Honestly, trying to figure out what apps stream NFL games in 2026 feels a little like reading a defensive coordinator’s playbook while blindfolded. One week you’re on one app, the next you’re digging through a different subscription just to find the Monday night matchup. Gone are the days when you just turned on the TV and hoped your antenna caught the local signal. Now, the NFL has sliced and diced its broadcast rights so thin that you basically need a spreadsheet to keep track.
If you're sitting there with your phone in your hand, wondering why the game isn't on the app you paid for last month, you aren't alone. Between the "Direct-to-Consumer" shifts at ESPN and Netflix snagging holiday exclusives, the landscape has shifted again.
The Heavy Hitters: What Apps Stream NFL Games Right Now?
Let's get the big names out of the way. If you want a "set it and forget it" experience, you're looking at the big live TV streamers. These are the apps that basically act like your old cable box but live on your Roku or iPad.
YouTube TV and the Sunday Ticket Behemoth
YouTube TV is still the king of the mountain here, mostly because they hold the keys to NFL Sunday Ticket. If your team plays halfway across the country—say, you're a Dolphins fan living in Seattle—this is basically your only legal option for every single out-of-market Sunday afternoon game.
But it’s expensive. You're looking at a base price of roughly $82.99 a month for the YouTube TV service itself, plus the several hundred dollars for the Ticket. Early in 2026, YouTube also rolled out "YouTube TV Plans," which let you pick a more sports-centric package, but you still need that deep-pocketed Sunday Ticket add-on if you want every game.
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Hulu + Live TV and Fubo
These two are the primary rivals to YouTube. Hulu + Live TV is a solid bet because it bundles in Disney+ and ESPN+, which we'll talk about in a second because that's where the Monday Night Football stuff lives. Fubo is the "sports-first" choice, often carrying some of the more obscure regional sports networks, though its price has crept up to over $80 for the Pro plan and over $100 if you want RedZone included.
The Streaming "Specialists"
This is where it gets annoying for your wallet. The NFL has sold off specific days of the week to different apps. You can't just have one; you sort of need the "Streaming Infinity Gauntlet" to see everything.
- Amazon Prime Video: They still own Thursday Night Football exclusively. If you don't have a Prime sub, you aren't watching on Thursday unless you live in the local markets of the two teams playing (where it usually airs on a local station).
- Peacock: NBC’s app handles the Sunday Night Football simulcasts. They also usually snag an exclusive "Peacock Only" game during the season or the playoffs—like that Wild Card game that everyone complained about a couple of years ago.
- Paramount+: This is your home for any game airing on CBS. If the Bills are playing on CBS at 1 PM, you can stream it here.
- Netflix: This is the new kid on the block. They signed a massive three-year deal to stream NFL Christmas Day games. In 2026, Christmas falls on a Friday, and if you want those games, you need a Netflix sub. No other app will have them.
Is NFL+ Actually Worth It?
If you're asking what apps stream NFL games specifically on your phone or tablet, you've probably seen NFL+ advertised. It’s the league’s own "Direct-to-Consumer" product.
Here is the catch—and it’s a big one: NFL+ only lets you stream live local and primetime games on mobile devices. You cannot (usually) cast these live games to your big 75-inch 4K TV. It's meant for the person watching at a bar, on a train, or hiding their phone under a desk at work.
However, NFL+ Premium ($14.99/month) is actually a sneaky good deal for "nerds" because it includes NFL RedZone. If you don't care about a specific team and just want to see every touchdown as it happens, this is the cheapest way to get Scott Hanson into your living room.
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The ESPN and Disney Integration
By early 2026, the walls between ESPN and Disney+ started to crumble. ESPN launched its full "Direct-to-Consumer" (DTC) service, which is basically the entire ESPN cable channel but as a standalone app. Because of this, you can now find a lot of Monday Night Football content and even the NFL Draft streaming directly on Disney+ and Hulu if you have the right bundle.
Which App Should You Choose?
It really depends on what kind of fan you are. Most people fall into one of three buckets:
- The "I Only Care About My Local Team" Fan: You only need Paramount+ (for CBS games), Peacock (for NBC games), and a basic way to get FOX (like an antenna or a cheap Sling Blue sub). Total cost is maybe $20-30 a month.
- The "RedZone Junkie": Just get NFL+ Premium. It’s the most bang for your buck if you just want to see the scoring.
- The "I Need Every Single Snap" Fan: You’re going to pay. You need YouTube TV + Sunday Ticket, Amazon Prime, and Netflix. You’re looking at $150+ a month during the season.
Avoiding the "Blackout" Headache
One thing that still trips people up in 2026 is the blackout rule. Even if you have a fancy app, if the game is being broadcast on your local TV station, some streaming services might "black you out" to protect the local affiliate. This is less common now that apps like Paramount+ and Peacock include your local live feed, but it’s something to watch out for if you’re using a "skinny" streaming bundle.
Also, keep in mind that international games (London, Munich, Brazil) often end up on NFL Network or have weird exclusive windows on Peacock or ESPN+.
Actionable Steps for the Season
Don't just start subscribing to everything the morning of Week 1. That’s how you end up with "subscription creep" that kills your bank account.
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- Check your existing subs: You might already have Amazon Prime for shipping or Netflix for Stranger Things. If you do, you're already halfway there for Thursdays and Christmas.
- Use the free trials wisely: Most of these apps (Fubo, YouTube TV, Paramount+) offer 7-day trials. Save those for the weeks where your team is on a channel you don't usually have.
- The "Cancel" Strategy: You don't need these apps in February. The second the Super Bowl ends, go into your settings and toggle off the auto-renew. The NFL is only a 5-month commitment for most of us.
- Audit your mobile carrier: Companies like Verizon or T-Mobile often bundle Hulu, Disney+, or even NFL+ into their unlimited plans. Check your phone bill; you might already be paying for the app you’re about to buy.
Finding what apps stream NFL games isn't just about clicking a button anymore; it's about managing a portfolio of services. Start by identifying where your team plays most of their games (usually CBS or FOX) and build your "stadium" from there.