by As the 2026 NFL postseason charges into the Divisional Round, football fans are scrambling to find the most reliable ways to catch every snap. With the league’s broadcasting rights now split across a complex web of traditional networks, cable-replacement services, and exclusive digital platforms, the question of where to watch NFL Games has become more complicated than ever. Whether you are a cord-cutter looking for the best app or a traditionalist with a rooftop antenna, this guide breaks down the essential platforms and the upcoming schedule to ensure you don’t miss a single touchdown.
The Major Networks: CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC
For the majority of fans, the most consistent answer to where to watch NFL Games remains the “Big Four” local broadcast networks. For the 2025-26 playoffs, CBS holds the rights to the AFC matchups, FOX dominates the NFC, and NBC remains the exclusive home of Sunday Night Football and Super Bowl LX. Additionally, ABC often simulcasts major ESPN productions, providing a free over-the-air option for those with a high-quality digital antenna.
Streaming Services for Cord-Cutters
If you have moved away from traditional cable, knowing where to watch NFL Games digitally is the key to your postseason experience. The landscape is currently led by “The Big Five” streamers: Paramount+ (for CBS games), Peacock (for NBC games), and the newly launched Fox One, which provides a direct-to-consumer path for all FOX sports content. Furthermore, ESPN Unlimited now serves as the primary hub for Monday night contests, while Amazon Prime Video continues its exclusive hold on select high-profile matchups.
All-in-One Cable Alternatives
For those who want a single bill and a familiar interface, live TV streaming services are the premium solution for where to watch NFL Games. Services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo carry all the local broadcast affiliates and the NFL Network in their base packages. While these are more expensive than individual apps, they offer the benefit of unlimited DVR and the ability to watch multiple games simultaneously, making them the gold standard for dedicated fans during the Divisional and Championship rounds.
NFL Divisional Round Schedule 2026
| Date | Matchup | Time (ET) | TV / Streaming Channel |
| Sat, Jan 17 | Buffalo Bills at Denver Broncos | 4:30 PM | CBS / Paramount+ |
| Sat, Jan 17 | San Francisco 49ers at Seattle Seahawks | 8:15 PM | FOX / Fox One |
| Sun, Jan 18 | Houston Texans at New England Patriots | 3:00 PM | ESPN / ABC / ESPN+ |
| Sun, Jan 18 | Los Angeles Rams at Chicago Bears | 6:30 PM | NBC / Peacock |
Watching on the Go with NFL+
If your schedule keeps you away from a television, the official NFL+ app is a lifesaver when deciding where to watch NFL Games on a mobile device. For a monthly subscription, NFL+ allows you to stream live local and primetime games directly on your phone or tablet. While it does not support “casting” to a big screen for live broadcasts, it is the most affordable way to stay connected to the playoffs if you are traveling or stuck at work during the big Saturday doubleheaders.
How to Watch Out-of-Market Games
For fans living far from their favorite team’s city, the struggle of where to watch NFL Games that aren’t nationally televised is real. NFL Sunday Ticket, now hosted exclusively by YouTube, remains the only legal way to watch every out-of-market regular-season game. However, during the playoffs, every game is nationally broadcast, meaning you won’t need the Sunday Ticket package to see the Broncos or Seahawks—you simply need access to the primary networks listed in the schedule above.
Global Options: Watching from Outside the USA
International fans often have a much simpler time determining where to watch NFL Games thanks to the NFL GamePass International. Available through DAZN in most territories, this service provides live access to every single game, including the Super Bowl, with the original US broadcast commentary. If you are a US resident traveling abroad this January, using a reputable VPN to access your domestic streaming accounts is a common workaround to ensure your subscriptions follow you across borders.
Final Verdict: The Best Setup for 2026
Ultimately, the best strategy for where to watch NFL Games depends on your budget. For the most cost-effective playoff run, a combination of a digital antenna for local channels and a Prime Video subscription will cover about 80% of the action. However, if you want the full “NFL experience” with 4K resolution and no-lag streams, a YouTube TV subscription paired with a Peacock and Paramount+ account is the unbeatable trifecta for the road to Super Bowl LX.
