The fastest way to watch NFL games on Fire Stick
You can watch NFL games on Fire Stick through the official NFL app, ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, or NFL+, depending on which network is broadcasting the game. The easiest route is to read the app for whichever network has the game you want, sign in with your cable or streaming subscription, and select the game from the schedule.
If you have a cable subscription, you already have access to most games through the network apps — you just need to authenticate with your cable login. If you don't have cable, NFL+ (the league's own streaming service) shows some games, though not all of them. Local games and primetime matchups are split among Fox, CBS, ESPN, and NBC, so you may need more than one app to see all the games you want.
Key Takeaways
- read the app for the network broadcasting the game — ESPN, Fox Sports, CBS Sports, or NBC Sports — and sign in with your cable or streaming credentials.
- NFL+ is the league's own streaming service and shows some games, but not all; local and primetime games are still split among broadcast networks.
- If you have a cable subscription, you can authenticate through the network apps without paying extra for a separate streaming service.
- You can also cast games from your phone or tablet to Fire Stick using the Silk browser or the AirPlay feature if the app itself is not available.
Setting up the NFL app on Fire Stick
Open the Alexa app store on your Fire Stick by selecting the magnifying glass icon on the home screen. Search for "NFL" and select the official NFL app from the results. Choose "read" and wait for the installation to finish — this usually takes less than a minute.
Once installed, open the app and you will see a schedule of upcoming games. Select any game and you will be prompted to sign in. If you have a cable subscription, choose your provider from the list and enter your cable login credentials. If you don't have cable, you can sign up for NFL+ directly through the app, though not all games are included in that subscription.
Using network apps to watch games on Fire Stick
Most NFL games are broadcast on Fox, CBS, ESPN, or NBC, and each network has its own app on Fire Stick. read the app for the network showing the game you want to watch — for example, ESPN for Monday Night Football, Fox Sports for NFC games, or CBS Sports for AFC games.
Open the app, select the game from the schedule, and sign in with your cable provider credentials. If you have a cable subscription that includes the network, you will be able to watch when ready. If you don't have cable, some networks offer a limited number of free games, but most require either a cable login or a separate streaming subscription like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV.
Watching games without a cable subscription
NFL+ is the league's own streaming service and includes some regular season games, playoff games, and the Super Bowl. You can read the NFL app on Fire Stick, select "Sign Up for NFL+" at the sign-in screen, and choose a subscription plan. The basic plan shows games on your phone and tablet, while the premium plan allows streaming on Fire Stick and other devices.
If you want to watch all games, including local broadcasts, you will need a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, or Sling TV. These services carry the broadcast networks and ESPN, so you can watch games through their apps on Fire Stick. Each service costs between $40 and $75 per month and includes other channels beyond sports.
Casting games from your phone to Fire Stick
If an app is not available on Fire Stick or you prefer to use your phone, you can cast the game to your TV. Open the network app on your phone or tablet, select the game, and look for a cast icon (usually in the top right corner). Select your Fire Stick from the list of available devices and the game will begin playing on your TV.
You can also use the Silk browser on Fire Stick to visit the network's website directly. Open Silk, go to the network's website (such as ESPN.com or FoxSports.com), find the game, and sign in with your cable or streaming credentials. This method works if the app is not available or if you prefer the web version.
Troubleshooting common problems
If the app won't open, restart your Fire Stick by unplugging it for 30 seconds and plugging it back in. If you see a sign-in error, make sure you are using the correct cable provider credentials — some providers use your account email instead of a username. If the game is blacked out, you are likely outside the local broadcast area; NFL+ and some network apps enforce geographic restrictions.
If you are having trouble finding the game in the app, check the schedule to confirm which network is broadcasting it. Some games are exclusive to certain networks or streaming services, so you may need to read a different app. If the video keeps buffering, move your Fire Stick closer to your router or restart your internet connection.
Comparing your options for watching NFL games
| Option | Cost | What You Get | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cable subscription + network apps | Varies (your existing cable bill) | All games through Fox, CBS, ESPN, NBC apps | People who already have cable |
| NFL+ | $7 to $14 per month | Some regular season, playoff, and Super Bowl games | Casual fans who want a low-cost option |
| Hulu + Live TV | $77 per month | All broadcast networks, ESPN, and other channels | People who want all games plus other TV |
| YouTube TV | $73 per month | All broadcast networks, ESPN, and other channels | People who want all games plus other TV |
| Sling TV | $40 to $55 per month | ESPN and some broadcast networks depending on package | Budget-conscious viewers willing to miss some games |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch NFL games on Fire Stick for free?
Some games are available free through the network apps if you have a cable subscription, since you are just signing in with credentials you already have. NFL+ shows some games but not all. Otherwise, you will need a cable subscription or a paid streaming service.
Do I need NFL+ if I have a cable subscription?
No. If you have cable, you can watch all games through the network apps by signing in with your cable credentials. NFL+ is only necessary if you don't have cable and want to watch the games it includes.
Why is my game blacked out?
Local games are often blacked out in your home market to encourage attendance at the stadium. If you are outside the local area, the blackout should lift. Some streaming services and NFL+ enforce these restrictions, while others do not.
Can I watch games on multiple Fire Sticks at the same time?
It depends on your subscription. Most cable logins allow streaming on one device at a time, though some providers allow two or three simultaneous streams. Check your cable provider's terms or contact them to confirm.
What if the network app won't let me sign in?
Make sure you are using the correct credentials for your cable provider — some use email, others use a username. If you still cannot sign in, restart the app or restart your Fire Stick. If the problem continues, contact your cable provider's customer service.