The 2025 NFL season is fast approaching, and with it comes the annual question for fans: how to watch without a traditional cable subscription. The landscape has shifted, with more streaming options than ever before. This guide breaks down the most effective ways to catch every game, from Thursday night to Monday.
The Changing Broadcast Landscape
For years, NFL viewing was tied to expensive cable packages. Now, several direct-to-consumer (DTC) and live TV streaming services offer viable alternatives. The core broadcast schedule remains similar to last year: CBS and Fox for Sunday afternoons, NBC for Sunday Night Football, ESPN and ABC for Monday Night Football, and Amazon Prime Video for Thursday Night Football. Netflix will also host two Christmas Day games, and the NFL Network shows select international and exclusive matchups.
However, the key change is the emergence of dedicated streaming services from ESPN and Fox, giving fans more granular control over their viewing options.
Your Streaming Options: A Breakdown
The easiest path is using a live TV streaming service. YouTube TV currently stands out as a solid option at $83/month. It includes ABC, CBS, ESPN, Fox, and NBC in many markets, plus the NFL Network. Fubo and Hulu with Live TV are similar, at $85 and $83 respectively, but lack YouTube TV’s multi-view feature (allowing you to watch up to four games simultaneously).
But if you’re willing to manage multiple subscriptions, you can piece together a cheaper solution:
- Paramount Plus: For CBS games ($8/month).
- Fox One: For Fox games ($20/month).
- Peacock: For NBC Sunday Night Football ($11/month).
- ESPN DTC: For ESPN and ABC Monday Night Football ($30/month).
This combination costs $69/month – less than YouTube TV – but requires switching between apps during Sunday afternoons.
The Essentials: Beyond the Basics
To watch every game, you’ll also need:
- Amazon Prime Video: For Thursday Night Football and Black Friday games ($9/month).
- Netflix: For Christmas Day games (included with a standard Netflix subscription).
- NFL Plus: For NFL Network games ($7/month) and mobile streaming of other games.
If you want access to every out-of-market game, YouTube remains the exclusive home of NFL Sunday Ticket. New subscribers pay $276, while returning subscribers pay $480.
The Best Overall Choice: YouTube TV
While the a la carte approach saves money, YouTube TV remains the most streamlined option at $83/month. Its comprehensive channel lineup, multi-view feature, and ease of use outweigh the slight cost premium. It’s the best choice for fans who want a hassle-free experience.
Additional Tools: VPNs and Antennas
If you’re looking for additional flexibility, consider using a VPN to access out-of-market games. Services like ExpressVPN can bypass geographical restrictions, though streaming platforms may have policies against VPN use.
Finally, an over-the-air antenna can provide free access to local CBS, Fox, NBC, and ABC broadcasts. This is the cheapest option, but requires good reception.
In conclusion, the NFL viewing landscape is more fragmented than ever. While a la carte options offer cost savings, YouTube TV provides the most convenient and reliable experience for most fans. Whether you choose streaming bundles or individual services, the key is to plan ahead to ensure you don’t miss a single snap.
