Free and Paid Services You Can Use This Season
Catching NFL action has never been easier. Whether you want a traditional live TV experience, a streaming-only package or even a free option, fans in the United States now have more choices than ever. Here’s a guide on how to watch NFL games in 2025, starting with YouTube.
1. YouTube and YouTube TV: The New Home of NFL Sunday Ticket
YouTube has become a major player in NFL broadcasting. In fact, it has even experimented with free, creator-driven live streams of select games, like the Chiefs vs. Chargers, complete with interactive commentary and special sideline features.
For fans who want the full slate, YouTube TV offers access to all the major channels that carry NFL games: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC and ESPN. More importantly, YouTube TV is now the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket, which lets viewers watch out-of-market Sunday afternoon games that wouldn’t normally air in their local market. If you’re looking for both flexibility and complete coverage, YouTube is the top choice.
2. Fox One: A Fresh Standalone Option
In August 2025, Fox launched Fox One, a standalone streaming service designed to bring football directly to fans without requiring cable. For $19.99 per month, Fox One provides live access to Fox’s national broadcasts, including “America’s Game of the Week.” Starting in October, fans will also be able to bundle Fox One with ESPN for $39.99 per month, creating a simple way to get two of the NFL’s biggest broadcast partners in one package.
3. ESPN+: More Than Just Highlights
ESPN has long been a cornerstone of NFL coverage, and its direct-to-consumer streaming service now takes that access even further. At $29.99 per month, ESPN+ includes live NFL games featured on ESPN’s schedule and can be bundled with Fox One and NFL+ premium. This makes it a strong choice for fans who want the comfort of ESPN’s long-running commentary teams and shows in addition to live games.
4. Paramount+ and CBS Sports
CBS continues to hold a significant portion of the NFL broadcasting rights, and Paramount+ is the easiest way to stream those games. Subscribers can watch live CBS broadcasts, including local and national matchups, right from the app. To complement game coverage, CBS Sports also produces The NFL Today+, a streaming-only pregame show available for free on CBS Sports HQ, Paramount+ and YouTube every Sunday morning.
5. Prime Video: Thursday Night Football
Thursday nights belong to Amazon. Through Amazon Prime Video, subscribers can stream exclusive NFL matchups without needing any extra sports add-ons. The production includes modern features like alternative commentary feeds and enhanced stats, making it an innovative way to watch football.
6. Peacock: Sunday Night Football
If you’re a fan of Sunday Night Football, Peacock is the go-to service. It simulcasts NBC’s coverage, including every Sunday night game, and often carries additional NFL content such as exclusive playoff broadcasts and NFL Films documentaries. For fans who already subscribe to Peacock for other shows, it’s a convenient way to keep up with primetime football.
7. NFL+: The League’s Own Service
For mobile viewers, NFL+ provides a unique option. Subscribers can stream all local and nationally televised games live on phones and tablets, listen to radio broadcasts of every matchup, and access preseason games. The premium version adds full and condensed replays as well as NFL RedZone, making it a good choice for fans who want flexibility on the go.
8. Fubo and Other Live TV Services
Sports-focused streaming providers like Fubo also provide comprehensive coverage. Fubo’s sports bundle, priced at $55.99 per month, includes ESPN, Fox Sports, NFL Network, local CBS and FOX affiliates in many markets, 4K streaming and even multi-view options for watching several games at once. New subscribers can also take advantage of a short free trial.
Other live TV platforms such as Hulu + Live TV and Sling TV offer similar packages, giving viewers additional ways to access NFL broadcasts depending on budget and channel preferences.
9. Free and Ad-Supported Options
While most full game broadcasts require subscriptions, there are still a few free ways to enjoy NFL content. Tubi’s NFL Channel streams highlights, analysis and studio shows at no cost, though it does not carry live games. Meanwhile, CBS Sports HQ offers free streaming of The NFL Today+ pregame coverage each Sunday, giving fans expert insights before kickoff.
Choosing the Best Option
For fans who want the most complete coverage, YouTube TV paired with NFL Sunday Ticket is the strongest all-around choice. It provides access to local channels, primetime games and out-of-market Sunday matchups that can’t be seen elsewhere.
If you prefer à la carte options, Fox One, ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, Peacock and Paramount+ cover different slices of the NFL schedule, and a combination of one or two services may be enough depending on which games matter most to you. NFL+ works well for mobile-first fans who want replays and RedZone, while Fubo and other live TV streaming bundles appeal to those who watch multiple sports alongside football.
Free options like Tubi and CBS Sports HQ won’t replace a subscription service, but they’re great for staying in the loop with highlights, pregame analysis and weekly coverage.
Whether you’re looking for free highlights or a full slate of live games, the NFL’s streaming ecosystem has something for every type of fan. You never have to wonder how to watch NFL games again.