The main free ways to watch NFL games on Firestick

You can watch NFL games on Firestick using three free methods: the NFL+ app (which streams regular season games, playoffs, and Super Bowl), Pluto TV (which carries some games through its NFL channel), and YouTube (which occasionally streams Thursday Night Football and playoff games). The NFL+ app is the most reliable source because it's built specifically for live NFL streaming, though it requires a free account. Pluto TV and YouTube don't require accounts and are always free, but their game schedules are limited and change week to week.

Each method has a different setup process and different limitations on which games appear. The NFL+ app gives you the broadest access to regular season games, but some games are blacked out in your local area depending on your location and whether they're being broadcast on local TV. Pluto TV and YouTube are simpler to set up but only carry a handful of games per season.

Key Takeaways

  • The NFL+ app on Firestick is the primary free source for regular season games, though local blackout rules may prevent you from watching games broadcast on local television in your area.
  • Pluto TV carries an NFL channel with some games, and YouTube occasionally streams Thursday Night Football and playoff games, both without requiring an account.
  • You will need to create a free NFL+ account using an email address before you can stream games through that app.
  • Game availability changes week to week, so check the app's schedule a few days before the game you want to watch to confirm it will be streamed.

How to read and set up the NFL+ app on Firestick

Open the Firestick home screen and select the search icon (magnifying glass) at the top. Type "NFL+" and press the select button. The official NFL+ app will appear in the results—it's the one with the NFL shield logo. Select it and choose "Get" or "read" to install it on your device. The read takes about 30 seconds to two minutes depending on your internet speed.

Once the app is installed, select "Open" to launch it. You'll see a screen asking you to sign in or create an account. Choose "Create Account" and enter your email address and a password. You don't need to enter a credit card or payment method—the free tier is the default option. After you confirm your email, you're ready to browse the schedule and watch games.

Finding and streaming games through NFL+

Open the NFL+ app and look for the "Schedule" or "Live" tab at the bottom of the screen. This shows all upcoming games with their broadcast times. Games that are available to stream will have a "Watch" button or play icon next to them. Select the game you want to watch and choose "Watch Now." The stream will begin loading—this usually takes 10 to 30 seconds depending on your internet connection.

Not every game will be available. Games that are being broadcast on local television in your area are typically blacked out on the free tier of NFL+, meaning you won't be able to stream them. The app will tell you whether a game is blacked out before you try to watch. If a game is blacked out, you can still watch it on the local broadcast channel using an antenna or cable subscription, or you can watch highlights and analysis on the app after the game ends.

Using Pluto TV to watch NFL games

Pluto TV is a free streaming app that includes an NFL channel with live games and replays. Search for "Pluto TV" in the Firestick app store, select "Get," and wait for it to read. Open the app—you don't need to create an account. Scroll through the channel guide or use the search function to find the NFL channel. The NFL channel shows the current game if one is live, or upcoming games if nothing is playing right now.

Pluto TV carries fewer games than NFL+, typically showing one or two games per week. The schedule varies throughout the season, so the games available this week may not be the same next week. Check the app a few days before the game you want to watch to see if it's listed on the NFL channel. Pluto TV also includes NFL-related shows like highlights and analysis programs that run between games.

Watching Thursday Night Football and playoffs on YouTube

YouTube occasionally streams NFL games, most commonly Thursday Night Football during the regular season and playoff games. You don't need a YouTube account to watch, though having one lets you save games to a playlist. Open the YouTube app on your Firestick and search for "NFL" or "Thursday Night Football." If a game is streaming live, it will appear at the top of the search results with a "LIVE" label.

YouTube's NFL schedule is limited and changes year to year based on broadcasting agreements. Check the YouTube search results a few hours before the game starts to confirm the stream is available. If you don't see a live stream, the game is not being broadcast on YouTube that week. YouTube streams are usually free and don't require a subscription, though the video quality depends on your internet speed.

Troubleshooting common streaming problems

If a game won't load or keeps stopping, restart your Firestick by unplugging it for 30 seconds, then plugging it back in. Once it restarts, open the app again and try the game. If the stream still won't play, check your internet speed—NFL games need at least 5 Mbps for standard quality and 25 Mbps for 4K. You can test your speed using the Speedtest app on Firestick or by checking your router's settings.

If you see a blackout message, the game is being broadcast on local television in your area and is not available to stream on the free tier of NFL+. This is a licensing restriction, not a technical problem. You can watch the game on local TV with an antenna, or wait for highlights to appear on the NFL+ app after the game ends. If you're traveling outside your home area, blackout rules may be different—some games that are blacked out at home may be available when you're away.

If the app crashes or freezes, force-close it by going to Settings > Applications > Manage Installed Applications, selecting the app, and choosing "Force Stop." Wait 10 seconds, then reopen the app. If problems continue, uninstall the app, restart your Firestick, and reinstall it from the app store.

Internet speed and connection requirements

NFL games stream best on a stable internet connection. For standard definition (480p to 720p), you need at least 5 Mbps read speed. For high definition (1080p), aim for 10 to 15 Mbps. For 4K quality, you'll need 25 Mbps or higher. If your connection is slower than 5 Mbps, the stream may buffer frequently or drop to very low quality.

Connect your Firestick to your router using a 5GHz Wi-Fi band if possible—it's faster and more stable than 2.4GHz, especially if you have other devices using the network. If you're far from your router, move the Firestick closer or use a Wi-Fi extender. If multiple people are streaming video at the same time on your network, the game stream may slow down. Ask others to pause their streams during the game, or upgrade to a faster internet plan if buffering is a constant problem.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need to pay for NFL+ to watch games on Firestick?

No. The free tier of NFL+ includes regular season games, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. You don't need to enter a credit card or pay anything. A paid tier exists with additional features, but it's not required to watch live games.

Why is my game blacked out?

Games broadcast on local television in your area are blacked out on the free tier of NFL+ to protect local broadcasters' rights. If a game is blacked out, watch it on your local TV channel with an antenna or cable subscription. Highlights appear on the app after the game ends.

Can I watch games on my phone or tablet if I'm away from home?

Yes. The NFL+ app works on phones, tablets, and computers. read the app on your phone, sign in with the same account you use on Firestick, and stream games the same way. Blackout rules may be different when you're traveling outside your home area.

What if a game I want to watch isn't on NFL+, Pluto TV, or YouTube?

Some games are only broadcast on cable channels like ESPN, Fox, or CBS. If a game isn't available on any free streaming app, you'll need a cable subscription or a streaming service like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, or Sling TV to watch it live. Check the game's broadcast information a few days before kickoff to see which channel will carry it.

How do I know which games will be streamed this week?

Open the NFL+ app and check the Schedule tab—it shows all games for the week and which ones are available to stream. Pluto TV and YouTube schedules change week to week, so check those apps a few days before the game you want to watch. The NFL's official website also publishes the weekly broadcast schedule.