We’re five weeks into the NFL’s 2023-2024 season and just two teams remain undefeated.
The Philadelphia Eagles and San Francisco 49ers, both in the NFC, have flawless records, but both face substantial challenges this week. The Eagles take on the Rams, who are 2-2, but coming in on the heels of last week’s victory over the Colts. The 49ers will face the Dallas Cowboys, who have been wildly uneven so far this year, but still boast a 3-1 record.
Then there’s the Buffalo Bills, who might not be perfect, but are starting to look like the league’s most dominant team, especially after last week’s whooping of the Miami Dolphins.
Of course, all many viewers are going to be interested in is whether Taylor Swift will show up in Minnesota as the Chiefs face the Vikings, but the league certainly isn’t going to complain about the ratings boost.
Regardless of whether you’re a Swiftie or die-hard fan, there’s plenty to watch for everyone. Here’s a look at how to watch and what to expect from this week’s games. (And one more reminder … the NFL is in London again this week, so games will start a lot earlier than usual.)
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.)
Sunday, Oct. 8
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Buffalo Bills, 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network
New Orleans Saints vs. New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Tennessee Titans vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Baltimore Ravens vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Carolina Panthers vs. Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Houston Texans vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
New York Giants vs. Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 p.m. ET on Fox
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m. ET on Fox
New York Jets vs. Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Minnesota Vikings, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
Dallas Cowboys vs. San Francisco 49ers, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Monday, Oct. 9
Green Bay Packers vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 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). (the prices went up as of Oct. 1)
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 Denver Broncos facing the Kansas City Chiefs on Oct 12.
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.