How to Watch NFL Games in 2026: Live Streaming, Channels, Free

The 2026 NFL season begins Wednesday, Sept. 9, when the New England Patriots visit the Seattle Seahawks in a rematch of Super Bowl LX. Fans can watch games across broadcast, cable and streaming services throughout the season. Here is how each national window works and where to stream FOX NFL coverage.

 

What Channels Show NFL Games in 2026?

• FOX and FOX One: Sunday afternoon games, select special windows and NFC playoff games
• CBS: Sunday afternoon games and select AFC playoff games; eligible games also stream on Paramount+
• NBC: Sunday Night Football and the NFL Kickoff Game; NBC games also stream on Peacock
• ESPN and ABC: Monday Night Football
• NFL Network: Select international and late-season games
• Prime Video: Thursday Night Football and the Black Friday game
• Netflix: Select international and Christmas Day games

How to Watch NFL Games by Day

Thursday Night Football

Most Thursday night games stream on Prime Video. Mobile viewers can also watch eligible local and primetime games with NFL+.

Sunday Afternoon Games

FOX and CBS divide the Sunday afternoon schedule. Out-of-market Sunday afternoon games are available through NFL Sunday Ticket, while NFL+ carries live local games on phones and tablets.

FOX's Sunday schedule includes AMERICA'S GAME OF THE WEEK and more windows than any other network in 2026. Fans can get every NFL game televised on FOX in one subscription with FOX One.

Sunday Night Football

Sunday Night Football airs on NBC and streams on Peacock. Eligible local and primetime games are also available on mobile devices through NFL+.

Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football airs on ESPN, with select games also available on ABC. Streaming access depends on the viewer's ESPN plan or participating TV provider.

Can I Watch NFL Games Without Cable?

Yes. FOX One streams NFL games televised on FOX without a traditional pay-TV subscription. Other options include Peacock, Paramount+, Prime Video, Netflix, ESPN's streaming plans, NFL+ and NFL Sunday Ticket. Live-TV streaming packages may also carry local broadcast stations and cable networks, subject to market availability.

Can I Watch NFL Games for Free?

An over-the-air antenna can receive local FOX, CBS, NBC and ABC broadcasts at no monthly charge when those stations are available in your area. Streaming services generally require a subscription or trial, and availability varies by market and device.

What Is Different About the 2026 NFL Schedule?

The season opens on a Wednesday with the Patriots at the defending champion Seahawks. The league also has a record nine international games across four continents, including its first regular-season game in Australia. FOX's schedule includes Patriots-Lions in Munich, Seahawks-Eagles on Saturday in Week 15 and Rams-Seahawks on Christmas night.

Schedules and streaming availability are subject to change. Check the FOX Sports NFL schedule and provider listings before kickoff.