How to Watch NFL Games in the United States
A comprehensive guide to understanding TV networks, streaming services, and how to find your team's game every week.
Watching NFL games in the US can be confusing. Unlike other leagues where one channel might carry most games, NFL broadcasts are split across multiple networks and streaming services depending on the day of the week, the time of the game, and your location.
The good news is that for most fans, the games are widely available. This guide breaks down exactly how the system works so you never miss kickoff.
Where NFL Games Are Broadcast
NFL broadcasting rights are divided among major networks. Knowing which network has the rights to which games is the first step in finding your game.
- CBSTypically hosts AFC games played on Sunday afternoons.
- FOXTypically hosts NFC games played on Sunday afternoons.
- NBCExclusive home of Sunday Night Football.
- ESPN / ABCHome of Monday Night Football.
- Prime Video & NetflixPrime Video is the exclusive home of Thursday Night Football. Netflix will stream select games on Christmas Day.
- NFL NetworkSelect exclusive games throughout the season, including some international games.
Watching NFL Games Without Cable
If you don't have a traditional cable package, you have several options to watch games legally. Streaming availablity generally mirrors TV broadcasts, but availability depends on your location.
Digital Antenna (OTA): The most cost-effective way to watch local games. A simple antenna connected to your TV can pick up CBS, FOX, and NBC broadcasts for free in HD, providing access to Sunday afternoon games and Sunday Night Football.
Live TV Streaming Services: Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo carry local affiliates (CBS, FOX, NBC) and cable channels (ESPN, NFL Network). This is the closest experience to traditional cable.
Direct Streaming Apps:
- Peacock: Streams all Sunday Night Football games simulcast with NBC.
- Paramount+: Streams local NFL on CBS games.
- ESPN+: Simulcasts select Monday Night Football games and international games.
Local vs National NFL Games
The biggest point of confusion for fans is often why they can't see a specific game. This usually comes down to "regional coverage maps."
On Sunday afternoons, CBS and FOX air multiple games at the same time. Your local affiliate will choose one game to air during each time slot. This selection is based on:
- Home Team Priority: If your local team is playing, that game is almost always shown.
- Regional Interest: If your local team isn't playing, the station picks the game with the most relevance or highest projected viewership for your area.
This means a fan in New York might see the Jets game, while a fan in Texas sees the Cowboys game on the exact same channel at the same time.
How to Know Where a Specific NFL Game Is On
Because of these rotating schedules and regional rights, the channel for your team can change from week to week.
The simplest way to stay updated is to check the daily schedule. We track every broadcast for every game to show you exactly where to watch.
Check the Schedule
See confirmed TV channels and streaming options for today's matchups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch NFL games for free?
Yes, you can watch local NFL games on CBS, FOX, and NBC for free using a digital OTA (Over-the-Air) antenna connected to your TV. These networks broadcast games available in your specific region.
Do all NFL games stream online?
Most, but not all. Games on CBS stream on Paramount+, games on NBC stream on Peacock, and games on ESPN usually stream on ESPN+. Prime Video and Netflix have exclusive streaming rights for certain games. Local games can also be streamed via services that carry local channels, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV.
Why is my local game different from national broadcasts?
NFL broadcasting rules prioritize local teams. Sunday afternoon games on CBS and FOX are regionalized, meaning the specific game shown depends on which team is popular or local to your media market.