NFL Games on Paramount Plus: What's Included
Paramount Plus carries Thursday Night Football, a package of 15 games per season that airs live on the platform. These games run from September through December and into the playoffs. You do not get every NFL game — only the Thursday night matchups that CBS has the rights to broadcast.
The Thursday Night Football package is included with a Paramount Plus subscription at any tier (with ads or ad-free). You do not need to pay extra or unlock a special sports package. If you have an active subscription, you can stream these games on your phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV device.
Paramount Plus does not carry Sunday games, Monday Night Football, or most playoff games. Those air on other networks and streaming services. If you want to watch the full NFL season across all days and times, you will need subscriptions to multiple platforms.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus streams Thursday Night Football live during the regular season and playoffs, included with any subscription tier.
- You get roughly 15 Thursday night games per season, not the entire NFL schedule.
- Sunday games air on CBS, Fox, and ESPN; Monday games air on ESPN; playoff games split across multiple networks.
- You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and smart TVs using the Paramount Plus app or website.
- Blackout rules may prevent you from streaming certain games if you are in the local broadcast area, depending on your internet provider.
How to Find Thursday Night Football on the App
Open the Paramount Plus app or website and look for the Sports section in the main menu. During the NFL season, Thursday Night Football appears as a featured tile or banner on the home screen. You can also search for "Thursday Night Football" or the specific team name in the search bar.
Games typically start at 8:15 p.m. Eastern time on Thursday evenings. The broadcast becomes available to stream a few minutes before kickoff. If you miss the live game, Paramount Plus usually posts a full replay within a few hours, available on-demand for the rest of the season.
What Devices Work for Streaming
You can watch Thursday Night Football on Paramount Plus through the official app on most devices. This includes iPhones and iPads, Android phones and tablets, Amazon Fire tablets, Roku devices, Apple TV, Google TV, Samsung Smart TVs, LG Smart TVs, PlayStation 4 and 5, and Xbox One and Series X/S.
You can also stream through a web browser on any computer or laptop by visiting paramountplus.com and logging in with your subscription account. The video quality depends on your internet connection speed — Paramount Plus recommends at least 5 Mbps for HD streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K, though 4K is not available for all games.
Blackout Rules and Regional Restrictions
Some Thursday Night Football games may be blacked out in your area, meaning you cannot stream them on Paramount Plus even with a paid subscription. Blackouts happen when a game is also being broadcast on local CBS or Fox stations in your region. The blackout protects the local broadcaster's exclusive rights to show the game.
To check if a specific game is blacked out where you are, log into your Paramount Plus account and try to access the game page. The app will tell you whether it is available to stream. If it is blacked out, you can usually watch it on your local CBS or Fox channel instead, or through that network's streaming app if you have cable login credentials.
Comparing NFL Streaming Options
Paramount Plus is one piece of a larger NFL viewing puzzle. Here is where the main packages live:
| Games | Network | Streaming Home |
|---|---|---|
| Thursday Night Football | CBS | Paramount Plus |
| Sunday afternoon games | CBS and Fox | Paramount Plus (CBS only) or cable login |
| Sunday Night Football | NBC | Peacock (premium tier) |
| Monday Night Football | ESPN | ESPN Plus or cable login |
| Playoff games | CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN | Varies by network |
If you only want to watch Thursday night games, Paramount Plus is your single source. If you want broader coverage, you will need to combine it with other services or maintain a cable subscription.
Subscription Tiers and Cost
Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers. The Standard plan with ads costs less per month and includes Thursday Night Football. The Premium plan without ads costs more and also includes Thursday Night Football. Both tiers give you full access to live games — the difference is whether you see commercials during the broadcast.
Paramount Plus occasionally runs promotional pricing for new subscribers, such as discounted first months or bundled offers with other services. Pricing and promotions change, so check the Paramount Plus website directly for current rates in your area.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Thursday Night Football without a Paramount Plus subscription?
No. Thursday Night Football is exclusive to Paramount Plus subscribers. You must have an active subscription to any tier to stream the games. Some games may also air on your local CBS station if you have cable or an antenna.
Do I need cable login to watch NFL games on Paramount Plus?
No. Thursday Night Football streams with just a Paramount Plus subscription — you do not need cable credentials. Other NFL games on other platforms may require cable login, but not the Thursday night package.
Can I watch Thursday Night Football on my smart TV?
Yes. read the Paramount Plus app on any compatible smart TV (Roku, Apple TV, Google TV, Samsung, LG, PlayStation, or Xbox), log in with your subscription, and find Thursday Night Football in the Sports section.
What happens if my game is blacked out?
You cannot stream it on Paramount Plus, but you can usually watch it on your local CBS or Fox broadcast channel. Check your local TV listings or the network's website to find the channel and time in your area.
Can I record Thursday Night Football to watch later?
You cannot record it, but Paramount Plus posts full game replays on-demand within a few hours of the live broadcast. You can watch the replay anytime during the season without needing to record anything.