How to watch NFL games without cable
Can you watch every NFL game without cable? Here's your complete guide.
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Cutting the cable cord doesn't mean missing football. The NFL is spread across multiple platforms now, and depending on where you live and which team you follow, you can piece together a full season of games without a traditional TV subscription.
NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV for out-of-market games
If your team isn't playing in your local market, NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV is where you catch those Sunday afternoon games. YouTube TV carries the regional Sunday afternoon games from Fox and CBS that aren't shown locally in your area. The package includes a commercial-free channel that jumps between all games in progress and highlights scoring plays and key moments.
Get it: HD Indoor TV Antenna on Amazon (Free local NFL broadcasts on Fox, CBS, NBC require an antenna—the article's best deal for Sunday games)
One catch: games on your local Fox or CBS affiliate are blacked out on Sunday Ticket, so you have to watch those on broadcast TV instead. Reports have cited technical issues affecting some late-afternoon games, so check YouTube TV's status page or app before game time if you're relying on it.
Free local broadcasts: Fox, CBS, NBC and ESPN
Every Sunday and Monday night game that airs on Fox, CBS, NBC or ESPN is free over the air if you have an antenna. This is your best deal: no subscription, no streaming lag. A good indoor antenna pulls in the local affiliates in most markets. Check your ZIP code on the broadcaster's coverage maps before Sunday to see which games air locally.
NBC carries Sunday Night Football. ESPN has Monday Night Football. CBS and Fox split the Sunday afternoon slate. If you live in a team's home market, these are the games you'll see free.
Streaming apps: Peacock, Paramount+ and Prime Video
Peacock streams select games. Paramount+ carries CBS games. Amazon Prime Video has Thursday Night Football. These services often require a subscription, and blackout rules apply, so check what's available in your area before you commit. Each platform's coverage rotates, so you may need more than one depending on which teams and time slots matter to you.
For bars and restaurants
Sports bars and restaurants have options to show out-of-market games to customers. Many have switched to newer distribution models, giving you more places to watch than before.
Building your game plan
Most fans piece together: a free antenna for local games, YouTube TV for out-of-market Sunday games, and maybe one streaming app (Peacock, Paramount+ or Prime Video) for primetime or Thursday games. That covers almost everything without paying for cable.
Quick answers
Can I watch my team's games for free?
If they're on local broadcast (Fox, CBS, NBC or ESPN), yes—use an antenna. If they're out of market, you need a streaming subscription.
Does YouTube TV black out local games?
Yes. Games on your local Fox or CBS affiliate are blacked out on Sunday Ticket; you have to watch them on broadcast TV instead.
What's the difference between the RedZone feed and the regular Sunday Ticket feed?
RedZone is a commercial-free whiparound channel that jumps between all games in progress, showing scoring plays and key moments. The regular feed lets you watch one game at a time.
Can I watch NFL games on my phone or tablet?
Yes, through YouTube TV, Peacock, Paramount+, Prime Video and the ESPN app, depending on the game and your subscription.
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