Paramount+ carries NFL games through its CBS Sports feed
Paramount+ shows NFL games that air on CBS—primarily Sunday afternoon matchups during the regular season and playoffs. The exact games depend on your region and the weekly broadcast schedule, which CBS publishes before each season begins. You do not get every NFL game; games on Fox, NBC, ESPN, or other networks require different streaming services or cable.
During the regular season, CBS typically broadcasts one or two games each Sunday afternoon. Paramount+ streams these same broadcasts live, so if a CBS game is on in your area, you can watch it through the app on a phone, tablet, computer, or connected TV. Playoff games that CBS carries—including some Wild Card and Divisional Round matchups—also stream on Paramount+.
The service requires an active Paramount+ subscription. Both the ad-supported and ad-free tiers include live sports, so either plan works for watching games.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount+ streams NFL games that broadcast on CBS, which are usually Sunday afternoon matchups during the regular season and certain playoff rounds.
- The specific games available depend on your region and CBS's weekly schedule, which changes each week of the season.
- You can watch on phones, tablets, computers, and connected TV devices using the Paramount+ app with an active subscription.
- Games on Fox, NBC, ESPN, or other networks require different services—Paramount+ does not carry the full NFL slate.
How to find this week's CBS NFL game on Paramount+
Open the Paramount+ app and look for the Sports section or search for "NFL." The app displays upcoming games with dates and times. You can also check CBS.com or the official NFL schedule to see which network is broadcasting each game that week—if it says CBS, that game will be on Paramount+.
CBS's broadcast map determines which game airs in your region. Two CBS games may air at the same time on Sunday, but your local CBS station (and Paramount+) will show only one of them based on your location. The Paramount+ app usually defaults to your regional game, though you may be able to switch if you use a VPN or have access to another region.
Paramount+ also promotes upcoming games in its main feed and sends notifications if you enable them, so you do not have to hunt for the schedule each week.
When NFL games are broadcast on CBS and Paramount+
CBS broadcasts NFL games on Sunday afternoons, typically at 1 p.m. or 4:25 p.m. Eastern time during the regular season. These times can shift slightly depending on the week and matchup importance. Paramount+ streams these games live as they air on CBS.
During the playoffs, CBS carries some Wild Card, Divisional, and Conference Championship games. The NFL schedule for each season is released in May, and CBS's specific game assignments are announced closer to the start of the season. Paramount+ will stream whichever playoff games CBS holds the rights to broadcast.
The Super Bowl, when broadcast on CBS, also streams on Paramount+. However, the Super Bowl rotates among networks each year, so it is not always on CBS.
What you need to watch live games on Paramount+
You need a Paramount+ subscription and an internet connection fast enough to stream video. Most home broadband connections (25 Mbps or faster) work well for streaming sports. If you are on mobile data, a strong 4G or 5G signal helps prevent buffering.
The Paramount+ app is free to read on iOS, Android, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TVs, and most other streaming devices. You log in with your Paramount+ account credentials once installed. Some cable or internet providers bundle Paramount+ with their service, so check your account to see if you already have access.
For the best experience during live games, close other apps using your internet connection and avoid downloading large files while the game is on. If you experience buffering, try lowering the video quality in the app's settings or moving closer to your Wi-Fi router.
Regional blackout rules for NFL games on Paramount+
Some NFL games are subject to local blackout rules, which means they may not stream on Paramount+ in certain areas. Blackouts typically explore when a game is not sold out locally or when a team's local broadcaster has exclusive rights. If a game is blacked out in your region, the Paramount+ app will show it as unavailable, and you may need to watch on local TV instead.
Blackout rules vary by team and game, and the NFL updates them each season. You can check the NFL's official blackout map or contact Paramount+ support if you are unsure whether a specific game is available in your area.
If you are traveling or relocating, your region may change, which can affect which games are available to you. The Paramount+ app determines your location based on your IP address, so using a VPN may change which games appear, though doing so may violate Paramount+'s terms of service.
Other ways to watch NFL games if they are not on Paramount+
Games on Fox require Fox's streaming service (Fox Now or through a cable login) or cable TV. NBC games stream on Peacock and NBC.com. ESPN games (Monday Night Football) are on ESPN+ or cable. Amazon Prime Video carries Thursday Night Football exclusively.
If you want to watch all NFL games, you will need multiple services. Many fans use a combination of Paramount+, Peacock, ESPN+, Amazon Prime Video, and cable or an antenna for local broadcasts. Some cable packages and streaming bundles (like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV) include multiple networks in one subscription.
The NFL also offers NFL+ (the league's own streaming service), which provides out-of-market games and replays, though it does not include live local or primetime games in most cases.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch NFL games on Paramount+ without cable?
Yes. Paramount+ is a standalone streaming service that does not require cable. You only need a Paramount+ subscription and an internet connection. However, Paramount+ only carries CBS games, so you would need other services to watch games on Fox, NBC, ESPN, or Amazon.
Do I need the ad-free plan to watch NFL games?
No. Both the ad-supported and ad-free Paramount+ plans include live sports and NFL games. The difference is that the cheaper plan shows ads during breaks, while the premium plan does not. The game itself streams the same way on both.
Why is an NFL game blacked out on Paramount+ in my area?
Blackouts happen when a game is not sold out locally or when a team's local broadcaster has exclusive rights. The NFL enforces these rules to protect local TV revenue. You can check the NFL's blackout map or contact Paramount+ support to confirm whether a specific game is blacked out where you are.
Can I watch NFL games on Paramount+ on my TV?
Yes. read the Paramount+ app on your connected TV device (Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Samsung Smart TV, or others), log in, and stream games the same way you would on a phone or computer. You can also cast from your phone to a Chromecast or AirPlay to an Apple TV if your device supports it.
What if I miss a live game—can I watch it later on Paramount+?
Paramount+ typically offers on-demand replays of games after they air, though availability and timing vary. Check the app's Sports section or search for the team name to find past games. Some games may be available only to cable subscribers or may have regional restrictions on replays.