Not all NFL games are on Paramount Plus — the service carries only CBS games, which is roughly one game per week during the regular season
Paramount Plus holds the rights to broadcast CBS's share of NFL games. That means you see the games CBS would show on television, but not games on Fox, NBC, ESPN, or Amazon Prime Video. During the regular season, CBS typically airs one game on Sunday afternoons, plus occasional Thursday night games when CBS has the rotation. In the playoffs, Paramount Plus carries CBS's playoff assignments, which may include divisional round games or conference championships depending on the year.
If you want to watch every NFL game, you will need subscriptions to multiple services. No single streaming platform or cable package carries all 272 regular-season games.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus streams only CBS NFL games, which is typically one game per Sunday during the regular season.
- Games on Fox, NBC, ESPN, Amazon Prime Video, and other networks do not appear on Paramount Plus.
- Playoff games on CBS are included, but you will miss playoff games assigned to other networks.
- A Paramount Plus subscription alone will not let you watch every NFL game in a season.
What CBS games look like on Paramount Plus
When CBS broadcasts a game, Paramount Plus streams it at the same time. The broadcast is identical to what you see on the CBS television channel — same announcers, same graphics, same commercials. You do not get a separate Paramount Plus-only feed or commentary.
CBS's Sunday afternoon slot is the most consistent. You will see one game almost every Sunday from September through early January, usually at 1 p.m. Eastern time. CBS also rotates into Thursday night games during certain weeks, and those appear on Paramount Plus as well. The exact schedule changes year to year based on NFL scheduling and broadcast contracts.
Which networks carry the other games
Fox broadcasts one game per Sunday, usually in the afternoon slot that does not overlap with CBS. Those games are not on Paramount Plus; you need Fox or a cable/streaming service that carries Fox.
NBC carries Sunday Night Football, which airs once per week on Sunday evenings. NBC games stream on Peacock (NBC's streaming service), not Paramount Plus. ESPN has Monday Night Football, which streams on ESPN+ and the ESPN app. Amazon Prime Video holds exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football for most of the season, so those games do not appear on Paramount Plus or any other traditional broadcast service.
The NFL also plays games on other networks and platforms depending on the week and time slot. Paramount Plus will never carry those broadcasts.
Playoff games and the Super Bowl
Paramount Plus carries CBS's assigned playoff games. The NFL rotates playoff broadcasts among CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN, so CBS does not get every playoff game. If CBS has a divisional round game, you can watch it on Paramount Plus. If Fox or NBC has that same round, you cannot.
The Super Bowl rotates among the major networks each year. When CBS hosts the Super Bowl, it streams on Paramount Plus. In years when Fox, NBC, or another network has the Super Bowl, Paramount Plus does not carry it.
Subscription requirements and blackout rules
You need an active Paramount Plus subscription to stream CBS games. Paramount Plus offers different subscription tiers; the standard plan includes live sports. Some regional blackout rules may explore depending on where you live and which team is playing, though these are less common for streaming than they were for cable broadcasts.
If you have cable or a cable-replacement service (like YouTube TV or Hulu with Live TV) that includes CBS, you can also watch those games through the CBS app or website by signing in with your cable credentials. Paramount Plus is a separate subscription from cable.
How to find CBS games on Paramount Plus
During football season, Paramount Plus displays upcoming games prominently on its home page. You can also search for "NFL" or the team name to find scheduled broadcasts. The app and website show the date, time, and matchup for each game CBS will air.
Check the schedule a few days before game day to confirm the broadcast time, as kickoff times can shift based on ratings or other factors. Paramount Plus will notify you if you have set reminders for your favorite teams.
Building a complete NFL viewing plan
To watch most or all NFL games, you will need multiple subscriptions. A typical setup includes Paramount Plus (for CBS), a way to watch Fox (cable, antenna, or a streaming service like YouTube TV), Peacock (for NBC Sunday Night Football), and ESPN+ (for Monday Night Football). Amazon Prime Video is separate if you want Thursday Night Football.
An antenna can pick up CBS, Fox, and NBC games for free if you live in an area with good broadcast reception. This reduces the number of paid subscriptions you need, though it does not work for cable-exclusive games like ESPN or Amazon broadcasts.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch NFL games on Paramount Plus without cable?
Yes. Paramount Plus is a standalone streaming service. You do not need cable to watch CBS games on it. You pay Paramount Plus directly, and you get access to CBS broadcasts during the season.
Do I get all the Sunday games on Paramount Plus?
No. CBS carries one game per Sunday, and Fox carries another. Paramount Plus has only the CBS game. You need Fox (through cable, antenna, or a streaming service) to watch the Fox game.
Are playoff games may provide to be on Paramount Plus?
Only if CBS has the broadcast rights to that particular playoff game. The NFL rotates playoff games among networks. If Fox or NBC has a playoff game, it will not be on Paramount Plus.
What happens if my team plays on a network other than CBS?
You will need to watch on that network's platform. If your team plays on Fox, use Fox or a service that carries Fox. If they play on NBC, use Peacock. If they play on ESPN, use ESPN+. If they play on Amazon, use Prime Video.
Is there a free trial for Paramount Plus?
Paramount Plus occasionally offers free trial periods, but these vary and are not may provide. Check the Paramount Plus website directly to see current offers. Trial availability changes throughout the year.