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If you just want to know when the next NFL game kicks off and how to watch it, you are not alone. With games spread across different days, networks, and streaming apps, it can feel confusing—especially if you’re new to the NFL or streaming live sports. This guide keeps things simple. You will learn how to find the next game in seconds, understand which channels and apps carry each matchup, avoid blackouts or location issues, and get set up so the stream is smooth when kickoff arrives. We’ll also cover international options, special holiday games, and easy ways to keep your schedule organized all season.
Quick answer: How to find the very next NFL game in 10 seconds
Here is the fastest way to get the exact date, time, and channel for the next NFL game. You do not need to memorize the schedule or click around a dozen pages.
1) Search “NFL schedule” or “next NFL game” in Google. The built-in schedule box shows today’s games, start times in your local time zone, and broadcast channels.
2) Open the NFL app or go to NFL.com/schedules. The next game appears at the top, often with a “Watch” button that links to the correct broadcast or stream for your area.
3) Ask your live TV app. If you have YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream, open the guide and search “NFL” or the team name. You will see the next game and the exact channel.
4) Check your home team’s official site or app. Teams always list the next matchup with kickoff time and where to watch, including local TV info.
5) On Prime Video Thursdays, open the app and check the sports row. If it’s a Thursday in the regular season, the next NFL game is usually there.
Today’s NFL schedule at a glance
NFL games follow a weekly rhythm during the regular season, with occasional twists. Knowing the typical pattern will help you guess where a game is likely to appear, even before you look it up.
Thursday Night Football
Most weeks feature a Thursday night game during the regular season. It usually starts in the evening U.S. time. In recent seasons, Thursday Night Football streams on Amazon Prime Video, with pregame and postgame shows inside the Prime app. Early-season openers or special matchups can air on broadcast TV too, but when in doubt, check Prime Video first on Thursdays.
Sunday afternoons: CBS and FOX
Sunday is the main NFL day. Games are split into two daytime windows: an early window and a late window. Traditionally, CBS and FOX share these games and show different matchups by region. Your local CBS and FOX affiliates decide which games you see, based on which teams are most relevant to your market.
Start times in the U.S. are typically around early afternoon for the first window and mid-to-late afternoon for the second window. Your live TV guide or the Sports section in your streaming app will show which game is airing in your area. The NFL also releases weekly “coverage maps” on sports sites that show which markets get which games.
Sunday Night Football on NBC
Sunday Night Football is the NFL’s marquee game of the week. It airs in prime time on NBC and streams on Peacock. Because it is national, you do not have to worry about regional coverage; everyone gets the same game. Pregame shows start well before kickoff with analysis and injury updates.
Monday Night Football on ESPN and ABC
Monday Night Football is a national prime-time game carried by ESPN, with many weeks also simulcast on ABC. Some weeks feature doubleheaders or staggered starts. Alternate broadcasts, such as the ManningCast on ESPN2, are available during select weeks. If you only have over-the-air TV, check whether your game is on ABC in your market.
Saturday or special games
Late in the season, some games move to Saturday. These might appear on NFL Network, ABC/ESPN, Peacock, or other partners depending on the week. Keep an eye out in December and during the playoffs when extra windows open. Some playoff games may be exclusive to a streaming platform, so it is smart to check a day or two in advance.
International mornings
Games played in London, Germany, or other international locations often kick off early morning U.S. time. These matchups typically appear on NFL Network, ESPN+, or a partner network, and your app will list the precise details. If you wake up on a Sunday and see a game already underway, it is likely an international kickoff.
Where to watch: channels and streaming apps
This is the heart of the matter: which channel or app has the game? Below you will find a beginner-friendly breakdown of the most common places to watch. If you do not see your service listed, it likely falls into one of these categories.
Broadcast networks and their apps
CBS: Sunday afternoon games in many markets. You can watch with an antenna, cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming bundle. Paramount+ streams your local CBS games in most markets if you subscribe to the right tier. If you are in a supported city, this is a simple way to watch without cable.
FOX: Sunday afternoon games in many markets. You can watch with an antenna or a live TV bundle that includes your local FOX. Some games stream in the FOX Sports app with a pay-TV login, but there is no standalone “FOX+” sports subscription. If you rely on streaming only, use a bundle like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream that carries FOX in your area.
NBC: Sunday Night Football. It is available free over the air with an antenna on your local NBC station and streams on Peacock. If you want to stream, Peacock is the easiest path. If you have a live TV bundle, you can also watch on your local NBC channel in the app.
ABC: Monday Night Football simulcasts and select games. ABC is free over the air with an antenna. Many live TV bundles carry ABC in most markets. If you do not have cable, check your city’s channel lineup inside YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream.
ESPN and the ESPN app
ESPN carries Monday Night Football. If you subscribe to ESPN through cable, satellite, or a live TV streaming bundle, you can stream MNF inside the ESPN app by logging in with your provider. If you only rely on over-the-air TV, look for the ABC simulcast in your market.
Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night Football and more)
Prime Video streams Thursday Night Football during the regular season. If your plan includes Prime, open the Prime Video app and head to the Sports section. Some seasons also bring a special Black Friday game on Prime in the afternoon. Prime also supports alternate audio options and Stat overlays during the broadcast.
Peacock for NBC games and occasional exclusives
Peacock streams Sunday Night Football and sometimes carries exclusive NFL games, including select late-season or playoff matchups. If a game is Peacock-only, it will not air on NBC in most areas, so make sure your Peacock subscription is active and logged in ahead of time.
NFL Network and occasional exclusives
NFL Network may carry international games, late-season Saturday games, or other special matchups. It is included in many cable packages and live TV streaming bundles like Fubo, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling (certain tiers), and DirecTV Stream. Occasionally, a game might be exclusive to NFL Network, so confirm your access before kickoff.
NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube
Out-of-market Sunday afternoon games live on NFL Sunday Ticket. This lets you watch games that are not airing on your local CBS or FOX. Sunday Ticket is now sold through YouTube TV as an add-on, or as a standalone subscription via YouTube Primetime Channels without needing the base YouTube TV bundle. It does not include Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, or playoffs; those are still on their usual networks.
NFL+ for phones, tablets, and replays
NFL+ offers in-market live games on phones and tablets, plus radio broadcasts and other features. NFL+ Premium adds NFL RedZone on mobile and full or condensed game replays on multiple devices after the game. If you are on the go, NFL+ is a convenient way to follow your local team live. Note that some live desktop or TV streaming is limited; read the current season’s terms before subscribing.
Live TV streaming bundles (no cable required)
YouTube TV: Broad coverage of local ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC in most areas, plus ESPN, NFL Network, and optional NFL RedZone. Add Sunday Ticket if you need out-of-market games. Excellent sports guide and 4K add-on for select broadcasts.
Hulu + Live TV: Includes ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC in most markets, ESPN, and often NFL Network. Also bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ in many plans, which is useful for alternate programming.
Fubo: Strong sports focus with ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC in many markets, plus ESPN and NFL Network. Sports add-ons can include NFL RedZone. Good 4K support for certain broadcasts.
Sling TV: More affordable but market-dependent. Sling Orange carries ESPN; Sling Blue carries FOX and NBC in select cities; CBS is typically not included. You may need an antenna or Paramount+ for CBS games when using Sling.
DirecTV Stream: Broad channel lineup with local channels in many markets. A good option if you want a cable-like experience without a dish.
Over-the-air antenna (free)
An antenna is the simplest way to watch games on CBS, FOX, ABC, and NBC for free if you live within range of the broadcast towers. Many NFL games, including the biggest Sunday afternoon matchups and Sunday Night Football, are available over the air. Check a website like AntennaWeb or the FCC’s tool to see which stations you can receive.
International viewers: easy ways to watch
Live rights outside the United States vary by country, but there are straightforward options in most regions. The simplest path is often DAZN’s NFL Game Pass International, which offers every game live and on demand in many countries. Availability and features vary by region, so check DAZN in your country for specifics.
Canada: DAZN carries extensive NFL rights, including most games live and NFL RedZone. CTV/TSN also air select games on broadcast and cable. Many fans use a mix of DAZN and local channels.
United Kingdom and Ireland: Sky Sports NFL provides extensive coverage, with games also available via NOW for streaming. DAZN’s NFL Game Pass International may also be offered depending on rights updates. Check Sky and DAZN for the latest.
Germany and surrounding regions: RTL and related platforms carry many games on broadcast TV, with DAZN offering broader coverage including RedZone. Schedules will list which games are on free TV versus streaming.
Mexico and Latin America: Games appear on a mix of free-to-air, cable sports networks, and streaming partners. Check local listings, the NFL’s regional pages, or DAZN availability in your country.
Australia and New Zealand: ESPN via Foxtel and Kayo Sports streams many NFL games. Local free-to-air channels sometimes carry select matchups. Check Kayo for a robust weekly lineup.
Traveling abroad: If you are a U.S. subscriber traveling internationally, your usual app might not stream live games due to rights. Do not rely on a VPN to bypass geolocation; it may violate terms and can fail during big games. Instead, buy the official package available in the country you are visiting (often DAZN NFL Game Pass International) for reliable access.
How to be sure the game is watchable in your area
In-market versus out-of-market: Sunday afternoon games on CBS and FOX are regional. Your “in-market” game is tied to your local NFL team and nearby opponents. If you want a different matchup airing in another city at the same time, you usually need NFL Sunday Ticket.
Blackouts: The traditional local blackout based on stadium sellouts is largely a thing of the past for the NFL. However, occasional rights quirks and simulcasts can still create exceptions. If you see a blackout message, you may be out of the game’s allowed region on that platform. Check if the game is on a different channel or app available to you.
Coverage maps: Sports sites post weekly maps showing which CBS and FOX games air in each market. If you want to plan ahead, search “NFL coverage map week [number]” to see your region’s assignments.
Spanish-language broadcasts: Many big games have Spanish audio on ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, Universo, or via the SAP (Secondary Audio Program) setting. If you prefer Spanish commentary, check your channel’s audio options.
Step-by-step: be ready before kickoff
One day before the game: Confirm the channel and app. Open the app you plan to use and make sure you are logged in. If it is a special platform like Peacock or Prime Video, confirm your subscription is active. For regional games, verify whether your market will carry the matchup you want.
Two hours before kickoff: Update your apps and your TV’s firmware. Streaming glitches often come from outdated versions. If you plan to cast to a TV, test the connection with a live channel. If you rely on Wi‑Fi, consider moving closer to your router or using Ethernet for stability.
One hour before kickoff: Set your DVR to record the game if your service offers cloud DVR. Add a 60–90 minute extension to capture overtime and postgame. If you subscribe to Sunday Ticket, pin the channel or tile for the game you want.
Thirty minutes before kickoff: If you use an antenna, check the signal strength on your local channel. Reposition the antenna or use a small amplifier if needed. On streaming, load the pregame show to confirm your login and region are recognized. If you see a blackout or “not available” warning, you still have time to switch to a different service.
At kickoff: Keep a second device handy for quick troubleshooting. If the stream buffers, you can drop the resolution one step or switch to your antenna backup while the app recovers.
Troubleshooting common problems
Buffering or stuttering: Drop video quality one level in the app, or switch from Wi‑Fi to Ethernet. Pause and resume the stream after 10 seconds to resync the buffer. If your network is busy, ask others to pause downloads during the game.
Blackout or “not available in your location”: Your app detected your region is outside the rights area for that stream. Confirm whether the game is airing on a local channel (CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC) or available on a different service like Sunday Ticket, NFL Network, or Peacock.
Wrong local game on Sunday afternoon: This is normal with regional coverage. If you want the other game in the same window, you typically need NFL Sunday Ticket or an establishment that carries it. Check your live TV app’s multiview or other regional channels; sometimes your market gets both at different times.
Audio out of sync or echo: Switch audio output devices in the app settings, or toggle stereo/PCM mode on your TV or soundbar. Restart the app after changing the audio setting. If you are using a soundbar with Dolby processing, try turning off enhanced modes.
Delay versus “live”: Streaming adds delay compared to antenna or cable. If you are following on social media, expect spoilers a few seconds early. Using an antenna for national games gives you the fastest feed. Some apps offer a “live edge” button to jump to the latest moment.
4K issues: Not all games are in 4K, and availability varies by provider. If you see a 4K tile but the stream is unstable, drop back to HD. Check that your device, cable, and TV all support 4K and HDR, and that your plan includes the 4K add-on if required.
Make it more fun: RedZone, alternate casts, and second screen
NFL RedZone: On Sundays, RedZone shows every touchdown and key moment from the afternoon windows with no commercials. It is perfect if you are a fantasy football player or want a highlight-driven experience. RedZone is available through many providers, often as a sports add-on, and on NFL+ Premium for mobile viewing.
Alternate broadcasts: Some games offer unique presentations, like the ManningCast on ESPN2, kid-friendly simulcasts, or analytics-heavy feeds with different commentators. Check your guide for alternate channels listed next to the main broadcast.
Second screen: Use the NFL app, your fantasy app, or a stats page during the game to follow injuries, snap counts, and advanced metrics. If you cast the game to your TV, the phone remains free for real-time updates.
Audio options: If you are driving or working, listen live on Westwood One (for national games), SiriusXM NFL Radio, or local team flagship stations through their official apps or supported streaming partners. Radio calls often add insights you will not hear on TV.
Key dates on the NFL calendar
Preseason (August): Preseason games air across local stations, NFL Network, and various partners. NFL+ is useful for watching out-of-market preseason matchups on mobile devices.
Regular season (September to early January): The weekly rhythm is TNF, Sunday afternoon regional games, Sunday Night Football, and Monday Night Football. Some weeks include Saturday or international games with early kickoffs.
Thanksgiving: A tripleheader on Thursday with games on CBS, FOX, and NBC. In recent seasons, a special Friday game has streamed on Prime Video.
Christmas: The NFL sometimes schedules Christmas Day games. Recent seasons have included streaming partners for these matchups, so check whether a service like Netflix or another partner holds the rights that year.
Playoffs (January): Wild Card, Divisional, and Conference Championship games air across network partners. Some playoff games may be exclusive to a streaming platform like Peacock, so check a few days early if you need to add a subscription.
Super Bowl (February): The Super Bowl rotates between major networks. It airs on broadcast TV for free in the U.S. with an antenna, and streams on the network’s app and partner services.
Schedule release (spring): The full schedule usually drops in May. You can add your team’s calendar to your phone so the dates and times automatically update, including flex changes.
Flex scheduling: why times and channels sometimes change
The NFL uses “flex” scheduling to move games into better TV windows late in the season. A Sunday afternoon game might shift into Sunday Night Football, or Monday Night Football might swap matchups. When this happens, your channel and start time can change. The easiest way to stay current is to add your team’s official calendar to your phone and allow push alerts from the NFL app or your live TV provider. Always recheck the channel a day or two before the game in Weeks 12 and beyond.
Can you watch for free?
Yes, in many cases. If the game is on ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC, a simple over-the-air antenna lets you watch in HD at no cost once the antenna is purchased. Your exact channel depends on your city. For cable channels like ESPN or specialty streams on Prime Video and Peacock, you need a subscription. If you only care about your local team’s Sunday afternoon games and Sunday Night Football, an antenna covers most weeks quite well.
Time zones and daylight saving tips
Most listings in the U.S. use Eastern Time. If you live elsewhere, your TV guide will convert automatically, but it is smart to double-check on weeks when daylight saving time changes in your country. If you travel internationally, use your phone’s clock app to add U.S. Eastern Time and compare. For early morning international games, set two alarms: one 30 minutes before kickoff for setup, and one at kickoff.
Smart planning: alerts, calendars, and reminders
Calendar subscriptions: Most teams offer an official iCal link for their schedules. Add it to your Google Calendar, Apple Calendar, or Outlook. It updates automatically when flex changes happen, including new start times and TV info.
App alerts: Turn on push notifications for the NFL app, your team’s app, and your live TV app. Enable “game start,” “scoring plays,” and “two-minute warning” alerts. If you want peace during the game, turn off social media alerts to avoid spoilers when your stream is delayed.
Recording safety: If your service has cloud DVR, record both the game and the postgame show. Extend the recording to avoid missing overtime. If there is a second game right after yours on the same channel, record that too as backup.
If you are going to the stadium
Most stadiums use mobile-only ticketing. Add your ticket to your phone’s wallet app, and bring an external battery. Check the team’s clear bag policy and prohibited items. If you plan to watch other NFL games after yours while commuting, set recordings before you leave and avoid spoilers on your phone.
Frequently asked quick questions
How do I know which channel has my local game? Check your live TV guide or the weekly coverage map. CBS and FOX split Sunday afternoons by region. If you only have an antenna, scan your CBS and FOX channels; one of them will carry your local team.
Do I need Sunday Ticket? Only if you want out-of-market Sunday afternoon games that are not on your local CBS or FOX. You do not need Sunday Ticket for Thursday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, Monday Night Football, playoffs, or the Super Bowl.
Can I watch the next game on my phone for free? NFL+ offers in-market live games on phones and tablets with a subscription. Some local stations stream free on their own apps in certain markets, but do not count on it. If the game is on a broadcast network and you have an antenna, that is the easiest free option on a TV.
Is there a blackout? True blackouts are rare now. Most “blackout” messages come from being in a region where a streaming service does not have rights to that specific game. Try a different provider or your local broadcast channel.
Can I stream in 4K? Some games are in 4K on Fox, NBC/Peacock, and other partners, but not all. Your TV, streaming device, HDMI cable, and subscription plan must support 4K. If the stream stutters, drop to HD.
How long is halftime and overtime? Halftime is about 12–13 minutes in the regular season. Overtime rules can vary by regular season vs. playoffs, but plan for the game to run well past the scheduled end time. Always extend DVR recordings by 60–90 minutes.
What about Spanish broadcasts? Many big games have Spanish-language options on ESPN Deportes, Fox Deportes, Universo, or via SAP. Check your guide or audio settings.
Do bars still show all the games? Most sports bars subscribe to the relevant commercial packages and can show many games at once. Call ahead to confirm they carry Sunday Ticket and the specific matchup you want.
Putting it all together: a simple game-day checklist
1) Confirm the game’s start time in your local time zone.
2) Identify the channel or app: CBS/Paramount+, FOX, NBC/Peacock, ABC/ESPN, Prime Video, NFL Network, or Sunday Ticket.
3) Log in and test the stream 15–30 minutes before kickoff.
4) Set DVR with a 60–90 minute extension.
5) Prepare a backup: antenna for broadcast networks, or a second app if your main service struggles.
6) Turn on closed captions or Spanish audio if needed.
7) Mute social media to avoid spoilers if you stream with delay.
Example scenarios
It is Thursday evening: Open Prime Video and check the Sports row. If you prefer broadcast, see if the game is simulcast on local TV that week. If not, Prime Video is your main option.
It is Sunday early afternoon and you want your local team: Tune to CBS or FOX depending on your market. If you are using a live TV bundle, search your guide for your team’s name. If you want a different matchup airing in another city, you will need NFL Sunday Ticket.
It is Sunday night: Turn on NBC or open Peacock. For 4K, check your provider’s 4K channel or Peacock’s 4K availability for that game.
It is Monday night: Use ESPN or ABC, depending on the week. If you want the alternate broadcast, check ESPN2 or the ESPN app for options like the ManningCast.
A holiday special: On Thanksgiving, rotate between CBS, FOX, and NBC. On Black Friday, check Prime Video. For Christmas games, confirm the partner for that season and add any needed app (sometimes a streaming exclusive).
A note on data usage and speeds
Live sports in HD typically use around 3–7 Mbps per stream. 4K can use 15–25 Mbps or more. If multiple people are streaming in your home, aim for a higher-capacity internet plan or connect your main device by Ethernet. If your Wi‑Fi is crowded, a modern router and a 5 GHz network can make a difference. For mobile viewing, watch your data cap; consider downloading postgame highlights instead of streaming on the road.
What to do if plans change last minute
If a storm knocks out your internet right before kickoff, switch to an antenna for ABC, CBS, FOX, or NBC games. If it is a cable-only game like ESPN and you do not have over-the-air coverage, head to a nearby sports bar or a friend’s place who has a live TV bundle. For travel hiccups, use NFL+ on your phone for in-market games until you can get to a TV.
Introduction to the playoffs and Super Bowl viewing
As the regular season ends, playoffs bring more national windows and fewer regional conflicts. Most playoff games air on major broadcast networks, with occasional exclusive streams on services like Peacock. The Super Bowl always airs on a major broadcast network and is viewable for free over the air with an antenna. If your streaming provider gets congested during the big game, try your local broadcast signal for the most reliable experience.
Conclusion
You do not need to memorize every network deal to catch the next NFL game. The simplest path is to check a schedule tool—Google’s “NFL schedule,” the NFL app, or your live TV guide—then match the game to the right channel or app. On Thursdays, look to Prime Video. On Sundays, your afternoon game is on CBS or FOX by region, with the nightcap on NBC and Peacock. Mondays go to ESPN and often ABC, with special games sprinkled throughout the season on NFL Network, Peacock, and others. If you want out-of-market Sunday afternoon matchups, add NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube. International fans can usually rely on DAZN’s NFL Game Pass International or their country’s broadcast partners.
With a quick pregame check, a backup plan like an antenna, and a few app updates, you will be set for kickoff without stress. Save this guide, add your team’s calendar, and enjoy the season—one game at a time.