How to Watch NFL 2026 Without Cable
If you are an NFL fan in the USA, paying for a massive cable bundle just to watch your favorite team is a thing of the past. In 2026, the way we watch football has completely shifted to streaming platforms.
But with games split between multiple platforms, it can get confusing. Here is everything you need to know to Watch NFL 2026 Without Cable.
Top Streaming Services for NFL 2026
- YouTube TV $72.99/mo: The best overall. It includes local channels like (CBS, FOX, NBC) and ESPN. Most importantly, it is the exclusive home of the NFL Sunday Ticket.
- Hulu + Live TV $76.99/mo: Great for fans who also want the Disney Bundle (Disney+ and ESPN+).
- Amazon Prime Video Subscription: The exclusive home for Thursday Night Football.
- Sling TV $40/mo: The budget option. Sling Orange has ESPN (Monday Night Football), but you’ll need an antenna for local channels.
In the USA, NFL broadcasting is heavily dependent on your Zip Code. This determines which “In-Market” games you see on your local FOX or CBS stations. In-Market Games: If your Zip Code is 60601 (Chicago), you will automatically get all Chicago Bears games on your local channels.
Out-of-Market Games: If you live in 90210 (Los Angeles) but are a fan of the Dallas Cowboys, you won’t see their games on local TV. In this case, you MUST have an NFL Sunday Ticket via the YouTube TV app.
Local Blackouts: Sometimes, if a game doesn’t sell out (though rare now), it might be “blacked out” in that specific Zip Code. Always check your Zip Code on the YouTube TV or Hulu website before subscribing to see exactly which local NFL affiliates (FOX/CBS) you will receive.
2026 NFL Weekly Schedule Strategy
- Sunday Morning/Afternoon: You need CBS and FOX (Available on YouTube TV/Hulu or via a digital antenna).
- Sunday Night: You need NBC (or the Peacock app).
- Monday Night: You need ESPN (Available on Sling, YouTube TV, or Hulu).
- If you are traveling or stuck in a different Zip Code during a big game, many fans use a VPN (like NordVPN or ExpressVPN). It allows you to securely access your home streaming subscription.
For the most complete experience, YouTube TV + Amazon Prime is the gold standard for NFL fans in 2026. You get the best DVR to record games and the ability to watch 4 games at once with their ‘Multiview’ feature.
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Please note that Prices and channel lineups may vary by location and service provider. I hope you liked How to Watch NFL 2026 Without Cable post.
