How to Watch Chargers vs. Chiefs Games Without YouTube TV

You do not need YouTube TV to watch Chargers vs. Chiefs games, but your options depend on which network is broadcasting that particular game.

The Chargers and Chiefs play each other multiple times each season as division rivals in the NFL. Some of those games air on CBS, some on NBC, and some on ESPN or NFL Network. YouTube TV carries all of these channels, which is why it works as one option — but it is not the only one, and it is not free.

If you already have cable or a streaming service that includes these channels, you can watch through that. If you do not have any of them, you have several paths: buy a single game through a streaming service, use a free trial, or watch through an antenna if your local CBS or NBC affiliate broadcasts the game in your area.

Key Takeaways

Chargers-Chiefs games broadcast on CBS, NBC, ESPN, or NFL Network depending on the week, so check the NFL schedule to see which channel carries the game you want to watch.
If you have cable, a streaming bundle, or a service like Hulu Live, Sling TV, or FuboTV, you already have access to these channels without needing YouTube TV.
YouTube TV costs around $73 per month and includes all major NFL broadcast channels, but you can watch single games through other services for less.
Free antennas pick up CBS and NBC in most areas, so you may be able to watch local broadcasts without paying anything.
NFL+ (the league's own streaming service) shows some games for a monthly fee, though not all Chargers-Chiefs matchups are included.

Which channel broadcasts Chargers vs. Chiefs this week

The network that carries a Chargers-Chiefs game changes week to week based on the NFL's broadcast schedule. Regular season games typically air on CBS (for AFC games in the early Sunday slot), NBC (for Sunday Night Football), ESPN (for Monday Night Football), or NFL Network (for select Thursday or Monday games).

To find out which channel is broadcasting the specific game you want to watch, visit NFL.com and search for the Chargers schedule, or check your local TV listings. Once you know the channel, you can decide whether you already have access to it through your current service.

Cable and traditional streaming services that carry these channels

If you pay for cable, you already have CBS, NBC, and ESPN included. You can watch Chargers-Chiefs games on any of these channels through your cable provider's app or website — no additional subscription needed.

Several streaming bundles also include these channels without YouTube TV. Hulu Live, Sling TV, FuboTV, and DirecTV Stream all carry CBS, NBC, and ESPN. Hulu Live costs around $77 per month, Sling TV starts around $40 per month, FuboTV around $80 per month, and DirecTV Stream around $80 per month. If you already subscribe to one of these for other reasons, you can watch Chargers-Chiefs games through it.

Watching single games without a full subscription

If you do not want to pay for a monthly service, you can buy or stream individual games through NFL+, the NFL's own streaming service. NFL+ costs about $7 per month or $80 per year, but it does not include all games — it focuses on out-of-market games and some primetime matchups. Local Chargers-Chiefs broadcasts (games that air on CBS or NBC in your region) are usually blacked out on NFL+.

Some games also stream through the network's own app: CBS games through Paramount+, NBC games through Peacock, and ESPN games through ESPN+. Paramount+ costs around $6 to $12 per month depending on the plan, Peacock around $6 to $12 per month, and ESPN+ around $11 per month. If the Chargers-Chiefs game you want is available on one of these, you can watch it without committing to a full cable or YouTube TV subscription.

Using a free antenna for local broadcasts

If a Chargers-Chiefs game airs on CBS or NBC, and you live in the Chargers' or Chiefs' local market (or another area where the game is broadcast), you can pick up the signal with a free over-the-air antenna. Most modern antennas cost $20 to $50 as a one-time purchase and require no monthly fee.

To check whether you can receive CBS or NBC in your area, visit TVFool.com or AntennaWeb.org, enter your address, and see which channels broadcast from towers near you. If both channels are available, you can watch whichever network carries the game. This option works only for games that air on CBS or NBC — ESPN and NFL Network games require a paid subscription.

YouTube TV as an option if you want all channels in one place

YouTube TV includes CBS, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, so it covers every Chargers-Chiefs game no matter which network broadcasts it. The service costs around $73 per month and includes a cloud DVR so you can record games and watch them later. It also works on phones, tablets, computers, and TV devices.

YouTube TV makes sense if you watch multiple sports or channels throughout the month and want everything in one app. If you only care about Chargers-Chiefs games, it is usually more expensive than buying individual games or using a free antenna for local broadcasts. YouTube TV offers a free trial period — check the current offer on YouTube TV's website to see if you can test it before committing.

What to do if you are traveling or outside your local area

If you are outside the Chargers' or Chiefs' home market, local CBS and NBC broadcasts are usually blacked out on streaming services. NFL+ is designed for this situation — it streams out-of-market games so you can watch your team from anywhere. At around $7 per month or $80 per year, it is cheaper than YouTube TV if you only want to follow one team.

If you have a cable login or a subscription to Paramount+, Peacock, or ESPN+, you may also be able to stream the game through that service's app, depending on the network and your location. Check the app before the game starts to confirm the broadcast is available in your area.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Yes. If you have cable, you can use the network's app (CBS, NBC, or ESPN). If you have NFL+, Paramount+, Peacock, or ESPN+, you can stream through those apps. If the game airs on a local channel in your area, you can also use an antenna connected to a tuner device or watch through a free streaming service like Pluto TV if it carries the broadcast.

Do I need to pay for YouTube TV if I already have cable?

No. Cable includes CBS, NBC, ESPN, and other channels, so you can watch through your cable provider's app or website. YouTube TV is only necessary if you do not have cable or another streaming service that carries these channels.

Is NFL+ the same as YouTube TV?

No. NFL+ is the NFL's own service and costs much less, but it does not include all games. Local broadcasts (CBS and NBC games in your area) are usually blacked out. YouTube TV includes all channels and costs more but covers every game regardless of network.

What if the game is on ESPN — can I watch it free?

Not usually. ESPN games require either a cable login, an ESPN+ subscription (around $11 per month), or a service like YouTube TV, Hulu Live, or Sling TV that includes ESPN. Free antennas do not pick up ESPN.

Can I use a free trial to watch one game?

Yes. YouTube TV, Hulu Live, Sling TV, FuboTV, Paramount+, Peacock, and ESPN+ all offer free trials. Check each service's website for the current trial length and terms. You can sign up before a game and cancel after, though you may need to provide a payment method.

This guide is for general information only and is not medical, financial, legal, or other professional advice. For decisions specific to your situation, consult a qualified professional. See our Editorial Policy.