What you need to know about NFL streaming services

You can watch NFL games through several streaming services, each offering different games and pricing. The main services are NFL+ (the league's own app), ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, YouTube TV, and traditional cable apps. Which service shows which games depends on the broadcast rights the NFL sold to each company — so a game on Thursday night streams on Amazon, while Sunday games split between multiple services.

Most services require a monthly or annual subscription paid by credit card or debit card. Some bundle NFL streaming with other sports or entertainment content. A few offer free trials before you pay, though trial lengths vary. You watch on a phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device like Roku or Apple TV.

Key Takeaways

  • NFL+ streams regular season and playoff games but costs less than cable because it does not include local broadcasts or primetime games on network TV.
  • Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football, so those games only stream there.
  • ESPN+ includes some games but requires a separate subscription from cable or other streaming services.
  • YouTube TV and other live TV services carry NFL games as part of a larger channel package, costing more than single-sport subscriptions.
  • Most services let you watch on multiple devices at once, but check the terms — some limit simultaneous streams to one or two screens.

NFL+ and what games it includes

NFL+ is the official NFL streaming service. It costs a monthly fee or an annual fee (the annual option costs less per month if you pay upfront). You can watch regular season games, playoff games, and the Super Bowl, but the specific games available depend on where you live and what is broadcast on local or national TV in your area.

If a game airs on CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN in your region, you cannot watch it on NFL+ — you need cable, a cable app login, or one of the other streaming services that holds broadcast rights. NFL+ focuses on out-of-market games (games not shown locally) and streams games to mobile phones and tablets more readily than to TV sets. If you want to watch on your living room TV, you may need to use a casting device or connect your phone to the screen.

The service also includes NFL Game Pass features like replays, condensed games, and coach's film (the view from above the field). You can rewatch games on demand after they air live.

Amazon Prime Video and Thursday Night Football

Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive streaming rights to Thursday Night Football. Every Thursday night game during the regular season streams only on Prime Video — you cannot watch it on cable or any other service. If you have an Amazon Prime membership (which includes free shipping and other benefits), Thursday Night Football is included at no extra cost. If you do not have Prime, you can pay for a Prime Video subscription alone, which costs less than a full Prime membership.

Prime Video also streams some playoff games and the Super Bowl in certain years, depending on the current broadcast contract. Check the Prime Video app or Amazon's website closer to game day to see which playoff games are available.

ESPN+ and cable-free football

ESPN+ is ESPN's streaming service and costs a monthly or annual fee separate from cable. It carries some regular season games, Monday Night Football games, and playoff games. However, not all Monday Night Football games stream on ESPN+ — some air on cable ESPN instead, which requires a cable subscription or cable app login.

ESPN+ also bundles with other sports like college football, hockey, and soccer. If you want ESPN+ only for NFL games, understand that you will get some but not all games. You may need to combine ESPN+ with another service to see all the games you want.

Live TV streaming services like YouTube TV

YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Sling TV are live TV streaming services that carry cable and broadcast channels. They include channels like CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN, so you can watch most NFL games the same way you would on cable. These services cost more than single-sport subscriptions because you get dozens of channels, not just sports.

YouTube TV and Hulu + Live TV allow you to record games and watch them later. Sling TV is cheaper but carries fewer channels depending on which package you choose. All three require a credit card to set up and let you cancel anytime, though they do not offer free trials as often as they used to.

How to choose which service fits your needs

Start by deciding what games matter to you. If you want to watch your local team's home games, you likely need cable or a live TV streaming service, because local broadcasts are not on NFL+. If you want to watch Thursday Night Football, you need Amazon Prime Video. If you follow a team that plays mostly out-of-market games, NFL+ alone may work.

Next, consider cost. NFL+ is the cheapest single option. ESPN+ costs more but includes other sports. Live TV services cost the most but give you access to all channels and all games. Many people combine services — for example, NFL+ for out-of-market games plus ESPN+ for Monday Night Football plus a cable login for local broadcasts.

Check what devices you own. If you only have a phone or tablet, NFL+ works well. If you want to watch on your TV, make sure the service has an app for your TV type (Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, Samsung TV, etc.) or that you can cast from your phone. Some services limit how many screens can watch at the same time, so if multiple people in your house want to watch different games, verify the simultaneous stream limit.

Setting up and canceling a subscription

To start a subscription, read the app or visit the website, create an account with your email address, and enter a payment method (credit card or debit card). Most services process the payment when ready and give you access right away. Some offer a free trial period before the first charge — read the terms carefully so you know when the trial ends and when you will be charged.

To cancel, log into your account on the service's website or app, find the subscription or billing settings, and select cancel. The service will stop charging you on your next billing date. Some services let you pause rather than cancel, which holds your account without charging you for a set period. If you are charged after you cancel, contact the service's customer support to request a refund.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch NFL games on my TV with these subscriptions?

Yes, but it depends on the service and your TV type. NFL+, ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, and live TV services all have apps for major TV devices like Roku, Apple TV, Fire Stick, and Samsung TVs. If your TV is older or does not have an app, you can connect a phone or tablet to the TV using an HDMI cable or wireless casting.

Do I need cable to watch NFL games?

No. You can watch most games through streaming services alone. However, some local broadcasts require a cable login or cable subscription. If you want to watch every game your local team plays, you may need cable or a live TV streaming service.

Can multiple people watch at the same time on one subscription?

It depends on the service. NFL+ allows simultaneous streams on a limited number of devices. Amazon Prime Video and ESPN+ allow multiple streams. Live TV services vary — check the terms. If you share a subscription with family members in different homes, some services may restrict that.

What happens if I cancel my subscription mid-month?

You usually keep access until the end of your billing period, then the service stops charging you. Some services refund the unused portion if you cancel within a certain window. Check the cancellation policy on the service's website before you sign up.

Are there free ways to watch NFL games?

Some games air on broadcast TV (CBS, Fox, NBC) and can be watched free with an antenna. A few games stream free on the NFL's website or social media, though this changes year to year. Most games require a paid subscription or cable access.