How to Watch NFL Games in 2024/25

The 2024/25 NFL season is upon us, and football fans are gearing up for another thrilling year. Whether you're a die-hard supporter or a casual viewer, knowing where and how to watch the games is crucial. Whether you’ll be watching through streaming services or your cable TV subscription, here’s a comprehensive guide to help you catch all the action of your favorite teams this season, including live games and game replays.

Preseason Games

The NFL preseason is from August 8-25 this year, and teams will be fine-tuning their rosters and strategies. Preseason games are usually broadcast on the NFL Network, NBC, CBS, FOX, and ESPN. These games are also available on the NFL+ streaming service, which offers live out-of-market preseason games, live local and prime-time regular-season games, and more.

Channels

• NFL Network
• NBC
• CBS
• FOX
• ESPN

Streaming

• NFL+
• Fubo TV

Regular Season: Thursday Night Football

Thursday Night Football games are a staple of the NFL schedule, providing a mid-week dose of football excitement. For the 2024/25 season, Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive broadcaster of Thursday Night Football, continuing their partnership with the NFL. Some games may also air on the NFL Network and FOX.

Channels

• NFL Network (select games)
• FOX (select games)

Streaming

• Amazon Prime Video (exclusive home of Thursday Night Football)
• Streaming services that offer local channels (Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, etc.)

Regular Season: Sunday Afternoon Games

Sunday afternoon is a prime time for NFL action, with games starting at 1:00 PM and 4:25 PM Eastern Time. These games are split between CBS and FOX, with each network having the rights to specific matchups. Several streaming options are also available.

Channels

• CBS
• FOX

Streaming

• CBS All Access
• FOX Sports App
• NFL+
• Paramount (local NFL games on CBS)
• YouTube TV - NFL Sunday Ticket

Regular Season: Sunday Night Football

Sunday Night Football is a highlight of the week, featuring the league's top matchups. These football games are broadcast nationally on NBC and can also be streamed on Peacock, NBC’s streaming service.

Channels

• NBC

Streaming

• Peacock
• NBC Sports App
• Paramount (local NFL games on CBS)
• YouTube TV - NFL Sunday Ticket

Regular Season: Monday Night Football

Monday Night Football wraps up each NFL week with a high-profile game. ESPN is the home of Monday Night Football, and games can also be streamed on ESPN’s streaming platforms, including the ESPN App.

Channels

• ESPN

Streaming

• ESPN App
• NFL+
• Paramount (local NFL games on CBS)

Major Storylines to Follow

This NFL football season is filled with anticipation and storylines that fans won’t want to miss. Here are a few to keep an eye on:

• Rookie Quarterbacks: The 2024 draft class featured several highly touted quarterbacks expected to outplay their predecessors. Watching their development will be exciting.
• Super Bowl Contenders: Teams like the Kansas City Chiefs and the San Francisco 49ers are favorites. Can the Kansas City Chiefs become the first team to win three Super Bowls in a row?
• The Battle for Chiefs Left Tackle: After losing Orlando Brown Jr. in 2023, Wanya Morris is set to battle rookie second-rounder Kingsley Suamataia for starting left tackle.
• Player Comebacks: Injured stars from last season are returning, like Joe Burrow and Christian McCaffrey, who both suffered calf injuries. Their performances will be under the microscope.
• Coaching Changes: The NFL replaced a quarter of its teams' head coaches in 2024. How will these changes impact team performance?

Free Viewing Options

While most NFL games require a cable subscription or a streaming service, there are still some free options:

• Local Channels: Local games are often available on network TV (CBS, FOX, NBC) without a cable subscription.
• Amazon Prime: Occasionally offers free viewing options for Thursday Night Football to non-subscribers
• NFL App: Provides free highlights, replays, and sometimes live local and prime-time games on mobile devices.

Why Cable is the Best Option for Watching the NFL

With so many games throughout the NFL season being broadcast on local channels (FOX, CBS, NBC, etc.) and ESPN, cable is the top option. Cable TV is a super reliable and highly affordable option that will make watching your favorite team easier than ever.

Stay on Top of The Action With SmartMove

Whether you’re watching on TV or streaming online, there are numerous ways to enjoy NFL games this season. From Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime to Sunday and Monday night games on NBC and ESPN, you won’t miss a moment of the action. Let SmartMove help you find the best cable TV providers near you.