How to Watch the NFL in 2026: The Complete Guide
Football rights are more fragmented than ever. We break down exactly which app you need for Sunday, Monday, and Thursday games in the 2026 season.
Quick list
- Thursday Night: Amazon Prime Video (Exclusive).
- Sunday Afternoon (Local): CBS (Paramount+) & FOX (Antenna/YouTube TV).
- Sunday Night: NBC (Peacock).
- Monday Night: ESPN (Sling/YouTube TV/ESPN+).
- Christmas Day: Netflix (Exclusive).
Introduction
Watching the NFL used to be simple: turn on the TV on Sunday. In 2026, it requires a spreadsheet. Games are now spread across CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Peacock. If you are a cord-cutter, missing a single subscription could mean missing your team's biggest game.
This guide simplifies the matrix. We break down exactly what you need to watch every snap of the 2026 season.
Quick Summary: The Weekly Schedule
- Thursday Night: Amazon Prime Video (Exclusive).
- Sunday Afternoon (Local): CBS (Paramount+) & FOX (Antenna/YouTube TV).
- Sunday Night: NBC (Peacock).
- Monday Night: ESPN (Sling/YouTube TV/ESPN+).
- Christmas Day: Netflix (Exclusive).
The Essentials
1. Local Games: The Digital Antenna Hack
Before you subscribe to anything, buy a $30 digital antenna. In most US cities, this will get you your local CBS, FOX, and NBC games for free in uncompressed HD. This covers about 70% of your team's games.
2. Out-of-Market: Sunday Ticket
If you live in New York but root for the Dallas Cowboys, you need NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV. It is the only legal way to watch out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. The price hovers around $350/season, but it is indispensable for displaced fans.
The Streaming Exclusives
You cannot watch these games on cable. You must stream them.
| Platform | Game Type | Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Prime Video | Thursday Night Football | $8.99/mo |
| Netflix | Christmas Day Games | $15.49/mo |
| Peacock | Select Wild Card / SNF | $7.99/mo |
| ESPN+ | International Games | $11.99/mo |
Mobile Viewing: NFL+
If you are on a budget ($7/mo) and only watch on your phone or tablet, NFL+ is a strong option. It gives you live access to local and primetime games on mobile devices only. It does not work on your TV.
FAQ
Do I need cable for the Super Bowl?
Not in 2026. Super Bowl LX streams on Peacock and broadcasts on NBC.
Can I watch Monday Night Football on ESPN+?
Only some weeks. The 'ManningCast' is usually on ESPN+, but the main broadcast requires a cable login or a live TV service like Sling or YouTube TV.
Conclusion
The total cost to watch every NFL game in 2026 is roughly $120/month if you stack services. Pick your battles. Most fans can get by with an antenna and Prime Video.
Want to save money? Read our guide on rotating subscriptions.
Discussion
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