How to Stream the 2024 NFL Season: A Comprehensive Guide
The NFL season is heating up as we approach the stretch run. With teams battling for division titles and wild card spots, every game matters more than ever. Thanksgiving weekend offers a feast of football, and Christmas Day will feature two highly anticipated games streamed on Netflix—an exciting development we hope goes smoother than the infamous Jake Paul-Mike Tyson event.
If navigating the maze of streaming services has kept you from enjoying the action, you’re in the right place. This guide simplifies the process, highlighting where and how to catch all the games this season.
Streaming NFL Games in 2024: What You Need
This year, more streaming services are needed than ever to watch every NFL game. Here’s a breakdown of networks and platforms airing games:
- CBS: Sunday games, Thanksgiving, playoffs, and the Super Bowl (also available on Paramount Plus).
- Fox: Sunday games, Thanksgiving, playoffs, and the Super Bowl.
- NBC: Sunday Night Football, Thanksgiving, and playoff games.
- ESPN: Monday Night Football, one Week 18 Saturday game, and two playoff games.
- ABC: Select Monday Night Football games, including Week 15 and one Week 18 Saturday game.
- ESPN Plus: Remaining Monday Night Football games.
- Peacock: NBC’s Sunday Night Football.
- Prime Video: Thursday Night Football, the Black Friday game, and one Wild Card playoff game.
- Netflix: Two Christmas Day games in Week 17.
- NFL Plus: Select NFL Network games.
Additionally, YouTube and YouTube TV exclusively host the NFL Sunday Ticket for out-of-market games, and RedZone remains a favorite for live coverage of Sunday afternoon action.
Weekly Schedule Overview
In the past, cable was the simplest (albeit expensive) way to watch every game. Now, with games spread across three days and multiple services, things are a bit more complex.
- Sundays: Most games air at 1 p.m. ET (10 a.m. PT) and 4 p.m. ET (1 p.m. PT). CBS covers AFC teams, while Fox broadcasts NFC matchups. NBC features Sunday Night Football in primetime.
- Mondays: ESPN or ABC airs Monday Night Football, occasionally sharing coverage with ESPN Plus.
- Thursdays: Amazon’s Prime Video is home to Thursday Night Football, including a Black Friday matchup in Week 13 featuring the Raiders and Chiefs.
Special Game Highlights
- Thanksgiving: Three games spread across CBS, Fox, and NBC.
- Week 15: A Monday night doubleheader with games on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Plus.
- Week 18: Saturday doubleheader on ABC, ESPN, and ESPN Plus, with matchups based on playoff implications.
- Christmas Day (Week 17): Netflix debuts as an NFL broadcaster with two games: Chiefs vs. Steelers and Ravens vs. Texans.
Simplify Your NFL Viewing
Navigating this year’s NFL season may seem overwhelming, but with the right streaming setup, you can catch every touchdown and tackle. Check out our detailed recommendations for streaming services and platforms to ensure you don’t miss a moment of the action.
From RedZone highlights to prime-time showdowns, we’ve got you covered for an unforgettable 2024 NFL season!
What Are Blackout Games, and How Do They Work?
Gone are the days when unsold tickets led to local TV blackouts. Today, you can watch your local team’s games in their home market, regardless of stadium attendance.
- Local Access: Watch your local team’s games on CBS or Fox on Sunday afternoons.
- NFL Sunday Ticket: For access to every Sunday afternoon game, including out-of-market matchups, you’ll need this subscription.
- Using a VPN: VPNs (like ExpressVPN) allow you to bypass geographical restrictions by changing your virtual location. This is legal in countries where VPNs are allowed, provided you have a valid subscription to the streaming service.
Where to Stream NFL Games for Free
While entirely free options are limited, some low-cost alternatives exist:
- Over-the-Air Antenna: For as little as $30, you can watch games on Fox, CBS, NBC, and ABC without a subscription if you live in an area with good reception.
- NFL Network: If your TV package includes NFL Network, you can access live game action on Sundays. The channel is included in most live TV streaming services except DirecTV Stream.
- RedZone (Extra Cost): For faster-paced Sunday coverage, you can add RedZone to your TV package or streaming service for $10–$15/month.
Best Streaming Options for NFL Games in 2024
1. YouTube TV
- Price: $73/month ($84 with RedZone)
- Why It’s Great: Includes CBS, NBC, Fox, ABC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Its superior DVR (unlimited storage) and 4K streaming option make it the best choice for NFL fans.
- Add-Ons: Sports Plus ($11/month) for RedZone.
2. Hulu Plus Live TV
- Price: $83/month ($93 with RedZone)
- Features: Offers all major NFL channels, RedZone as a $10/month add-on, and compatibility with most streaming devices.
3. DirecTV Stream
- Price: $87/month (NFL Network only available with pricier plans)
- Drawbacks: Higher base cost and additional charges for RedZone ($15/month).
4. Fubo
- Price: Starts at $80/month ($92+ with regional sports fees). RedZone is an additional $11/month.
- Perk: Offers 4K streaming in its $90/month Elite plan.
5. Sling TV
- Price: $55–$60/month for Orange and Blue plans. RedZone is available as part of a $15/month Sports Extra add-on.
- Limitations: Missing CBS and limited local coverage in some markets.
6. Paramount Plus and Peacock
- Paramount Plus: Streams CBS games on Sunday, starting at $6/month.
- Peacock: Streams NBC games, including Sunday Night Football, starting at $6/month.
7. NFL Plus
- Price: $7/month ($15/month for Premium with RedZone)
- Features: Watch local and national games on mobile devices, plus ESPN Plus and Peacock exclusive games. Premium allows RedZone access on TVs and computers.
Exclusive Games and Coverage Highlights
- Netflix: Airing two exclusive Christmas Day games in Week 17.
- Amazon Prime Video: Streams Thursday Night Football and a Black Friday game in Week 13.
- ESPN Plus: Streams select Monday Night Football games.
- RedZone: Available as an add-on to most streaming services or through NFL Plus Premium for $15/month.
The Cheapest Way to Watch NFL RedZone
The most affordable option is NFL Plus Premium ($15/month or $100/year). This plan includes access to RedZone on TVs, computers, phones, and tablets, making it the go-to choice for fans who want every touchdown.
Our Top Picks for Streaming the 2024 NFL Season
- Best Overall: YouTube TV – Comprehensive coverage, best DVR, and 4K option.
- Runner-Up: Hulu Plus Live TV – Comparable to YouTube TV but slightly pricier with fewer DVR features.
- Budget Option: NFL Plus Premium – Cheapest way to access RedZone and exclusive mobile streaming.
With these tools and tips, you’ll never miss a moment of the action this NFL season.