NFLUpdated Apr 6, 2026
How to Watch NFL 2026 Season: Complete Broadcast Guide
Complete guide to watching the NFL 2026 season. FOX, CBS, NBC, ESPN, Amazon, and NFL+ — every way to watch football in the US and internationally.
By Matchcast Editorial · Published
Broadcasters
8
Free options
Yes
Coverage
Global
Overview
The NFL remains the most-watched sports league in the United States, with the 2026 season running from September through February (Super Bowl). The 18-week regular season features 272 games, followed by the playoffs and Super Bowl. The NFL's broadcast landscape has evolved significantly with streaming now playing a major role — Amazon Prime Video's exclusive Thursday Night Football, Netflix's Christmas Day games, and Peacock's exclusive Wild Card playoff games have fundamentally changed how fans watch football.
United States — Free Over-the-Air
The NFL remains one of the last bastions of free over-the-air American sports. FOX broadcasts the NFC Sunday afternoon package (approximately 90+ games). CBS carries the AFC Sunday afternoon package (approximately 90+ games). NBC broadcasts Sunday Night Football — the NFL's premium prime-time window with marquee matchups. All three networks are available free with a TV antenna. ABC (part of the ESPN/Disney package) also carries select games including Super Wild Card Weekend and Monday Night Football simulcasts.
United States — Cable & Streaming
ESPN holds exclusive Monday Night Football rights, airing approximately 20+ games per season on ESPN and ESPN2. Amazon Prime Video ($14.99/month) has exclusive Thursday Night Football — the only NFL game day fully behind a streaming paywall. NFL+ ($6.99/month) provides live local and prime-time games on mobile devices, plus full game replays. YouTube TV ($72.99/month), Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo are popular options for cord-cutters who want FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN channels.
International — DAZN & NFL Game Pass
DAZN holds NFL rights in many international markets including the UK, Germany, Canada, Brazil, and Japan. DAZN's NFL Game Pass International provides every regular season and playoff game live and on-demand, including Red Zone channel access. In the UK, Sky Sports also broadcasts select prime-time NFL games. ITV in the UK shows select free-to-air games. The NFL's global expansion — including regular season games in London, Germany, and potentially Brazil — has significantly increased international broadcast coverage.
Watching with a VPN
A VPN is useful for NFL fans traveling internationally. US viewers abroad can connect to a US server to access their existing cable or streaming services. International fans can use a VPN to access DAZN NFL Game Pass in markets where it's available. A VPN provides reliable access to geo-restricted NFL streams.
NFL Broadcasters
- VisitFOXFreeFOX
US: NFC Sunday afternoon games; free over-the-air
- VisitCBSFreeCBS
US: AFC Sunday afternoon games; free over-the-air; Paramount+ streaming
- VisitNBC / PeacockFreeNBCPeacock
US: Sunday Night Football; free over-the-air on NBC; some games Peacock-exclusive
- VisitESPN / ABCPay TVESPNESPN2ABC
US: Monday Night Football; ~20+ games; cable/satellite required for ESPN
- VisitAmazon Prime VideoStreaming$14.99/moPrime Video
US: Exclusive Thursday Night Football; ~15 games per season
- VisitNFL+Streaming$6.99/mo
US: Live local + prime-time games on mobile; full replays; NFL Network
- VisitDAZNStreamingVaries by market
International: NFL Game Pass; all games live and on-demand + Red Zone
- VisitSky SportsPay TVGBP 34.99/mo (NOW)Sky Sports NFL
UK: Select prime-time and London games; full Red Zone channel
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the NFL for free?
Yes. In the US, FOX, CBS, and NBC broadcast approximately 200+ regular season games free over-the-air with a TV antenna. In the UK, ITV shows select NFL games for free. ABC also carries select games free.
What is NFL+ and is it worth it?
NFL+ ($6.99/month) provides live local and prime-time games on mobile devices, full game replays, and NFL Network access. It's the cheapest legal way to watch NFL on the go, but limited to mobile for live games.
How can I watch Thursday Night Football?
Thursday Night Football is exclusively on Amazon Prime Video ($14.99/month). It's the only NFL game day fully behind a streaming paywall — there is no free over-the-air broadcast.
What is the best way to watch NFL internationally?
DAZN NFL Game Pass International is the best single-platform option, offering every game live and on-demand with Red Zone access. Available in 200+ markets worldwide.
Can I watch the NFL with a VPN?
Yes. A VPN lets you access NFL coverage from your home country while traveling. Connect to a US server for network broadcasts, or to a market with DAZN NFL Game Pass for international access.