| Saturday (Week 18) | ESPN/ABC (ESPN+) |
| International Games | NFL Network, ESPN+, Paramount+ |
| Thanksgiving | FOX, CBS, NBC (Tubi, Paramount+, Peacock) |
| Christmas Day | Netflix (2 games), Prime Video (1 game) |
| Playoffs & Super Bowl | NBC (Super Bowl LX), FOX, CBS, Prime Video (1 Wildcard) |
Sunday NFL Games
Most NFL games happen on Sundays. CBS and FOX show the daytime games. You can watch them on regular TV or online through Paramount+ (CBS) and Tubi or Fox One (FOX). At night, NBC shows Sunday Night Football. Stream these games easily on Peacock.
Monday NFL Games
Monday Night Football airs every week on ESPN and ABC. ESPN+ streams these games, too. Here is the complete MNF schedule and streaming guide.
Thursday NFL Games
Prime Video streams Thursday Night Football each week. The first game of the season is special. NBC will show that opening game instead of Prime Video.
Special NFL Games (Friday, Saturday, Holidays)
- YouTube streams a free game on the first Friday of the season. Prime Video streams the Black Friday game later in the year.
- ESPN and ABC have Saturday games in the last week of the regular season. These are important matchups that affect playoff spots.
- Thanksgiving Day features three games on FOX, CBS, and NBC. Christmas Day has two special NFL games streaming only on Netflix. Prime Video also shows one extra Christmas game.
Playoffs and Super Bowl
NFL Playoffs 2026 begin after the regular season. NBC will air Super Bowl LX. FOX and CBS will show conference championship games. Prime Video streams one wildcard playoff game.
Best Paid Ways to Watch NFL Online (2025-26)
You can stream NFL games online using paid services. Different streaming services offer different packages. Here are the best options clearly explained.
YouTube TV with NFL Sunday Ticket
YouTube TV is popular for NFL fans. It shows almost every game during the season. NFL Sunday Ticket lets you watch games that don’t show locally. New users pay $276 for the season plus $82.99 each month for YouTube TV itself. This option is perfect if your favorite team plays in another city. But it can get expensive for the whole year.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV costs $82.99 each month. It includes ESPN, NBC, FOX, CBS, and NFL Network. You also get Disney+ and ESPN+ included.
This is good for families who want sports and movies together.
FuboTV
FuboTV charges $84.99 per month. It shows all major NFL channels like CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and NFL Network. FuboTV focuses heavily on sports content.
This is a strong choice if you mostly care about sports.
Sling TV
Sling TV has two main plans called Orange and Blue. These plans cost between $45.99 and $60.99 per month. Sling TV is cheaper than other services but covers fewer channels. FOX and NBC only work in some areas. Sling TV works well if you want to save money and only need certain channels.
DIRECTV Stream
DIRECTV Stream starts at $79.99 each month. It includes CBS, NBC, FOX, ESPN, and in some plans, NFL Network. This service feels more like traditional cable but without the satellite. DIRECTV Stream is a solid option if you want lots of live channels and regional sports too.
Budget-Friendly NFL Streaming Services (2025-26)
You don’t have to spend a lot of money to watch NFL games online. Several cheaper services show NFL games clearly and easily.
Prime Video
Prime Video streams Thursday Night Football every week. It also shows the Black Friday game and one playoff game. It costs between $8.99 and $17.98 per month.
Paramount+
Paramount+ shows all CBS games in your region. It costs between $7.99 and $12.99 per month.
Peacock
Peacock streams all Sunday Night Football games. It includes some playoff games too. Prices range from $7.99 to $13.99 per month.
ESPN+
ESPN+ streams select Monday Night Football games and one international game. It costs $11.99 per month.
Netflix
Netflix has two NFL games on Christmas Day. Plans range from $7.99 to $24.99 per month.
You can choose one or combine a few of these services to match your favorite teams or game days.
Cheapest and Free Ways to Watch NFL Online
Not everyone wants to pay high prices to watch football. These options help you watch the NFL without spending much.
NFL+ Mobile App
NFL+ is the official app from the NFL.
- Basic Plan: $6.99/month — local and primetime games on mobile or tablet.
- Premium Plan: $14.99/month — adds NFL Network, RedZone, and game replays.
You can’t watch live games on your smart TV, but the replays work well.
Budget Streaming Combo
You can save money with this simple bundle:
- Paramount+ for CBS games — $7.99/month
- Peacock for NBC games — $7.99/month
- Add Prime Video for TNF — $8.99/month (optional)
This combo covers Sunday, Sunday night, and Thursday games for under $25/month.
Free Over-the-Air Antenna
An antenna helps you watch CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC for free. It’s a one-time cost with no monthly bill.
Other Free NFL Content
- Tubi and Pluto TV: Classic games and NFL shows
- NFL YouTube Channel: Highlights and previews
- NFL App: Scores, news, and clips
How to Watch NFL Outside the United States
Fans outside the U.S. can still watch the NFL live.
NFL Game Pass International
NFL Game Pass is available through DAZN in many countries. You can watch every game live or later. It works on phones, tablets, smart TVs, and computers. Pricing depends on your country.
Local Sports Channels
In some countries, NFL games also stream on local networks.
- Sky Sports (UK)
- TSN (Canada)
- Star Sports (India)
- Tencent (China)
Check which provider shows games in your country.
Best Devices to Stream NFL Games
You can stream NFL games on almost any device. Here’s what works best:
- Smart TVs: Samsung, LG, Sony, and more
- Streaming Devices: Roku, Fire Stick, Chromecast, Apple TV
- Phones & Tablets: iPhone, iPad, Android
- Gaming Consoles: PS5, Xbox Series X
Install your favorite streaming apps and sign in to start watching.
Tips to Get the Best NFL Streaming Experience
Good streaming needs good internet. These tips help you enjoy every game without issues.
- Use a modern router (Wi-Fi 6 or better).
- Place your router in an open, central spot.
- Run speed tests often.
- Pause downloads and other devices during games.
Mistakes to Avoid When Streaming NFL Games
- Don’t use illegal streaming sites. They are slow, unsafe, and risky.
- Avoid paying for too many services. Only subscribe to what you watch.
- Check your device limits. Some plans only work on mobile or certain platforms.
Common Questions About NFL Streaming
Can I watch NFL games for free online in 2025?
Yes. You can use an antenna to watch local games on CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC. Tubi, Pluto TV, and the NFL’s YouTube channel also offer free highlights and content.
What’s the cheapest way to watch NFL games?
NFL+ is the most affordable. It starts at $6.99/month for local and primetime games on mobile. You can also build a low-cost bundle using Paramount+, Peacock, and Prime Video.
Can I watch every NFL game without cable?
Yes. You’ll need a mix of services like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. For out-of-market games, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube is the only option.
Do I need Prime Video for Thursday Night Football?
Yes. Prime Video is the exclusive home of Thursday Night Football. One game in Week 1 airs on NBC instead.
Can I stream NFL on my phone?
Yes. NFL+, Prime Video, ESPN+, and others offer mobile streaming. Some services only allow live viewing on phones or tablets.
Can I watch NFL from outside the U.S.?
Yes. Use NFL Game Pass International through DAZN. It lets you stream every game live or on demand.
Watching NFL without cable is simple now. You can choose full packages, budget plans, or even free methods. Pick what fits your life, and enjoy every touchdown, field goal, and big play this season.