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The 2025 NFL season is in full swing, and fans are looking for the best ways to catch every touchdown, highlight, and primetime showdown. Between Sunday afternoon games, Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, and streaming platforms, it can feel overwhelming to figure out how to watch every game.
This guide answers all your questions about watching NFL games in 2025 — from traditional TV to mobile streaming, cord-cutting options, and even free legal ways to watch. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual viewer, here’s everything you need to know to never miss a game this season.
NFL 2025 Broadcast Rights
The NFL’s TV deals in 2025 remain split among major networks, each covering specific days and types of matchups. Here’s how it breaks down:
| Network | Games Covered |
|---|---|
| CBS | Sunday afternoon games (primarily AFC matchups) |
| FOX | Sunday afternoon games (primarily NFC matchups) |
| NBC | Sunday Night Football (primetime, nationwide) |
| ESPN / ABC | Monday Night Football (ESPN, sometimes simulcast on ABC) |
| Amazon Prime Video | Thursday Night Football (exclusive streaming) |
| Peacock | Streams NBC’s SNF + exclusive games |
| NFL Network | International games, replays, special broadcasts |
Note: Game scheduling and network coverage may vary weekly, so always confirm before kickoff.
Streaming Options Without Cable
For cord-cutters or fans who want flexibility, multiple streaming services carry NFL games live in 2025. Here’s a breakdown:
1. YouTube TV
- Access all major networks: CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network.
- Includes NFL Sunday Ticket for out-of-market games.
- Unlimited DVR for recording multiple games at once.
- Compatible with Fire TV, Roku, smart TVs, and mobile devices.
2. Hulu + Live TV
- Offers ESPN, FOX, CBS, NBC coverage.
- Bundled with Disney+ and ESPN+ for extra content.
- Ideal for Monday Night Football and primetime games.
3. Sling TV
- Affordable option for budget-conscious viewers.
- Sling Blue includes FOX and NBC in select markets.
- Add-ons required for ESPN and NFL Network.
- Works on most streaming devices and mobile platforms.
4. FuboTV
- Designed for sports enthusiasts.
- Includes CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network, and RedZone.
- Cloud DVR support for recording multiple games.
- Strong coverage for live NFL action and other sports.
5. Peacock
- Streams NBC’s Sunday Night Football live.
- Offers exclusive games, including playoffs and special events.
- Affordable subscription plans for cord-cutters.
6. Amazon Prime Video
- Exclusive streaming home for Thursday Night Football.
- Works on Fire TV, Roku, smart TVs, and mobile devices.
- Allows streaming from anywhere with a Prime subscription.
NFL Sunday Ticket
NFL Sunday Ticket is essential for fans who want every game, especially out-of-market matchups that may not air locally.
- Available: Only via YouTube TV.
- Features: Watch multiple games at once with split-screen view, access real-time highlights, and track multiple games.
- Special Offers: Student discounts and seasonal promotions.
Example: A Dallas Cowboys fan in California can watch Dallas games that normally air only in Texas, ensuring no matchup is missed.
Watching Games on Mobile
For fans who travel or prefer mobile viewing:
- NFL+ app: Live local & primetime games, plus NFL RedZone and full replays.
- Amazon Prime app: Stream Thursday Night Football anywhere.
- NBC Sports, ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports apps: Stream live games with a provider login.
- YouTube TV, Hulu, Sling, Fubo apps: Fully supported on mobile and tablets.
Watching NFL for Free (Legally)
You don’t always need a paid subscription. Legal options include:
- Free trials: YouTube TV, FuboTV, and Hulu + Live TV offer trial periods for new users.
- Over-the-air antenna (OTA): CBS, FOX, and NBC broadcast Sunday games for free in local markets.
- Peacock promos: Occasionally offers free streaming weekends.
- Local streams: Some games are free on the Yahoo Sports app or limited NFL+ access.
Avoid illegal streaming sites — unsafe and risky.
NFL 2025 Schedule Highlights
Key dates to plan your viewing:
- Season Start: September 4, 2025
- Thanksgiving Games: November 27, 2025 (Cowboys, Lions, plus primetime game)
- Playoffs Begin: January 2026
- Super Bowl LX: February 8, 2026 at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami, Florida
Stay updated with weekly matchup guides for the latest kickoff times and broadcast info.
Understanding Kickoff Times Across Time Zones
Games are usually listed in Eastern Time (ET). Conversion guide:
- Central Time (CT) → ET – 1 hour
- Mountain Time (MT) → ET – 2 hours
- Pacific Time (PT) → ET – 3 hours
Tip: Always double-check your local time to avoid missing kickoff.
Tips for Watching Games on Multiple Screens
- Split-screen viewing: YouTube TV and NFL Sunday Ticket allow multiple games at once.
- Streaming + TV: Watch one game on your TV, another on mobile.
- RedZone coverage: FuboTV, YouTube TV, and NFL Network offer live RedZone streams showing every scoring play.
Advanced Tips for Fans
- Check blackout rules: Some games may not stream locally; use an out-of-market service.
- Set reminders: Streaming apps provide notifications for kickoff and scoring updates.
- Plan for primetime: Thursday, Sunday, Monday games may have limited access; confirm your service covers them.
- Device compatibility: Confirm your streaming service works on smart TVs, Fire TV, Roku, or mobile.
Final Thoughts
NFL viewing in 2025 has never been more flexible.
- For full coverage of all games: YouTube TV + NFL Sunday Ticket.
- For primetime games: Amazon Prime (Thursday), Peacock (Sunday Night), ESPN (Monday Night).
- Always check daily guides like for exact channels and streaming details.
FAQs
Q: Can I watch NFL without cable?
Yes. YouTube TV, FuboTV, Hulu Live, Sling, Peacock, and Amazon Prime all provide coverage.
Q: What channel is Sunday Night Football on?
NBC (also streams live on Peacock).
Q: Where can I watch Monday Night Football?
ESPN (some games simulcast on ABC).
Q: Can I watch NFL games internationally?
Use NFL Game Pass International via DAZN (not available in the U.S.).
Q: Is NFL Sunday Ticket still on DirecTV?
No. Exclusively on YouTube TV now.
Q:How do I watch the Super Bowl LX?
CBS and all major streaming platforms with TV login.
Q:Where can I watch NFL Honors 2025?
ESPN/ABC live broadcast or streaming on Hulu Live/ESPN app.
Q:Are NFL Christmas Day games on Netflix?
Yes, all 3 games on December 25, 2025.
Q:How do I watch NFL RedZone?
FuboTV, YouTube TV, NFL+ mobile apps.
