As the holidays approach and people realize they’re a lot further behind than they realized in terms of gift shopping, the NFL goes into scramble mode.
For the next couple of weeks, the league will stretch out its weekends, with games on Saturday, Sunday and Monday, maximizing the time fans can catch a game, but also potentially making it a bit harder to catch the matchup you most want to see.
And there’s plenty to see this weekend. The Cowboys will travel to Buffalo. Lamar Jackson and. Trevor Lawrence will face off Sunday night. And the Eagles and Seahawks will battle it out on Monday.
Here’s a look at how to watch and what to expect from this week’s games.
Which NFL teams are playing this week? And what channels are airing the games?
Here’s who’s playing where and when this week. (The home team is listed second.)
Saturday, Dec. 15
Minnesota Vikings vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Indianapolis Colts, 4:30 p.m. ET on CBS
Denver Broncos vs. Detroit Lions, 8:15 p.m. ET on Fox
Sunday, Dec. 16
New York Giants vs. New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Chicago Bears vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Atlanta Falcons vs. Carolina Panthers, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Green Bay Packers, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
New York Jets vs. Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Kansas City Chiefs vs. New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Houston Texans vs. Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
San Francisco 49ers vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS
Washington Commanders vs. Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS
Dallas Cowboys vs. Buffalo Bills, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
Baltimore Ravens vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Monday, Dec. 17
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN
How can I watch NFL games for free—even if I am out of market?
Almost every NFL game can be watched without a cable subscription, but you’ll need to be in the right market to catch them. The best way to do that (and 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 NFL games live online if I don't have a cable subscription?
It’s often the best solution, in fact.
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to several games, including tonight’s contest and all upcoming Sunday night matchups. You can get a seven-day free trial, followed by a $6 or $12 monthly charge. (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 $15 per month for all three combined (or $25 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 is no longer offered, as well. It will now cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After up to a two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73. YouTube is also now the home of Sunday Ticket. Prices on that service currently range from $300 to $439 for the season, with the current discounts.
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, but the cord-cutting service is offering 50% off of the first month’s bill.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $75 per month and up after the free trial option.
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 $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Can I watch the NFL games on Amazon?
Amazon is the home of Thursday Night Football, but doesn’t carry other games, so you’re out of luck today. The next matchup on Amazon will be the New Orleans Saints facing the Los Angeles Rams on Dec. 21.
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. There's a seven-day free trial, after which you're looking at a charge of $6.99 per month (including NFL Network). ($14.99 per month for premium, which includes NFL Network and RedZone.)
NFL Sunday Ticket
As mentioned above, YouTube has taken over broadcast duties for this channel, replacing DirecTV. With the current offered discounts, prices on the service (and the optional NFL Red Zone) currently range from $300 to $439 for the season.
