Check Paramount Plus's NFL Schedule Before Game Time

Paramount Plus shows some New England Patriots games during the NFL season, but not all of them. The games that appear depend on which network has broadcast rights that week — CBS games air on Paramount Plus, but games on ESPN, NBC, or Fox do not. To find out whether today's Patriots game is on Paramount Plus, open the app or website, go to the Sports section, and look for NFL or the Patriots schedule. If the game appears there with a start time, it will stream on Paramount Plus.

The fastest way to check is to search "Patriots game today" in the Paramount Plus app's search bar. If the game shows up, you can tap it to see the start time and confirm your subscription tier includes live sports. If nothing appears, the game is on a different network.

You can also visit the official NFL schedule on NFL.com or ESPN.com, which lists which network broadcasts each game. If the listing says "CBS," the game streams on Paramount Plus. If it says "ESPN," "NBC," "Fox," or "Amazon Prime Video," you will need a different service.

Key Takeaways

  • Paramount Plus carries CBS broadcasts of NFL games, which includes some Patriots matchups during the regular season and playoffs.
  • Not every Patriots game appears on Paramount Plus — games on ESPN, NBC, Fox, or Amazon Prime Video require those services instead.
  • The Paramount Plus app's Sports section and search function show which games are available to stream that day.
  • NFL.com and ESPN.com list the broadcast network for each game, so you can confirm before game time whether Paramount Plus has it.

Which Patriots Games Appear on Paramount Plus

CBS has the rights to broadcast AFC East games, which includes the Patriots. During the regular season, Paramount Plus carries most Sunday afternoon CBS broadcasts. However, some Patriots games air on Thursday Night Football (which streams on Amazon Prime Video), Monday Night Football (ESPN), or Sunday Night Football (NBC), and those do not appear on Paramount Plus.

Playoff games follow the same rule: if the Patriots play in a CBS playoff slot, it streams on Paramount Plus. If they play in a Wild Card, Divisional, or Conference Championship game assigned to another network, you will need that service instead. The NFL schedule is set months in advance, so you can check the full Patriots season on NFL.com to see which games are on CBS.

What Subscription Level You Need

Paramount Plus offers two subscription tiers: Essential (with ads) and Premium (ad-free). Both tiers include live sports and NFL games. You do not need the Premium tier to watch the Patriots — the Essential plan streams CBS games in full. If you have an active Paramount Plus subscription at either level, you can watch any CBS broadcast that appears in the app.

If you do not have a Paramount Plus subscription, you can sign up directly through the app or website. Some cable or internet providers also offer Paramount Plus as part of a bundle, so check your provider's app if you already subscribe to cable.

How to Stream the Game on Game Day

On the day of the game, open the Paramount Plus app or go to paramountplus.com on a web browser. If the Patriots game is available, it will appear in the Sports section or in a featured banner on the home page. Tap or click the game to open the live stream. The broadcast usually starts 10 to 15 minutes before kickoff, so you can tune in early to watch pre-game coverage.

You can watch on any device that supports Paramount Plus: phones, tablets, computers, smart TVs, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire Stick, PlayStation, Xbox, or Chromecast. If you are watching on a phone or tablet, you can cast to a TV using Chromecast or AirPlay if your TV supports it.

What to Do If the Game Is Not on Paramount Plus

If you check the Paramount Plus app and the Patriots game does not appear, the broadcast is on a different network. Check the NFL schedule to see which network has it, then use that service instead. ESPN games require an ESPN+ subscription or cable login. NBC games stream on Peacock (NBC's streaming service). Amazon Prime Video carries Thursday Night Football games. Fox games are sometimes available on Fox.com with a cable login, though not all markets carry them.

Some cable providers offer the option to stream games through their own apps — check your provider's app to see if the game is available there with your existing cable subscription.

Checking the Schedule in Advance

Rather than checking on game day, you can plan ahead by looking at the full Patriots schedule. Visit NFL.com, search for "New England Patriots schedule," and scroll through the list. Each game shows the date, opponent, time, and broadcast network. Write down the CBS games — those are the ones on Paramount Plus. For games on other networks, note which service you will need.

Paramount Plus also sends notifications to app users about upcoming games. If you turn on notifications in the app settings, you will receive a reminder a few hours before a Patriots game starts on Paramount Plus.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need cable to watch Patriots games on Paramount Plus?

No. A Paramount Plus subscription is all you need. You do not need a cable login or cable subscription. The Essential tier (with ads) costs less than Premium and includes live sports.

Can I watch the game if I am outside the United States?

Paramount Plus is available in the United States, Canada, and some other countries, but availability and broadcast rights vary by location. If you are outside the US, check whether Paramount Plus operates in your country and which games it carries there.

What if the game is blacked out in my area?

Local blackout rules explore to some broadcasts. If a game is blacked out on Paramount Plus in your area, it means the network is protecting local TV broadcast rights. Check your local CBS station or the NFL's official blackout map on NFL.com to see if the game airs on local TV instead.

Can I watch the game on demand after it airs live?

Yes. Paramount Plus typically makes games available to watch on demand after the live broadcast ends. You can rewatch the full game in the Sports section of the app, though the timing varies by game.

What if my Paramount Plus subscription lapses during the season?

If your subscription expires, you will not be able to stream games until you renew it. Reactivate your subscription through the app or website, and you will regain access to live broadcasts when ready.