How to Watch NFL Games 2025: 6 Key Streaming Platforms

How to Watch NFL Games 2025: 6 Key Streaming Platforms

Alright, football fanatics, get the buffalo chicken dip loaded into the crockpot and pull out your lucky jersey because the NFL season is back! If you’re one of the many trying to figure out how to watch NFL games in 2025, we’re here to help. Unfortunately, you might need as many streaming services as the Browns have quarterbacks.

Remember when you could just flip on CBS or Fox and catch your team? Those days are gone. Now you need a spreadsheet, three streaming subscriptions, and possibly a degree in telecommunications just to figure out where the heck your team is playing this week. It’s enough to make you want to throw your remote through the new plasma you bought at Sam’s Club.

Don’t worry, though. We’ve figured it all out so you can catch every single one of your team’s games—and if you’re a fantasy fanatic, we have the deets on how to catch ALL the NFL games this season. 

How to Watch NFL Games Has Changed Dramatically

Watching all NFL games now requires multiple platforms, exclusive deals, and subscription services. The National Football League today announced that YouTube will have exclusive streaming rights for the Friday night Week 1 game of the 2025 NFL season in São Paulo, Brazil, on Sept. 5 to a worldwide audience on YouTube and YouTube TV [1]. This marks just one example of how the NFL continues to expand its digital footprint while maintaining traditional broadcast partnerships.

The NFL announced it signed long-term agreements with media partners Amazon, CBS, ESPN/ABC, FOX, and NBC for the distribution of NFL games, the industry’s most valuable content, over television and digital platforms, as well as additional media rights. These agreements have created a viewing experience that requires multiple platforms and subscriptions (ugh).

Understanding this new reality is crucial for fans who want comprehensive NFL coverage. Learning how to watch NFL games effectively means keeping track of six major channels and four streaming platforms this season—and that’s not counting your local RSNs for in-market games and an NFL+ or NFL Sunday Ticket subscription for out-of-market games. The complexity can be daunting, but we’re here to simplify it.

CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC

How to Watch NFL Games Through Traditional Networks

Despite the streaming revolution, traditional broadcast networks remain the backbone for most fans in how to watch NFL games. 

CBS continues to broadcast AFC games on Sunday afternoons, while FOX handles NFC matchups. NBC maintains its Sunday Night Football franchise, and these games represent some of the most-watched programming on television each week.

Local CBS and FOX affiliates will show games of teams in your market area, so if you live in Green Bay, you’ll see most Packers games on your local channels (score). This local coverage is free and accessible through over-the-air broadcasts, making it the most affordable way to watch your home team’s games.

ABC also enters the mix with select Monday Night Football games and playoff broadcasts. The network’s integration with ESPN has created more opportunities for football coverage, especially during prime viewing windows and postseason play.

How to Watch NFL Games on Streaming Platforms

YouTube TV and NFL Sunday Ticket

YouTube TV combined with NFL Sunday Ticket represents the premium option for a comprehensive NFL package. NFL Sunday Ticket brings you Sunday afternoon (Eastern Time) regular-season NFL games not carried on local broadcasts in your area.

New Subscriber With YouTube TV OR YouTube Primetime Channels: NFL Sunday Ticket Season Pass: $276 or $23/month for 12 months represents the most attractive pricing tier for first-time users. Meanwhile, YouTube will be offering discounted rates for users who have “never had NFL Sunday Ticket," with roughly $100 or 25% off of each plan[2].

Please note that NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV requires a YouTube TV Base Plan. A YouTube TV Base Plan is $82.99 per month, but when combined with NFL Sunday Ticket, it provides the most comprehensive approach to how to watch NFL games available today. YouTube TV Base Plan + NFL Sunday Ticket includes: Most preseason games, Regular season games, including out-of-market games, local, and national broadcasts, and Postseason games.

Multiview Mode: Monitor up to four live games on one screen, perfect for fantasy managers and die‑hard fans. 

Fantasy View: Combine live game action with real‑time fantasy stats—never miss a pivotal play while tracking your lineup, making it an excellent choice for engaged viewers who want more than just passive watching.

Amazon Prime Video

Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive home for the NFL’s Thursday Night Football games [3]. On top of Amazon Prime Video, an Amazon Prime subscription includes free shipping, exclusive deals, access to the Prime Day 2025 sale event, Amazon Music, a year of free GrubHub+, and more.

Thursday Night Football is one of the NFL’s top streaming exclusives, and Amazon has invested heavily in production quality. An Amazon Prime subscription is $14.99 monthly or $139 annually, making it an affordable option for watching exclusive NFL content [4]. For many households, the additional Prime benefits justify the cost even beyond football season.

Netflix Enters the NFL Arena

Netflix has secured exclusive rights to the early Christmas Day games, marking the streaming giant’s entry into live sports broadcasting [5]. Two Christmas games—including the Dallas Cowboys vs. Washington Commanders and Detroit Lions vs. Minnesota Vikings—will be streamed exclusively on Netflix. The third game, because the holiday falls on a Thursday, will be streamed on Amazon Prime [11].

Peacock

Peacock offers Sunday Night Football games broadcast on NBC, a handful of playoff games, and also has exclusive rights to the game on Saturday, December 27th [12]. NBC’s streaming service provides access to Sunday Night Football games, along with additional exclusive content throughout the season.

Peacock’s pricing remains competitive compared to other streaming options, and its integration with NBC’s broader content library makes it attractive for viewers who want more than just football coverage.

ESPN and ABC

ESPN’s direct-to-consumer package launches on Aug. 21 for about $30 per month. It will provide access to “Monday Night Football" games, some ABC games, and international games [4]. ESPN’s streaming evolution represents a significant shift in how Monday Night Football reaches audiences.

The network’s direct-to-consumer approach acknowledges changing viewing habits while maintaining the quality and analysis that have made Monday Night Football appointment television for decades.

NFL’s Own Streaming Platform

The league’s proprietary streaming service offers multiple tiers designed for different types of fans. A basic $6.99 per month (or $40 annually) NFL+ subscription will get you live local and primetime regular and preseason NFL games on your phone or tablet, plus live audio for every game of the season across supported devices and access to NFL Network [6].

NFL+ Premium expands functionality significantly, offering access to NFL RedZone, game replays, and all-22 coaches’ film. This premium tier, available at $14.99 per month, appeals to serious football fans who want to analyze plays and understand strategic decisions at a deeper level.

The mobile-first approach of NFL+ base subscription limits its appeal for fans who want big-screen viewing, but it provides excellent value for fans who want to stay connected to games while on the go (like when your sister’s wedding falls on the biggest game of the year). 

Live TV Streaming Services

Fubo

Fubo has positioned itself as the streaming service for sports fans, offering extensive coverage of local and national channels that carry NFL games. The service includes regional sports networks and local affiliates, making it particularly valuable for fans who want comprehensive coverage without traditional cable.

Fubo’s new skinny sports bundle, Fubo Sports, includes local broadcast stations owned and operated by ABC, CBS and FOX, plus additional affiliates in select markets, as well as ACC Network, Big 10 Network, CBS Sports Network, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, Fox News, FS1, FS2, providing extensive sports coverage beyond just NFL games [7].

Hulu + Live TV

Hulu + Live TV combines live television with on-demand content, creating an entertainment package that includes most major networks carrying NFL games (CBS, ESPN, FS1, FOX, NBCSN, NFL Network, and regional sports in many cities) [8]. The service’s integration with Disney+ and ESPN+ provides additional value for households with diverse viewing interests.

The platform’s cloud DVR functionality allows fans to record games and watch them later, which is particularly valuable for fans who cannot watch games live due to scheduling conflicts.

DirecTV Stream

DirecTV Stream offers the most comprehensive channel lineup among streaming services, including regional sports networks that other services often exclude. This makes it valuable for fans who want access to local team coverage and analysis.

The best part is, currently, you can try all this out free for 5 days [9]. This is a great option if you’re interested in trying out a live TV streaming service but aren’t ready to commit.

International Games and Special Broadcasting Arrangements

As the NFL aims to expand its global fan base, there will be an unprecedented seven international games in the 2025 NFL season, each with its own specific broadcasting arrangements. The first regular-season games will be in Ireland and Spain. Three games will take place in England, one in Germany, one in Spain, one in Ireland, and one in Brazil [10].

These international games often appear on the NFL Network, requiring either a cable subscription that includes the channel or a streaming service that carries it. Some games may also stream on NFL+ or receive special broadcasting arrangements.

Equipment and Internet Requirements for Optimal Streaming

If you want to make sure you can stream NFL games without buffering, you need a strong internet connection. For high-definition streaming without interruption, most services recommend internet speeds of at least 25 Mbps for 4K content and 10 Mbps for HD streaming.

Multiple simultaneous streams require additional bandwidth, so households planning to watch multiple games simultaneously should calculate their total bandwidth needs. A family watching three different games in HD might need 30+ Mbps of consistent internet speed.

Smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku or Apple TV, and gaming consoles provide the best viewing experience for living room setups. Mobile apps work well for individual viewing but may not meet the needs of families or groups who want to watch together.

Wi-Fi network quality becomes crucial during game day when internet usage typically peaks. Ethernet connections offer the most stable streaming experience, particularly for 4K content or in households with multiple simultaneous streams.

Navigating Blackout Restrictions and Geographic Limitations

The ever-frustrating NFL blackout rules still apply to streaming services. What does this mean? Basically, local games may be unavailable on specific platforms if they are not sold out or meet other league criteria. Understanding these restrictions helps fans plan alternative viewing methods.

Locally broadcast Fox and CBS games, Sunday Night Football on NBC, select digital-only games, and international games are excluded from NFL Sunday Ticket. Blackout restrictions apply.

Geographic restrictions can prevent fans from accessing certain content while traveling or living outside their team’s traditional market area. VPN services sometimes help circumvent these restrictions.

Technical Setup and Common Issues

Internet connection stability is crucial during peak viewing times when network congestion can cause buffering or quality reduction—so when every neighbor in your area is watching the big game, the internet can slow down. 

Router placement and Wi-Fi signal strength directly impact streaming quality, especially for 4K content or multiple simultaneous streams. Hardwired connections provide the most reliable experience when possible.

Device compatibility varies between streaming services, so verify that your preferred viewing devices support your chosen platforms before committing to subscriptions. Some older smart TVs or streaming devices may not support newer services or features.

Account sharing rules differ between services and should be understood before sharing subscriptions with family or friends. Some platforms limit simultaneous streams or geographic usage in ways that affect sharing arrangements.

Making the Right Choice for How to Watch NFL Games

Choosing how to watch NFL games requires an assessment of your priorities, budget, and viewing habits. Fans who watch local games and major national broadcasts need minimal additional services beyond basic streaming or cable packages.

Dedicated fans who follow out-of-market teams or want comprehensive coverage should invest in premium services like NFL Sunday Ticket, despite higher costs. When determining how to watch NFL games most effectively, the value equation depends heavily on how much football content you actually consume.

Fantasy football players and serious fans benefit from enhanced features like multi-view, real-time statistics, and RedZone coverage that justify premium service costs through improved viewing experiences.

Find Fast Internet Near Me For The Ultimate NFL Experience

The 2025 NFL season promises another year of action, drama, Taylor Swift cameos, and moments that make you want to strangle your team’s head coach…all things that make football America’s favorite sport.

A reliable internet connection and sufficient bandwidth from your internet service provider are essential. Buffering during a crucial fourth-quarter drive or pixelated video during overtime can turn your game day celebration into a frustrating experience.

Don’t let a poor internet connection be the reason you miss the season’s biggest moments. Whether you’re planning to stream games on multiple devices, host watch parties with friends, or dive deep into fantasy football analysis, having the right internet speed and reliability makes all the difference.

Ready to upgrade your internet for the ultimate experience of how to watch NFL games? 

Enter your zip code above to discover the fastest, most reliable internet providers in your area. Compare speeds, prices, and availability from top providers to find the perfect connection for your football viewing needs.

Your team is ready. Your streaming services are set. Now make sure your internet connection is championship-caliber too.

Sources

[1] Nfl.com. “YouTube Stream 2025 Week 1 Regular Season Game" 

[2] Support.google.com. “YouTube Answer" 

[3] Amazon.com. “Thursday Night Football" 

[4] Foxsports.com. “How to Watch the NFL in 2025 Streaming Service Exclusive Dates" 

[5] Netflix.com. “NFL Games on Netflix" 

[6] Id.nfl.com. “Select Subscription" 

[7] IR.Fubo.TV. “Fubo Sports Skinny Sports Service to Launch September 2025" 

[8] Hulu.com. “Live Sports" 

[9] DirecTv.com. “Sports" 

[10] NFL.com. “NFL Announces 2025 International Games to Feature Seven Games in Five Countries"

[11] Bleacherreport.com. “NFLs 2025 Schedule 3 Christmas Day Games"

[12] NFL.com. “Peacock Holiday Exclusive"