What NFL Games Paramount Plus Shows
Paramount Plus carries Thursday Night Football, a package of 15 regular-season games each year. These games air live during the NFL season, typically from September through December. The service also shows playoff games and the Super Bowl when CBS has broadcast rights — which happens every other year or so, depending on the NFL's rotation schedule.
You do not get every NFL game on Paramount Plus. The service does not carry Monday Night Football (ESPN), Sunday Night Football (NBC), or most Sunday afternoon games (Fox and CBS split those). If you want to watch a specific team that plays on those networks, you will need those channels or their streaming services instead.
Thursday Night Football is the main draw. Games start at 8:20 p.m. Eastern time on most Thursdays during the season. Paramount Plus streams the game live, and you can also watch it on CBS if you have cable or a CBS live TV subscription.
Key Takeaways
- Paramount Plus shows Thursday Night Football — 15 games per regular season — plus playoff games and the Super Bowl when CBS holds the broadcast rights.
- Thursday Night Football games air live at 8:20 p.m. Eastern on most Thursdays from September through December.
- You cannot watch Monday Night Football, Sunday Night Football, or most Sunday afternoon games on Paramount Plus; those air on ESPN, NBC, Fox, and CBS instead.
- A Paramount Plus subscription (with ads or ad-free) is required to stream Thursday Night Football; cable subscribers can also watch on CBS.
How to Find Thursday Night Football on the App
Open the Paramount Plus app or website and look for the Sports section. Thursday Night Football games appear there during the season. You can also search for "Thursday Night Football" directly in the search bar to find upcoming games and past broadcasts.
On game day, the current game usually appears on the home screen or in a featured section at the top. Paramount Plus sends push notifications to your phone if you have them turned on, so you can get a reminder before kickoff. If you miss the live broadcast, most games are available to watch on demand afterward.
When Thursday Night Football Games Air
Thursday Night Football runs during the NFL regular season, which typically starts in early September and runs through early January. Not every Thursday has a game — the schedule varies year to year, with some weeks having no Thursday game and others having one.
Games start at 8:20 p.m. Eastern time. That means 7:20 p.m. Central, 6:20 p.m. Mountain, and 5:20 p.m. Pacific. The broadcast usually runs about three and a half hours, so plan for the game to end around 11:50 p.m. Eastern.
Playoff Games and the Super Bowl
When CBS holds the rights to broadcast playoff games, those games stream on Paramount Plus as well. The NFL rotates broadcast rights among networks, so CBS does not carry the playoffs every year. In years when CBS has the rights, you can watch those games on Paramount Plus with the same subscription you use for Thursday Night Football.
The Super Bowl appears on Paramount Plus only in years when CBS broadcasts it. The Super Bowl rotates among the major networks, so it is not always on CBS. Check the NFL schedule closer to the playoffs to see whether CBS has the rights that year.
What Subscription Level You Need
Both the ad-supported and ad-free versions of Paramount Plus include Thursday Night Football. You do not need to pay extra or upgrade to a higher tier. If you already have Paramount Plus for other content, you can watch the games with your current subscription.
If you do not have Paramount Plus yet, you will need to sign up. The service offers a free trial period in some cases, though the length varies. Check the Paramount Plus website to see what trial options are currently available in your area.
Other Sports on Paramount Plus
Beyond NFL games, Paramount Plus carries college football, college basketball, and some professional soccer matches. The service also shows golf tournaments and other sports events, though NFL football is the main sports draw for most subscribers.
If you are looking for year-round sports content, Paramount Plus alone will not cover everything. You will likely need ESPN, Fox Sports, or other services depending on which teams and leagues you follow.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Thursday Night Football without a Paramount Plus subscription?
Yes, if you have cable or a cable login. CBS broadcasts Thursday Night Football on television, and you can stream it through the CBS app or website if you log in with your cable provider credentials. Paramount Plus is an alternative way to watch if you do not have cable.
What if I miss a Thursday Night Football game?
Most games are available on demand through Paramount Plus shortly after the live broadcast ends. You can watch the full game or highlights depending on what the service offers. Check the Thursday Night Football section of the app to find past games.
Does Paramount Plus show NFL games on other nights?
No. Paramount Plus only carries Thursday Night Football during the regular season, plus playoff games and the Super Bowl when CBS has broadcast rights. Sunday, Monday, and other weeknight games air on different networks and their streaming services.
Can I watch Thursday Night Football on my TV?
Yes. Paramount Plus works on most smart TVs, streaming devices like Roku and Apple TV, gaming consoles, and through a web browser on your computer. read the Paramount Plus app to your device or use the web version to stream games to your television.
Is there a blackout for Thursday Night Football on Paramount Plus?
Blackout rules vary by game and location. Some games may not be available in certain regions due to local broadcast agreements. If you cannot find a game in your area, check whether a local CBS station is broadcasting it instead, or contact Paramount Plus support for details about your specific location.