The fastest way to watch NFL games on Firestick
You can watch NFL games on Firestick through the official NFL+ app, ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, or NBC Sports apps — whichever network is broadcasting that week's game. The NFL schedule rotates between these networks, so you'll need to check which one has the game you want before you open an app. If you have a cable or streaming TV subscription (like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV), you can use those apps instead and log in with your existing account.
The simplest path: search for the app you need in the Firestick home screen, install it, and open it to find the game. Most apps are free to read, though some require a paid subscription to watch live games.
Key Takeaways
- NFL+ is the official NFL app and shows most regular season games, but some games are exclusive to cable networks or other streaming services.
- ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, and NBC Sports apps all carry NFL games depending on the week, and you can use them free if you have a cable or live TV streaming subscription.
- You can search for any of these apps directly from your Firestick home screen and install them in under a minute.
- If you don't have a cable subscription, NFL+ offers a paid tier that includes most games, though Thursday Night Football and some playoff games may require a separate subscription.
Installing the NFL+ app on Firestick
Open your Firestick home screen and select the search icon (magnifying glass) at the top. Type "NFL+" and select the official app from the results. Press the install button, wait for the read to finish, and select "Open" to launch it.
The free version of NFL+ shows regular season games, but you'll need the paid NFL+ Premium subscription to watch live games on your phone or tablet — the Firestick app itself has different rules. Check the app description before you install to see which games are included at no cost.
Using cable or live TV streaming apps
If you already pay for cable, YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or another live TV service, you can use their apps on Firestick instead of NFL+. Search for the app name on your Firestick, install it, and log in with your account credentials. The app will then show you which games are available to watch live that week.
This route often works better than NFL+ because these services carry all the games your cable package includes, including exclusive broadcasts. You won't need a separate NFL subscription.
Finding which network has this week's game
The NFL schedule changes which network broadcasts each game. Sunday games are usually on CBS or Fox, Monday Night Football is on ESPN, Thursday Night Football is on Amazon Prime Video (not Firestick's Prime Video app — you need the separate Amazon Prime Video app), and some games move to NBC or other networks depending on the week.
Before you search for an app, check NFL.com or your cable provider's website to see which network is showing the game you want. Then search for that app on Firestick. This saves you from installing multiple apps and guessing which one has the broadcast.
Watching through Amazon Prime Video on Firestick
Amazon Prime Video carries Thursday Night Football throughout the regular season. If you have an active Prime membership, open the Prime Video app on your Firestick (it comes pre-installed), search for "Thursday Night Football," and select the live game when it's available.
You do not need a separate NFL subscription for this — your Prime membership covers it. However, Prime Video only shows Thursday games, not the full NFL schedule.
Troubleshooting common problems
If an app won't install, restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If you're logged into an app but can't see live games, check that your subscription is current and that you're in the right geographic region — some games are blacked out in certain areas due to local broadcasting rules.
If the app crashes when you try to watch, force-close it by going to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, select the app, and choose "Force Stop." Then reopen it. If the problem continues, uninstall the app, restart your Firestick, and reinstall it.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch NFL games on Firestick without paying anything?
Some games are free through the NFL+ app or network apps if you have a cable subscription. However, most live NFL games require either a cable subscription, a live TV streaming service, or a paid NFL+ subscription. Thursday Night Football is free if you have an Amazon Prime membership.
Why is the game I want to watch not showing up in the app?
The game may be broadcast on a different network that week. Check NFL.com to confirm which network has the game, then open that network's app. Some games are also subject to local blackout rules, which means they won't be available in your area even if you have a subscription.
Do I need NFL+ if I already have cable?
No. If you have cable or a live TV streaming service, use that service's app instead. Your existing subscription covers the games they broadcast. NFL+ is only necessary if you don't have cable or a live TV service.
Can I watch playoff games and the Super Bowl on Firestick?
Yes, but the network varies by game. Playoff games and the Super Bowl air on CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN depending on the matchup. Install the app for whichever network is broadcasting, log in if required, and watch through that app.
What should I do if the app keeps freezing during a game?
Check your internet connection — NFL streams require a stable connection, ideally 5 Mbps or faster for smooth playback. If your connection is fine, restart the app by force-closing it in Settings, or restart your Firestick entirely. If freezing continues, try uninstalling and reinstalling the app.