NFL

Complete Guide to Watching NFL & NCAA Football

The 2026 NFL Broadcast Landscape

American Football remains the titan of sports broadcasting. For the 2026 season, broadcast rights are fragmented across multiple networks and streaming platforms, making a centralized schedule essential. Understanding where to watch your team—whether it's the Chiefs, Cowboys, or Eagles—requires navigating a complex web of rights deals.

Official TV Networks & Channels

To watch NFL games live on television, you need access to the "Big Four" networks:

  • CBS: The primary home of the AFC (American Football Conference). If you are watching the Patriots, Bills, or Chiefs play an afternoon game, it is likely here.
  • FOX: The home of the NFC (National Football Conference). Tune in here for Cowboys, 49ers, and Eagles matchups.
  • NBC: The exclusive home of Sunday Night Football, the premier primetime slot of the week.
  • ESPN/ABC: The broadcaster for Monday Night Football. In 2026, select games are simulcast on ABC.

Streaming Services & Cord-Cutting Options

If you have cut the cord, you can still watch NFL streams legally through several apps:

  • NFL+: The league's official app allows mobile streaming of local and primetime games.
  • YouTube TV (Sunday Ticket): The only way to watch out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. Essential for fans living away from their home city.
  • Amazon Prime Video: The exclusive global broadcaster for Thursday Night Football. These games represent the start of the football week.
  • Peacock & Paramount+: These services stream the games aired on NBC and CBS, respectively.

NCAA College Football Coverage

Saturday is for the colleges. Our schedule includes key matchups from the SEC, Big Ten, ACC, and Big 12. College football streams are predominantly found on the ESPN family of networks (ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNU, SEC Network) and FOX Sports. The College Football Playoff (CFP) expands the postseason excitement, with games aired exclusively on ESPN.

Common Questions

How can I watch NFL games for free?

The most reliable free method is using a digital antenna (OTA) to pick up local HD broadcasts from CBS, FOX, and NBC. Additionally, streaming services like FuboTV often offer 7-day free trials.

Where can I stream Thursday Night Football?

Thursday Night Football is exclusive to Amazon Prime Video. It is not available on traditional cable TV, except in the local markets of the playing teams.

Do I need a subscription to watch the Super Bowl?

The Super Bowl rotates between CBS, FOX, and NBC. You can watch it for free over-the-air with an antenna, or stream it via the respective network's app.

How do I watch out-of-market games?

NFL Sunday Ticket, available via YouTube TV, is the only official service that offers live out-of-market games for every team.