The landscape of NFL broadcasting is changing rapidly as we approach the 2025 season. With various streaming platforms and broadcast networks stepping into the fray alongside traditional cable options, fans face both opportunities and challenges in navigating how to watch their favorite NFL games.
Cable, Satellite, and Streaming Options
To begin your NFL viewing journey, the foundation is a solid cable, satellite, or streaming service. Here are popular providers as of August 2025, including their introductory pricing:
- Fubo: Free for the first week, then $54.99 for the first month (discounted) and $84.99 monthly thereafter.
- Hulu Live TV: Free for the first three days, then $82.99/month.
- YouTube TV: Initially $49.99 for the first three months, then $82.99/month.
- DirecTV Choice: Starts at $59.99 for the first month, later increasing to $89.99/month.
- Dish Network: "America’s Top 120+" plan priced at $106.99/month.
- Xfinity: $110/month for the “Sports & News” package.
- Verizon Fios: "More Fios" plan starts at $95 with an increase to $119/month after 60 days.
- Sling TV: Baseline price of $60.99/month, which can rise to $75.99/month with add-ons.
Average monthly cost: Tends to fall between $85 to $100, though this may not cover all out-of-market games or special broadcasts on Prime and Netflix.
In-Market Games on Sundays
The backbone of NFL viewing remains Sunday afternoons. CBS and Fox alternate broadcasts:
- CBS: Typically covers AFC teams.
- Fox: Usually broadcasts NFC games.
Both networks host doubleheaders weekly, and notable matchups are prioritized via their "America’s Game of the Week" branding, allowing fans to catch high-stakes games even if local teams aren’t playing.
Fans can access local CBS games via CBS All Access (now Paramount+), starting at $7.99/month, and local Fox games through Fox One, starting at $19.99/month.
Out-of-Market and Premium Options
For those living away from their favorite teams:
- NFL Sunday Ticket: Currently provided by YouTube, this package unlocks each out-of-market game. Basic subscriptions start around $276/year, approximately $23/month. Add-ons like NFL RedZone, designed for fantasy players, are extra.
- NFL+ Premium: It sells for 12 installments of $14.99, but it’s important to note that it doesn’t allow live streaming of full out-of-market games.
Primetime Games: Sunday, Monday, and Thursday Nights
The primetime league offerings are:
Sunday Night Football: Broadcast on NBC and available on Peacock. Followed by a rotating matchup schedule designed to capitalize on playoff implications.
Schedule Highlights:
- Ravens at Bills (Sept. 7)
- Cowboys at Eagles (Sept. 4, season opener on a Thursday)
Monday Night Football: ESPN and ABC will feature dual broadcasts, including the “ManningCast” format for additional entertainment.
Key Matchups:
- Vikings at Bears (Sept. 8)
- Bucs at Texans (Sept. 15)
- Thursday Night Football: Shifts to Prime Video with a distinct approach led by familiar voices like Al Michaels and Kirk Herbstreit.
International Games and Unique Broadcasts
The NFL continues its global outreach with games scheduled in various countries, all available via the NFL Network. Viewers may also catch matchups in Ireland, England, Germany, and Spain.
The Week 1 Brazil Game, a Chargers vs. Chiefs matchup, will stream free on YouTube, offering fans a chance to experience NFL action without a paywall.
Noteworthy Upcoming Dates
- Thanksgiving Games: Spread across Fox, CBS, NBC, and Prime Video.
- Unique Christmas Games: An exciting triple header on Netflix and Prime Video——another testament to the NFL’s increasing integration into streaming platforms.
Budgeting for Streaming
The costs of subscribing to various platforms can accumulate quickly. A fan looking to access every NFL game might spend around $150/month when accounting for the necessary packages. This average includes:
- $85 for a basic live TV provider
- $40 for out-of-market access via NFL Sunday Ticket
- $15 for Prime Video (Thursday Nights)
- $8 for Netflix (for Christmas games).
Conclusion
The NFL viewing experience in 2025 comes with diverse options, allowing fans to customize their approach to watching games based on preferences and budgets. With traditional broadcasters sharing space with streaming giants, the game is evolving. Staying informed about match schedules and subscription options is crucial for an optimal NFL viewing experience.
Whether you’re tuning in for weekend games, primetime excitement, or international offerings, preparing ahead can ensure you catch every touchdown, tackle, and thrill.
