- The NFL wildcard playoff games will be held this weekend. Once again, one will be exclusive to a streaming service, with the others being televised on broadcast TV.
The final weeks of the 2024 NFL season might not have had the drama of previous years, but that ends starting this week.
The wildcard games of the playoffs, historically, are some of the most tense of the season—a last shot for teams on the edge to keep their Super Bowl dreams alive, or play spoiler for a heavily favored team.
The 2025 wildcard games will once again include a streaming exclusive—and this year, Amazon will be hosting it on Friday night. And they’re spaced out over the course of the weekend and Monday to ensure fans can watch every game, should they want.
Here’s all you need to know about this week’s games.
Which NFL teams are playing in the wildcard round? And what channels are airing the games?
As always, the home team is listed second.
Saturday, Jan. 11
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Houston Texans, 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Baltimore Ravens, 8:00 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime Video
Sunday, Jan. 12
Denver Broncos vs. Buffalo Bills, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Green Bay Packers vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 4:30 p.m. ET on Fox
Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 8:00 p.m. ET on NBC
Monday, Jan. 13
Minnesota Vikings vs. Los Angles Rams, 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN
How can I watch the NFL wildcard playoff games for free—even if I am out of market?
The best way to watch any sort of network programming for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. To ensure you're getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home.
Can I stream the wildcard playoff games live online if I don't have a cable subscription?
Absolutely. Try one of these.
Paramount+
CBS’s streaming service will give you a one-week free trial, followed by a $8 or $13 monthly charge. (An annual plan is as low as $30 right now.)
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to several games, including all upcoming Sunday night matchups. It carries a $8 or $14 monthly charge—and the service has recently done away with its free trial. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)
Disney+
Disney's bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $30 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service lasts three days. Afterward, it will cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network's Sling lower-tiered "Orange" plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive "Blue" plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $80 per month and up after the free trial option. (The package that includes NFL Network will run you $99 per month.)
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There's a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $80 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Can I watch all of the NFL wildcard playoff games on Amazon?
No. Amazon will only air one game. That will be broadcast on Friday evening at 8:00 p.m. ET.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
Three of ‘em!
NFL App
The NFL App will let you stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market on Sundays. If you want to watch an "out of market" game, you've got two choices.
NFL+
Watch live local and out of market games and (with the premium subscription) replays. You're looking at a $50 charge per season. ($100 for premium.)
NFL Sunday Ticket
YouTube once again is the home for this channel. The site is currently offering a special price to catch the remainder of the 2024-2025 season.
