Week one of the 2023-2024 NFL season was marked by tragedy. Aaron Rodgers’ season-ending injury just a few plays into the Jets game trumped the team’s win — along with every other game played.
However, the NFL, like time, marches on. And this week sees Zach Wilson fill Rodgers’ shoes as the Jets head to Dallas to take on the red-hot Cowboys. Other teams will settle into their usual patterns.
Here’s how to watch and what to expect from this week’s games.
Which NFL teams are playing this week? And on which channels are the games broadcast?
The regular season starts, as always, with some big games. Here you can see who is playing where and when. (The home team is in second place.)
Sunday September 17
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 PM ET on CBS
Seattle Seahawks vs. Detroit Lions, 1:00 PM ET on Fox
Indianapolis Colts vs. Houston Texans, 1:00 PM ET on Fox
Chicago Bears Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1:00 PM ET on Fox
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 PM ET on CBS
Green Bay Packers vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 PM ET on Fox
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Buffalo Bills, 1:00 PM ET on CBS
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Tennessee Titans, 1:00 PM ET on CBS
San Francisco 49ers vs. Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 PM ET on Fox
New York Giants vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:05 PM ET on Fox
New York Jets vs. Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 PM ET on CBS
Washington Commanders vs. Denver Broncos, 4:25 PM ET on CBS
Miami Dolphins vs. New England Patriots, 8:20 PM ET on Fox
Monday September 18th
New Orleans Saints vs. Carolina Panthers, 7:15 PM ET on ESPN
Cleveland Browns vs. Pittsburgh Steelers, 8:15 PM ET on ABC
How can I watch NFL games for free even when I’m not in the market?
The best way to watch any kind of network programming on a big screen for free is with a good HD antenna. And, with the exception of one game on Monday night, all of this weekend’s games will be broadcast on a broadcast network, meaning you can watch them even if you don’t have a cable subscription. To ensure you get the most reliable signal, test the antenna in multiple locations around your home.
Can I stream NFL games live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
That is possible and you have many options.
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service gives you access to several games, including tonight’s game and all upcoming Sunday night games. You can get a seven-day free trial, followed by a monthly fee of $6 or $12. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)
Disney+
Disney’s Disney+, Hulu, and ESPN+ bundle no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $13 per month for all three together (or $19.99 per month if there are no ads on Hulu). Please note that starting October 1st, prices will increase to $15 and $25.
If you include Live TV in the bundle, the price increases to $70 per month ($76 without ads). In October, that will increase to $77 for the ad-supported plan and $90 for the free commercial plan.
Hulu with live TV
The free trial of this service is also no longer offered. It will cost you $70 per month until October 1st, when the price will increase to $77.
YouTubeTV
After a trial period of up to two weeks, you can expect to pay monthly fees of $73. YouTube is now also home to Sunday Ticket. Prices for that service currently range from $300 to $439 for the season, with current discounts.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive ‘Blue’ plan increases the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial is gone, but the cord-cutting service offers a 50% discount on the first month’s bill.
DirectTV stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow, and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will cost you $75 per month and more after the free trial option.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service serves broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly fees of $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Can I watch the NFL games on Amazon?
That is possible, but only on Thursday evening (and this year on Black Friday). The next game on Amazon is the New York Giants versus the San Francisco 49ers on September 21.
Does the NFL offer viewing packages to watch the games I want?
Multiple!
NFL App
The NFL App you can stream games that air locally in your market on Sundays. If you want to check out a game that isn’t on the market, you have 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’ll have to pay $6.99 per month (including NFL Network). ($14.99 per month for premium, including NFL Network and RedZone.)
NFL Sunday Ticket
As mentioned above, YouTube has taken over broadcasting duties for this channel, replacing DirecTV. With the current discounts offered, prices for the service (and the optional NFL Red Zone) currently range from $300 to $439 for the season.