The National Football League (NFL) is a juggernaut of global sport, commanding a massive worldwide audience that spans continents and time zones. For decades, watching the game was synonymous with a cable subscription. However, the 2025 season continues a profound, irreversible shift, with streaming fundamentally revolutionizing how fans consume the action. The days of being tethered to traditional cable are over.
In 2025, the proliferation of digital platforms means fans now have unprecedented flexibility, choosing how, when, and where they watch every snap. From exclusive weeknight games on major streaming services to the ability to catch every out-of-market matchup, the control is firmly in the hands of the consumer. This landscape, however, is a patchwork quilt of different providers and packages, making it crucial to understand exactly what each service offers.
This comprehensive guide will navigate the complex world of NFL streaming platforms 2025. We’ll detail which major platforms carry broadcast rights, explore the best ways to watch NFL without cable 2025, review mobile and app-based options, and clarify international NFL streaming options for fans outside the U.S. Finally, we'll look at the tools available for rewatching games after the final whistle.
Which Streaming Platforms Offer NFL Games Live in 2025?
The NFL’s media rights are distributed across a mix of traditional networks and major digital-first platforms, which results in a multi-pronged approach to live streaming. To catch the maximum number of games, you’ll need a mix of live TV streaming services (for the major networks) and direct subscriptions (for the exclusives).
| Day/Network | Game Covered | Primary Streaming Platforms | Notes/Exclusivity |
| Thursday | Thursday Night Football (TNF) | Amazon Prime Video | Exclusive to Prime Video (except in the two competing teams’ local markets). Also streams the Black Friday game and a Wild Card Playoff game. |
| Sunday (Daytime) | AFC Games (Early/Late) | Paramount+ (for CBS Games) | Streams all local and primetime CBS games. |
| Sunday (Daytime) | NFC Games (Early/Late) | FOX One (for FOX Games) | Streams all local and primetime FOX games. Also available through live TV services like YouTube TV. |
| Sunday (Night) | Sunday Night Football (SNF) | Peacock (for NBC Games) | Streams all NBC games, including SNF and the season kickoff game. Peacock also has one exclusive game during the season. |
| Monday | Monday Night Football (MNF) | ESPN DTC (or ESPN+ simulcast) | Streams all ESPN/ABC games. ESPN+ will also air a select exclusive late-night Monday game. |
| Saturday | Select Games/NFL Network | NFL+ (via mobile/tablet only), NFL Network (via Live TV services) | NFL Network will air several exclusive games. |
| Special Events | Christmas Day Games | Netflix | Netflix holds the rights to the two Christmas Day games in 2025. |
| Out-of-Market | All Sunday afternoon games outside your local area | NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube TV or YouTube (standalone) | The only way for U.S. fans to watch out-of-market Sunday games live. |
The key takeaway for the 2025 season is the increased number of exclusive games—those you can only watch on a specific streaming service: Amazon Prime Video for the majority of TNF, Peacock and ESPN+ for single exclusive games, Netflix for the Christmas Day doubleheader, and the handful of NFL Network exclusives (streamable via a full Live TV package or on mobile/tablet via NFL+).
How Can Fans Watch the NFL Online Without Cable?
For the dedicated cord-cutter, watching the NFL online without cable is entirely possible, but requires a strategic approach. You have two main routes: All-in-one Live TV Streaming, or the A La Carte option using direct-to-consumer (DTC) apps.
Live TV Streaming Services (Best All-in-One Option)
These platforms mimic the cable model but stream over the internet, providing local channels (CBS, FOX, NBC) and cable channels (ESPN, NFL Network). This is the best way to get the majority of games in one subscription.
YouTube TV: Considered the best overall choice for U.S. fans. It includes ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and the NFL Network in its base plan. Crucially, it is also the exclusive home for NFL Sunday Ticket, the add-on package required to watch every out-of-market Sunday game.
Hulu + Live TV: Provides a similar all-in-one channel package, including the major broadcast and cable channels. It also bundles Disney+ and ESPN+ in its base price, offering excellent value for broader entertainment.
Fubo: A sports-focused service that carries the necessary channels (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network) and is known for its extensive lineup of other sports channels and 4K streaming capabilities.
Sling TV: A lower-cost, more flexible option, but with a major caveat: its channel lineup is split. You may need to combine Sling with other services (like Paramount+ or ESPN DTC) to get all the required networks, which adds to the total monthly cost.
The A La Carte Approach (Direct-to-Consumer Apps)
For fans who are highly selective or already subscribe to certain services, you can piece together your coverage using individual network apps. This can be cheaper than a full Live TV package but requires more subscriptions.
Paramount+: Provides live streaming of all local CBS games.
Peacock: Streams all NBC games, including Sunday Night Football.
Amazon Prime Video: Essential for all Thursday Night Football games.
ESPN DTC / ESPN+: Necessary for Monday Night Football and select exclusive games. The new ESPN DTC is a standalone app, while ESPN+ often simulcasts some content.
FOX One: Streams local FOX games.
The primary benefit of these online subscriptions is flexibility: there are no long-term contracts, most offer free trials, and you can cancel easily during the off-season.
Are NFL Games Available on Mobile Apps?
Yes, mobile streaming is a primary focus for the NFL, but with key differences in what you can watch compared to a TV or desktop stream.
NFL+ (The Official Mobile Streamer)
The NFL’s own subscription service, NFL+, is the official way to stream live local and primetime games (including Monday, Thursday, and Sunday night games) directly on your phone or tablet.
NFL+ (Base Tier): Includes live local and primetime games on mobile devices, live game audio for every game, and access to the NFL Network.
NFL+ Premium: Adds features like NFL RedZone (for every Sunday afternoon touchdown), full game replays, condensed games, and coaches film (All-22) on any device.
Key Limitation: With a base NFL+ subscription, live regular-season games are mobile/tablet only—you cannot cast or watch them on a TV or computer. This is a crucial distinction from full Live TV services.
Apps from Streaming Platforms
Any service you subscribe to, like YouTube TV, Hulu, Fubo, Prime Video, or Peacock, has an associated app that allows live streaming on mobile devices and tablets. For these services, the blackout restrictions that apply to your local market will still govern which games you can watch.
What Options Exist for International NFL Live Streaming?
For fans outside the U.S., the NFL streaming landscape is significantly simpler and often more comprehensive, largely thanks to a single product:
NFL Game Pass International on DAZN
In most global regions (outside the U.S. and China), the NFL Game Pass International is the all-inclusive solution, exclusively hosted on the DAZN platform. This is the ultimate option for non-U.S. fans.
Comprehensive Coverage: It offers live and on-demand access to every regular season and postseason game, including the Super Bowl.
NFL RedZone: Includes the popular RedZone channel, showing every scoring play during the Sunday afternoon window.
Features: Provides replays, condensed games, coaches film, and multi-view features (depending on the region).
Regional Restrictions: While coverage is comprehensive, some countries (like the UK) may have a two-game per week Sunday afternoon blackout where those games are available on a 24-hour delay due to local broadcasting deals.
Regional Broadcasters and Streamers
In specific countries, local rights may be held by regional broadcasters or streaming services (e.g., Sky Sports in the UK, Fox Sports in Mexico/Latin America). These services will carry a selection of games, typically including the high-profile primetime matchups.
VPN as an Option
A Virtual Private Network (VPN) is a technology some international fans use. By connecting to a VPN server in a different country, a user can potentially access:
Out-of-market streams: For U.S.-based services like NFL Sunday Ticket, a VPN can sometimes be used to bypass local blackouts.
International Game Pass: Some users may use a VPN to subscribe to the NFL Game Pass International from a region with lower pricing.
Note: While a VPN can be an effective tool for accessing geo-restricted content, its use can violate the terms of service of the streaming platform, and their effectiveness can change as platforms crack down on VPN usage.
Can Fans Rewatch NFL Games After the Live Broadcast?
Missing a live game no longer means missing the action. The 2025 streaming options provide robust features for fans to catch up later.
NFL+ for Replays and Film
For the dedicated fan, NFL+ Premium is the best option for post-game consumption:
Full Game Replays: Watch the entire game from start to finish.
Condensed Games: A fan-favorite feature that edits all the actual plays into a 40-minute broadcast, eliminating huddles, breaks, and commercials.
Coaches Film (All-22): A unique view of the game showing all 22 players on the field, which is essential for deep analysis and fantasy football research.
On-Demand & DVR from Live TV Services
Live TV streaming services are built around DVR (Digital Video Recorder) functionality, which is critical for rewatching:
YouTube TV & Fubo: Offer unlimited cloud DVR storage. This allows you to record every game and rewatch it at your convenience.
Hulu + Live TV: Also includes unlimited DVR storage.
Dedicated Platform Replays
Amazon Prime Video: Games broadcast on Prime Video (Thursday Night Football) are typically available for on-demand streaming shortly after the live broadcast concludes.
Peacock: Games streamed live on Peacock (Sunday Night Football and exclusives) are usually available for on-demand playback within the platform.
FAQ Section
What streaming service has all NFL games?
No single streaming service has all live NFL games in the U.S. Due to the split between broadcast (local networks), cable (ESPN, NFL Network), and streaming exclusives (Amazon Prime Video, Netflix, Peacock), you need a combination. The closest option is a Live TV service (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Fubo) plus the NFL Sunday Ticket add-on on YouTube TV, plus subscriptions to Amazon Prime Video and Netflix for the streaming exclusives.
Can you watch NFL games free online?
Not reliably or legally. Locally broadcast games (CBS, FOX, NBC) can be accessed for free using a digital antenna. Some streaming platforms, such as Paramount+, Peacock, or Prime Video, may offer free trials, allowing temporary free viewing. However, there is no ongoing, free, legal service that streams a significant number of NFL games.
Does Amazon Prime include all NFL games?
No. Amazon Prime Video is the exclusive home for the majority of Thursday Night Football (TNF) games and the annual Black Friday game. It does not carry Sunday afternoon, Sunday night, or Monday night games, nor the games exclusive to Peacock or Netflix.
Is NFL Game Pass available in the U.S.?
No, the comprehensive NFL Game Pass International (DAZN) is not available in the U.S. In the U.S., the subscription is rebranded as NFL+, which offers replays of all games and live local/primetime games on mobile devices only. Live out-of-market games in the U.S. require the NFL Sunday Ticket via YouTube TV.
Conclusion
The 2025 NFL season is a landmark year for streaming, offering unprecedented control and flexibility to fans. The dominance of streaming platforms and the rise of key exclusives mean the days of watching every game via one traditional medium are definitively over.
For the maximum, seamless coverage, the best overall solution in the U.S. is combining a Live TV Streaming Service (like YouTube TV) with the NFL Sunday Ticket add-on, plus a subscription to Amazon Prime Video for TNF. International fans have the simplest path with NFL Game Pass International on DAZN, which provides every game live and on-demand.
Whether you're a cord-cutter building an a la carte bundle, a fan wanting every out-of-market game, or an overseas devotee, the power to watch is entirely yours. Choose the platform that best aligns with your cost, features, and viewing habits, and enjoy the NFL live online 2025.
CordCutterChris
on October 01, 2025I’m going the **A La Carte** route this year. Paramount+ for CBS, Peacock for SNF, and Prime for TNF. I'll just skip the games on ESPN/ABC to save a few bucks. Thanks for breaking down the options clearly.