You do not need YouTube TV to watch Chiefs vs. Chargers

The game will air on broadcast television, cable, or streaming services depending on which week of the season it falls on and which network has the rights that day. YouTube TV is one option among several, but it is not required. Most weeks, you can watch for free on CBS or NBC if you have an antenna, or through other paid services like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or your cable provider's app.

The specific channel and how to watch changes based on the NFL schedule. Regular season games between these teams typically air on CBS (for AFC matchups) or NBC (for Sunday Night Football), though occasionally ESPN carries Thursday or Monday night games. Playoff games may air on different networks entirely.

Key Takeaways

  • Chiefs vs. Chargers games air on CBS, NBC, or ESPN depending on the week, not exclusively on YouTube TV.
  • If you have a TV antenna, you can watch CBS and NBC broadcasts for free without any subscription.
  • Cable subscribers can stream games through their provider's app (Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, DirecTV) at no extra cost.
  • Streaming services that carry live NFL games include Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, and Paramount+ (for CBS games only).
  • The network showing the game changes week to week, so check your local TV listings or the NFL schedule before game day.

Free options: antenna and local broadcast

The cheapest way to watch is with a TV antenna if you live within range of a broadcast tower. Most Chiefs vs. Chargers games air on CBS or NBC, both of which are available over the air in most markets. An antenna costs between $20 and $60 as a one-time purchase and requires no monthly fee.

To learn about you can receive these channels in your area, enter your zip code on the FCC's DTV Reception Map or use a tool like TV Fool. If you get a strong signal, you will see CBS and NBC listed. On game day, tune to the channel listed in your local TV guide or on NFL.com.

This option works only if the game is broadcast on CBS or NBC that week. Some games air exclusively on cable (ESPN, NFL Network) or streaming-only services, in which case an antenna will not carry them.

Cable and satellite provider apps

If you already pay for cable or satellite TV, you likely have a way to stream games without a separate subscription. Comcast Xfinity, Charter Spectrum, DirecTV, and most other providers include streaming access to their channels through their official apps or websites.

Log in with your cable account credentials to watch CBS, NBC, or ESPN broadcasts on your phone, tablet, or computer. This works for any game your cable package includes, regardless of which network airs it. Check your provider's app to see what sports channels you have access to.

The downside is that cable subscriptions typically cost $80 to $150 per month and require a contract. If you are already a subscriber, this is the simplest path to watch the game.

Live TV streaming services

Several streaming services carry live NFL games and cost less than cable. The main options are Hulu + Live TV ($76.99 per month), Sling TV ($40 to $55 per month), and YouTube TV ($72.99 per month). Each includes CBS and NBC, so you can watch most regular season Chiefs vs. Chargers matchups.

Hulu + Live TV and YouTube TV include the widest range of sports channels and offer cloud DVR to record games. Sling TV is cheaper but has fewer channels and a shorter DVR window. All three offer a trial period (usually 3 to 7 days) so you can test the service before committing.

These services work on phones, tablets, computers, and streaming devices like Roku, Apple TV, and Fire Stick. You can watch live or use the DVR feature to record and watch later.

Paramount+ for CBS games only

Paramount+ (the streaming home of CBS) carries all CBS broadcasts, including regular season games when CBS has the rights. A Paramount+ subscription costs $5.99 per month with ads or $11.99 per month without ads.

This is the cheapest streaming option if you only want to watch CBS games and do not need other sports channels. However, it does not include NBC, ESPN, or NFL Network, so you would miss games on those networks. Use this only if you know the specific game you want to watch airs on CBS.

NFL+ for out-of-market games

NFL+ is the league's own streaming service and costs $14.99 per month or $99.99 per year. It streams out-of-market regular season games on your phone or tablet (not on TV), plus all preseason and playoff games.

The catch: you cannot use NFL+ to watch your local team's game on TV. If you live in Kansas City or San Diego, the Chiefs or Chargers game will be blacked out on NFL+. The service is useful if you live outside both markets and want to watch the game on a mobile device, but it is not a replacement for cable or a live TV streaming service if you want to watch on your television.

How to find which network shows the game

Before you commit to any service, confirm which network is broadcasting the game. Check the NFL schedule on NFL.com, your local TV listings, or the official websites of CBS, NBC, or ESPN. The network changes week to week based on the NFL's broadcast schedule.

Once you know the network, match it to the service you have or plan to use. If it airs on CBS, you can use an antenna, cable, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, YouTube TV, or Paramount+. If it airs on NBC, you need an antenna, cable, or a live TV streaming service. If it airs on ESPN or NFL Network, you need cable or a live TV streaming service that includes those channels.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch Chiefs vs. Chargers on my phone without paying?

If you have a cable subscription, you can log into your provider's app and watch for free. Otherwise, you would need to pay for a streaming service. NFL+ streams out-of-market games on phones, but if you live in Kansas City or San Diego, your local game will be blacked out.

What if the game is on ESPN?

ESPN games require either a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service like Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV. An antenna and Paramount+ will not work for ESPN broadcasts.

Do I need YouTube TV if I already have cable?

No. Your cable provider's app will stream the game to your devices at no extra cost. YouTube TV is only necessary if you do not have cable and want a streaming alternative.

Can I watch the game on Paramount+ if it airs on NBC?

No. Paramount+ only carries CBS broadcasts. If the game airs on NBC, you need an antenna, cable, or a live TV streaming service that includes NBC.

How much does it cost to watch if I use an antenna?

An antenna is a one-time cost of $20 to $60 with no monthly fees. After that, you can watch any CBS or NBC broadcast for free. This works only for games on those two networks.