Finding the right way to watch NFL games has become hard with so many choices now. Many fans are switching from cable to streaming services to watch their favorite teams play each week. The best NFL streaming services give you access to local games, prime time matchups, and even out-of-market games without needing a cable subscription.
NFL games air on many networks like CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Each streaming service offers different channels and features at different prices. Some services focus on sports while others include NFL games as part of bigger packages with other shows and movies.
1. YouTube TV
- Why it’s great:
- Carries CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN — the core NFL broadcasters.
- Includes NFL Network.
- Option to add NFL Sunday Ticket for out-of-market games.
- Best for: Fans who want nearly every game in one place.
- Price (2025): Around $72.99/month + Sunday Ticket add-on.
2. NFL+ (Direct from the NFL)
- Why it’s great:
- Lets you stream local and primetime games live on mobile/tablet.
- Includes NFL RedZone (with the Premium plan).
- On-demand replays of all games.
- Limitations: Live games are mobile-only — no TV casting for local/primetime matchups.
- Best for: Fans on the go or who want replays.
- Price (2025): $6.99/month (Basic), $14.99/month (Premium).
3. Amazon Prime Video
- Why it’s great:
- Exclusive home of Thursday Night Football.
- 4K streams and alternate commentary feeds.
- Best for: Fans who don’t want to miss Thursday games.
- Price (2025): Included with Prime ($14.99/month or $139/year).
4. Peacock (NBC)
- Why it’s great:
- Streams Sunday Night Football live.
- Exclusive NFL games — Peacock has been adding special matchups each season.
- Best for: Fans who mainly watch Sunday night games.
- Price (2025): $5.99/month (Premium).
5. Paramount+ (CBS)
- Why it’s great:
- Streams all CBS Sunday afternoon games (including AFC matchups).
- Works on mobile, smart TVs, and streaming devices.
- Best for: Fans of AFC teams and CBS broadcasts.
- Price (2025): $5.99/month (Essential), $11.99/month (with Showtime).
6. ESPN+ / Hulu + Live TV / Disney Bundle
- Why it’s great:
- Monday Night Football via ESPN.
- Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN, FOX, NBC, CBS, and NFL Network.
- Bundle discounts with Disney+ and ESPN+.
- Best for: Fans who want ESPN’s Monday coverage plus a full channel lineup.
- Price (2025): $76.99/month (Hulu + Live TV).
7. Sling TV
- Why it’s great:
- Affordable way to get ESPN, FOX, and NBC (in select markets).
- Includes NFL Network.
- Limitations: No CBS, so you’ll miss some Sunday games.
- Best for: Budget-conscious fans who don’t need every game.
- Price (2025): $40–$55/month, depending on package.
8. DirecTV Stream / FuboTV
- Why they’re great:
- Both carry CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network.
- FuboTV also emphasizes sports with 4K streams.
- Best for: Fans who want a cable-like experience without cable.
- Price (2025): $74.99–$79.99/month.
Quick Breakdown by Game Type
- Thursday Night Football: Amazon Prime Video
- Sunday Afternoon (AFC): CBS / Paramount+
- Sunday Afternoon (NFC): FOX (via YouTube TV, Fubo, DirecTV Stream, Sling in select areas)
- Sunday Night Football: NBC / Peacock
- Monday Night Football: ESPN / Hulu + Live TV
- Out-of-Market Games: NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube TV)
- RedZone Channel: NFL+ Premium, YouTube TV, Sling, Fubo
Best Picks by Fan Type
- Die-hard fan (wants every game): YouTube TV + NFL Sunday Ticket.
- Casual fan (just local & primetime games): Peacock + Paramount+ + Amazon Prime.
- On-the-go fan: NFL+ Premium.
- Budget fan: Sling TV + Paramount+.
✅ Bottom line:
For the most complete NFL coverage in 2025–26, YouTube TV with NFL Sunday Ticket is the top choice. But if you’re more casual, combining Amazon Prime, Peacock, and Paramount+ gives you most primetime and Sunday games at a lower cost.
1) NFL Sunday Ticket
NFL Sunday Ticket is now exclusively available on YouTube TV. This service lets football fans watch out-of-market Sunday games that aren’t broadcast locally.
You can get NFL Sunday Ticket in two ways. The most popular option is subscribing through YouTube TV‘s base plan. This gives you both local games and out-of-market Sunday games in one package.
For those who don’t want a full YouTube TV subscription, there’s another choice. NFL Sunday Ticket is also available through YouTube Primetime Channels as a standalone service.
The service provides multiple streams within your household. This means family members can watch different games at the same time on separate devices.
Another helpful feature is access to condensed game replays. Fans pressed for time can catch all the important plays without watching entire games.
NFL Sunday Ticket doesn’t include every NFL game. It focuses on out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. Nationally televised games, digital-only games, and local broadcasts aren’t part of the package.
For the complete NFL viewing experience, many fans pair Sunday Ticket with YouTube TV. This combination was described as “probably the best” by Reddit users discussing NFL viewing options.
The 2024-2025 NFL season marks YouTube TV’s era as the Sunday Ticket provider. Previously, this package was exclusively available through DirectTV for many years.
2) YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers a complete NFL viewing experience. It includes all major networks that broadcast games like CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. This makes it easy to watch most regular season matchups.
The service costs $82.99 per month and comes with over 100 live channels. No contracts are needed, so you can cancel anytime without paying extra fees.
NFL content on YouTube TV includes live games and special NFL programming. Fans can also enjoy NFL Live, which features analysis and commentary about league happenings.
For football fans who enjoy past games, YouTube TV provides replays of classic NFL matches. This feature lets viewers relive memorable moments from football history.
One limitation is that YouTube TV doesn’t include every NFL game. Thursday Night Football games are exclusive to Amazon Prime Video. A few games might also appear only on Peacock or Netflix.
The nationwide availability makes YouTube TV accessible to fans across the country. Users can stream games on multiple devices including smartphones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs.
YouTube TV includes a DVR feature that lets viewers record games to watch later. This proves helpful when fans can’t watch live due to other commitments.
The free trial option gives new users a chance to test the service before making a financial commitment. This trial period helps determine if YouTube TV meets their NFL viewing needs.
3) Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has become a major player for NFL fans. The service now exclusively streams Thursday Night Football games, making it a must-have for complete NFL coverage.
Starting in mid-September, Prime Video broadcasts 15 regular season games. These games start at 7PM ET/4PM PT and come at no extra cost with an Amazon Prime membership.
Many viewers have noted the impressive video quality of NFL games on Prime Video. Some users report that the games look better on Amazon Prime compared to other services like Hulu or YouTube TV.
The service makes it easy to find games. Prime Video offers a dedicated NFL section where fans can check the full schedule and set reminders for upcoming games.
Prime Video also provides extra features during games. These include alternate commentary options, real-time stats, and replay controls that enhance the viewing experience.
For current Prime members, this NFL content adds significant value to the subscription they already have. New users might find the combination of NFL games plus Prime’s other benefits worth the price.
While Prime Video doesn’t offer the complete range of NFL games, it serves as an excellent option for Thursday night matchups. The platform works well on most devices including smart TVs, phones, tablets, and streaming sticks.
4) FuboTV
FuboTV is a strong option for sports fans who want to watch NFL games. It offers NFL Network in its base package, giving viewers access to exclusive NFL content, analysis, and select games.
Plans start at $84.99 per month, which is higher than some competitors. But FuboTV makes up for this with its wide sports coverage.
The service lets you stream NFL games live on various devices including TVs, phones, and computers. No contract is needed, which gives users flexibility.
FuboTV includes major networks that broadcast NFL games such as ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN. This means you can watch most regular season games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl.
A nice perk is that FuboTV offers a free trial. This lets you test the service before committing to a subscription.
For football fans who move around, FuboTV can be combined with a VPN. Some users on Reddit mention using this method to access local channels from different regions.
The platform works on many devices. You can watch games on your TV through a streaming device, on your computer, or on mobile devices.
FuboTV also includes Regional Sports Networks. These channels show local team games, which is perfect for die-hard fans who follow their hometown teams.
5) Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV offers football fans a complete NFL viewing experience. The service includes all the major networks needed to watch NFL games: CBS, ESPN, FOX, NBC, and the NFL Network.
No cable subscription is needed. Hulu + Live TV lets you watch NFL games live all season long on the main broadcast networks where most games air.
The package now includes Disney+ and ESPN+ access at no extra cost. This gives sports fans even more content beyond just football games.
Picture quality on Hulu + Live TV is quite good. Some users find it slightly better than YouTube TV, though opinions vary.
One downside is the interface. The channel organization is alphabetical, which some football fans find less convenient than other streaming services.
The service works on most devices including smart TVs, phones, tablets, and computers. This flexibility lets you watch games at home or on the go.
Football fans can also watch college games on Hulu + Live TV. This makes it a good option for those who enjoy both NFL and college football.
The service lets you record games to watch later. This feature helps if you can’t watch games live due to scheduling conflicts.
6) ESPN+
ESPN+ offers NFL fans access to exclusive content and select games. The service costs $11.99 monthly or $119.99 yearly, making it a mid-range option for football viewing.
One of the standout features is NFL Primetime with Chris Berman, which provides game highlights and analysis. Subscribers can also watch Peyton’s Places, a popular show hosted by NFL legend Peyton Manning.
ESPN+ includes some NFL playoff games, adding value during the postseason. The platform also offers “Man in the Arena” and various “30 for 30” documentaries focused on football stories and players.
The interface works across multiple devices, allowing fans to watch at home or on the go. However, ESPN+ doesn’t provide access to all NFL games, which limits its appeal as a complete solution.
The service integrates with the regular ESPN app, creating a smooth experience for existing ESPN users. This makes switching between free and premium content simple.
Compared to other streaming options, ESPN+ ranks below some competitors in user experience. Some viewers find the streaming quality and reliability issues frustrating during live games.
For casual NFL fans who enjoy analysis and documentaries more than live games, ESPN+ provides good value. The historical content and special NFL programming make it worth considering as a supplement to other services.
7) NFL+
NFL+ is the league’s own streaming service that offers a budget-friendly way to watch games. For $6.99 per month or $49.99 annually, fans can access the basic plan with several viewing options.
The service allows you to watch live local and primetime games on mobile devices and tablets. This makes it great for fans who need to catch games while on the go.
NFL+ also includes live game audio for every game throughout the season. You can listen to home, away, and national radio broadcasts without any blackout restrictions.
For more serious fans, NFL+ Premium costs $14.99 monthly or $99.99 per year. This upgrade adds full and condensed game replays and the coaches’ film feature called All-22.
One key limitation is that NFL+ only lets you watch live games on mobile devices – not on your TV. This makes it better as a supplement to other services rather than your main viewing option.
The service also gives access to NFL Network shows and a library of NFL Films content. Fans can enjoy documentaries, classic games, and analysis programs whenever they want.
For fantasy football players, NFL+ offers real-time statistics and highlights that help track player performance. These features work well during game days when multiple games happen at once.
Keep in mind that NFL+ doesn’t replace Sunday Ticket for out-of-market games. It works best for casual fans who mostly follow their local team or just need a mobile option.
8) Peacock
Peacock offers NFL fans a decent streaming option with some key benefits. The service lets you stream all Sunday Night Football games including preseason and playoff matchups.
For those who enjoy NFL content beyond just the games, Peacock provides the NFL Channel with additional football programming. This gives fans more ways to enjoy NFL content throughout the week.
Peacock’s pricing is relatively affordable compared to other streaming services. This makes it a good choice for casual NFL viewers who don’t want to spend too much on multiple subscriptions.
However, the service does have some drawbacks. Some users have reported issues with streaming quality during NFL games. The platform also lacks DVR functionality, which means you can’t record games to watch later.
Football fans should know that Peacock’s NFL coverage is limited mainly to Sunday Night Football. If you want access to more games, you’ll need additional services.
Peacock works well as part of a streaming strategy for NFL fans. It’s particularly useful for those who want Sunday Night Football and don’t mind missing some other games.
Besides NFL content, Peacock offers shows like The Office and original series like Poker Face. This makes it a good option for viewers who want both sports and entertainment content.
9) DirecTV Stream
DirecTV Stream offers NFL fans several ways to catch their favorite teams in action. The service includes major networks like CBS, FOX, and NBC that broadcast many NFL games throughout the season.
ESPN is also part of DirecTV Stream packages, giving viewers access to Monday Night Football games. For fans wanting more football coverage, the service includes ESPN2, which features some Monday Night Football games with special commentary from Eli and Peyton Manning.
DirecTV Stream calls itself “the best home for live sports” and backs this up by offering NFL Network in its lineup. This channel provides around-the-clock football news, analysis, and select live games throughout the season.
The service also features regional sports channels that may broadcast local team games in some markets. This makes it easier for fans to follow their hometown teams without needing additional subscriptions.
Subscribers can watch games on various devices through the DirecTV Stream app. This flexibility allows fans to enjoy NFL action at home or on the go.
For those with questions about watching NFL games through the service, DirecTV offers a dedicated FAQ section covering common concerns and technical requirements.
DirecTV Stream works well when paired with other NFL viewing options. Some fans combine it with YouTube TV for more comprehensive coverage of games across all markets.
10) Sling TV
Sling TV offers a budget-friendly way to watch NFL games without a cable subscription. Their service provides access to NFL Network, FS1, TNT, and more than 40 other channels.
Fans looking to catch the most football action should consider the Sling Orange + Blue package. This combination will get you every Monday Night Football game and more sports content than the individual packages alone.
For the best NFL coverage, viewers can add the Sports Extras package to their subscription. This upgrade includes ESPN, NFL Network, NFL RedZone, and NBC in select markets.
Sling’s local channel availability differs by region. In some markets, FOX, NBC, and ABC games are available, but coverage isn’t nationwide.
Many Sling users pair their subscription with an over-the-air antenna. This combination works well because it lets you get network channels like ABC, CBS, NBC, and FOX that might not be included in your Sling package.
The base Sling Blue package starts at just $40 per month, making it one of the more affordable options for streaming NFL games. This price point is lower than many competitors.
Sling works on most popular streaming devices. Users can watch at home or on mobile devices, making it easy to catch games while on the go.
Understanding NFL Streaming Services
NFL streaming services provide fans with flexible ways to watch games without cable. These platforms offer various features that enhance how we experience football games.
Defining NFL Streaming
NFL streaming services are online platforms that let you watch football games through the internet instead of traditional TV. They come in different types to fit your needs.
YouTube TV, Hulu, and Peacock are among the top services that carry NFL games. These platforms require a subscription fee but often include other content beyond football.
Some services focus on specific game packages. For example, some might show only Sunday games, while others cover Monday or Thursday night games.
Not all streaming services offer the same games. The NFL spreads its broadcasts across several platforms, so fans might need more than one service to watch every game they want.
Local games are usually available through services that include regional sports networks or local channels like CBS and Fox.
How Streaming Enhances Viewing Experience
Streaming services add features that make watching NFL games more fun and flexible than traditional TV. For many fans, the biggest advantage is watching anywhere—at home, on the go, or even abroad.
Most platforms offer DVR options, allowing viewers to record games and watch later. This means never missing a touchdown due to schedule conflicts.
Many services include multi-device viewing, letting family members watch different content simultaneously. Some even offer split-screen options to track multiple games at once.
Enhanced statistics and player information appear on screen during games. These real-time updates help fans better understand what’s happening.
Interactive features like fantasy football integration make watching more engaging. Fans can track their fantasy players while watching the actual games.
Picture quality has improved greatly, with many services offering HD or 4K streaming options for crystal-clear game viewing.
Legal Considerations for NFL Streaming
Navigating the legal landscape of NFL streaming requires understanding both licensing agreements and regional broadcast restrictions. These factors directly impact how and where fans can legally watch games.
Understanding Licensing Agreements
The NFL has strict agreements with various streaming platforms that control content distribution. Four different streamers now exclusively air games: Amazon’s Prime Video, Netflix, Peacock, and ESPN+. This fragmentation means fans often need multiple subscriptions to watch all games.
Using unauthorized streaming sites like Streameast poses serious legal risks. These platforms typically host copyrighted content without proper licensing, making both hosting and viewing potentially illegal.
The NFL actively protects its broadcast rights through legal action. The league and its partners are currently facing antitrust litigation over streaming deals, which might reshape how games are distributed in the future.
Impact of Regional Blackouts
Regional blackouts remain a significant hurdle for NFL fans. These restrictions prevent viewing games in certain geographic areas, even with paid subscriptions.
Blackout rules exist to protect local broadcasters and ticket sales. Games that don’t sell enough tickets may be blacked out in the local market to encourage stadium attendance.
Ways to Legally Navigate Blackouts:
- Use a mix of services including DirecTV Stream, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, or YouTube TV
- Add an antenna for local broadcasts
- Consider NFL+ for mobile viewing options
Fantasy football streamers must be particularly careful. Twitch creators cannot show actual game footage during their streams without proper authorization, as this violates NFL copyright protections.
Technological Requirements for Optimized Streaming
Getting the best NFL streaming experience requires both adequate internet speed and devices that can handle high-quality video. These technical elements work together to ensure you don’t miss any game-changing moments.
Necessary Internet Speed
To stream NFL games without buffering or quality issues, your internet connection needs to meet specific speed requirements. For standard definition (SD) viewing, a minimum of 3-4 Mbps is necessary. However, for HD quality, you’ll need at least 5-8 Mbps.
For the best experience with 4K streams, at least a 25 Mbps connection is recommended. This ensures smooth playback even during high-action moments.
Connection stability matters as much as raw speed. A wired Ethernet connection is preferable to WiFi for important games. If you must use WiFi, position your router in a central location and minimize interference from other devices.
Many streaming problems can be fixed by:
- Restarting your router
- Closing other bandwidth-heavy applications
- Updating your streaming app
- Moving closer to your WiFi router
Compatible Devices
Today’s NFL streams can be watched on various devices, each with different capabilities and limitations.
Smart TVs: Most modern smart TVs support popular streaming apps like YouTube TV, Paramount+, and Fubo. Models from 2018 or newer typically offer the best compatibility and performance for NFL streaming services.
Streaming Devices:
- Roku
- Amazon Fire TV
- Apple TV
- Chromecast
These affordable options turn any TV with an HDMI port into a streaming hub. The latest models support 4K streaming with HDR for the best picture quality.
Mobile devices work well for on-the-go viewing, though screen size limits the experience. Tablets offer a good middle ground between phones and TVs.
Remember to keep your devices updated. Regular software updates improve performance and fix bugs that might affect streaming quality.
Frequently Asked Questions
NFL streaming services offer different packages, prices, and game availability. Here are answers to common questions about watching NFL games through streaming platforms.
Which services offer the most comprehensive coverage of NFL games?
YouTube TV with NFL Sunday Ticket provides the most complete NFL viewing experience. This combination gives you access to local games, primetime matchups, and out-of-market Sunday games.
For total coverage, you’ll need multiple services. A package with YouTube TV ($73/month) plus Sunday Ticket covers most games, while adding Amazon Prime Video (for Thursday Night Football) and Peacock (for select games) completes your access.
How do I watch NFL games live without cable?
Several streaming services offer NFL games without a cable subscription. Hulu + Live TV and FuboTV both provide extensive channel lineups including local networks that broadcast NFL games.
YouTube TV is often considered the best cable alternative for NFL fans. It includes local CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates plus ESPN and NFL Network in its base package.
Sling TV offers a more budget-friendly option, though with fewer local channels. You’ll need to combine it with an antenna for local broadcasts in many areas.
What are the differences in features and costs between popular NFL streaming services?
YouTube TV costs $73 monthly and includes NFL Network plus local channels. Adding NFL Sunday Ticket increases the price significantly but provides access to out-of-market games.
FuboTV starts around $80 monthly and features strong sports coverage, including NFL Network and local channels. It offers more total sports channels than most competitors.
Hulu + Live TV costs approximately $77 monthly and bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ with its channel lineup. It includes local networks but lacks NFL Network in its base package.
Are there free streaming options that include live NFL games?
Truly free legal options for live NFL games are limited. The NFL app offers free streaming of local and primetime games, but only on mobile devices.
Some games air on free broadcast networks (CBS, FOX, NBC). Using an antenna, viewers can watch these games without any subscription fees.
Yahoo Sports app provides free streaming of local and national NFL games on mobile devices. However, this option doesn’t allow for viewing on larger screens like TVs.
Can I watch out-of-market NFL games without NFL Sunday Ticket?
NFL+ Premium ($14.99/month) offers replays of out-of-market games, but these are only available after the games conclude. Live viewing of out-of-market games generally requires NFL Sunday Ticket.
International viewers have more options through NFL Game Pass International, which offers live streaming of all games. This service isn’t available in the US.
VPN services combined with international streaming options provide a workaround for some fans. This approach requires technical knowledge and may violate service terms.
What are the benefits of subscribing to NFL+ Premium over NFL+?
NFL+ Premium includes full game replays on demand, which the basic NFL+ subscription doesn’t offer. These replays are available shortly after games end.
The Premium tier provides condensed game replays, showing all plays without breaks. This feature lets fans watch an entire game in about 45 minutes.
Premium subscribers gain access to coaches’ film and all-22 angles. These views show all players on the field and are valuable for fans who want deeper analysis of game strategies.
NFL+ Premium also includes NFL Network and NFL RedZone streaming on phone and tablet devices. Basic NFL+ subscribers don’t get these additional channels.
