It’s early still, but we’re already seeing some signs of the teams to watch for the 2023-2024 NFL season. And they’re not who a lot of people might have expected in February.
The Dallas Cowboys, at 2-0, are currently one of the league’s best teams, but news that All-Pro cornerback Trevon Diggs tore his ACL at practice and was out for the season has raised some real serious concerns. The San Francisco 49ers looked dominant Thursday and are still the top ranked team. But the Eagles and Dolphins are hot on the heels of both teams.
This week is as much about missed opportunities as making them. Not seeing Aaron Rodgers lead the Jets against the Patriots is disappointing. And Bryce Young will sit out this week’s Panther’s game with a hurt ankle. Meanwhile, which Buffalo Bills team will show up? The one that somehow lost to the Jets or the one that dominated the Raiders?
It will certainly be captivating viewing for fans. 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?
The regular season kicks off with some big matchups, as always. Here’s who’s playing where and when. (The home team is listed second.)
Sunday, Sept. 24
Atlanta Falcons vs. Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Minnesota Vikings, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
New Orleans Saints vs. Green Bay Packers, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Houston Texans vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Denver Broncos vs. Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Tennessee Titans vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Buffalo Bills vs. Washington Commanders, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Indianapolis Colts vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
New England Patriots vs. New York Jets, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Carolina Panthers vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS
Chicago Bears vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
Dallas Cowboys vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Monday, Sept. 25
Philadelphia Eagles vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 7:15 p.m. ET on ABC
Los Angeles Rams vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 8:15 p.m. ET on 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. And 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 NFL games live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
Yes and there are several ways to do so…
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 $13 per month for all three combined (or $19.99 per month for no ads on Hulu). Keep in mind that starting Oct. 1, the prices will increase to $15 and $25.
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $70 per month ($76 with no ads). In October, that jumps to $77 for the ad-supported plan and $90 for commercial free.
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service is no longer offered, as well. It will cost you $70 per month, until October 1, when the price increases to $77.
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?
Not on the weekend. Amazon is the home of Thursday Night Football, but doesn’t carry other games. The next matchup on Amazon will be the Detroit Lions facing the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 28.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
It does.
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.
