Paramount Plus does not carry live NFL games, including Patriots broadcasts

Paramount Plus does not show live regular-season or playoff NFL games. The streaming service carries some NFL content—highlights, analysis shows, and reruns of older games—but not the live broadcasts of Patriots games or any other team's games as they happen.

The Patriots play in the AFC East, and their games air on CBS, NBC, ESPN, or NFL Network depending on the week and time slot. If you want to watch live, you need to go through one of those networks or a service that carries them.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus carries NFL highlights and analysis but not live game broadcasts.
  • Patriots games air on CBS, NBC, ESPN, or NFL Network depending on the schedule.
  • To watch live, you can use the network's own app, a cable subscription, or a live TV streaming service.
  • CBS games can sometimes be watched through Paramount Plus the next day or later in the week, but not live.
  • NFL+ is a separate subscription that offers some out-of-market games and replays, but not all live local broadcasts.

Where Patriots games actually broadcast

Most Patriots games fall into one of four broadcast slots. CBS carries the majority of AFC East games, including most Patriots home games and some away games. NBC airs Sunday Night Football, which occasionally features the Patriots. ESPN shows Monday Night Football, which includes Patriots games several times a season. NFL Network carries select Thursday Night Football games, though the Patriots appear less often on this channel than other teams.

The exact schedule comes out in May each year, and you can find it on NFL.com or the Patriots' official website. Knowing which network carries each game is the first step to finding where to watch it live.

Using the network apps to watch for free

If you have a cable or satellite subscription that includes the network broadcasting the game, you can watch for free through that network's app. CBS has the CBS app, NBC has the NBC app, ESPN has the ESPN app, and NFL Network has its own app. You log in with your cable credentials, and the game streams live.

This works whether you have cable at home or through a streaming TV service like YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, or Sling TV. The app recognizes your subscription and lets you in. This is usually the cheapest option if you already pay for cable or a live TV service.

Live TV streaming services that carry NFL games

If you do not have cable, you can watch Patriots games through a live TV streaming service. YouTube TV, Hulu Plus Live TV, and Sling TV all carry CBS, NBC, and ESPN. YouTube TV and Hulu Plus Live TV also carry NFL Network. These services cost between $55 and $76 per month depending on which channels you choose, and most offer a free trial period.

You do not need Paramount Plus to use these services—they are separate subscriptions. But if you already subscribe to one of them, you can watch Patriots games live through their apps or websites. Check the channel lineup on each service's website to confirm they carry the network you need for the specific game you want to watch.

NFL Plus and out-of-market games

NFL Plus is the NFL's own streaming service, separate from Paramount Plus. It costs $14 per month or $120 per year. NFL Plus lets you watch out-of-market games on your phone or tablet—meaning games the Patriots are not playing in your local area. It also includes replays of games and access to NFL Network content.

However, NFL Plus does not stream live local broadcasts. If the Patriots game is being broadcast on CBS, NBC, ESPN, or NFL Network in your area, you cannot watch it live on NFL Plus. You need one of the options above. NFL Plus is useful if you want to follow the Patriots while traveling or if you live outside their broadcast region.

Watching replays and highlights on Paramount Plus

Paramount Plus does show Patriots game replays and highlights, but not when ready after the game ends. CBS games may appear on Paramount Plus later in the week or the following week, since Paramount Plus is owned by the same parent company as CBS. Highlights usually appear within hours of the game ending.

If you are willing to wait and do not mind spoilers being unavoidable, Paramount Plus is a way to catch up on a game you missed. But for live viewing, it is not an option. Check the Paramount Plus app a few days after a Patriots game airs on CBS to see if the full replay is available.

What to do if you cannot find the game

If you are unsure which network is broadcasting a specific Patriots game, go to NFL.com and search for the schedule. The schedule lists the network, the time, and whether the game is available in your area. You can also check the Patriots' official website or your local TV listings.

If the game is blacked out in your area—which is rare for Patriots games but can happen—your only option is usually NFL Plus or traveling outside the blackout zone. Blackout rules vary by game and region, so check the specific game's details before you buy a subscription.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Patriots games on Paramount Plus if I have cable?

No. Paramount Plus does not stream live NFL games even if you have a cable subscription. You need to use the network's app (CBS, NBC, or ESPN) or watch on your cable box. Paramount Plus may show replays of CBS games later in the week.

Is NFL Plus the same as Paramount Plus?

No. NFL Plus is a separate subscription run by the NFL. Paramount Plus is owned by a different company. NFL Plus shows out-of-market games and replays but not live local broadcasts. Paramount Plus shows highlights and some replays but not live games.

Do I need a cable subscription to watch Patriots games?

No. You can watch through a live TV streaming service like YouTube TV or Hulu Plus Live TV, which cost $55 to $76 per month. You can also use the network app if you have a cable subscription through any provider, including a streaming TV service.

When do Patriots game replays show up on Paramount Plus?

CBS games may appear on Paramount Plus several days to a week after they air. Highlights usually appear within hours. Check the app a few days after the game to see if the full replay is available. Not all games appear on Paramount Plus.

What if the Patriots game is on ESPN?

Watch through the ESPN app if you have a cable or live TV streaming service subscription. ESPN+ is a separate service that does not carry live Monday Night Football games. You need the main ESPN channel, which comes with cable or a live TV streaming service.