YouTube TV carries most NFL games, but not all of them
YouTube TV includes the major broadcast networks that show NFL games — CBS, Fox, and NBC — in most markets. These three networks broadcast regular-season games on Sundays and some Thursday and Monday night games. However, YouTube TV does not carry ESPN, which means you cannot watch Monday Night Football through the service. You also cannot watch Thursday Night Football games that air exclusively on Amazon Prime Video, or Sunday games on the NFL's own channel.
The specific games you can watch depend on your location. YouTube TV's channel lineup varies by market, and not every area receives all three networks. Before you sign up, you can enter your zip code on YouTube TV's website to see which channels are available where you live.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV carries CBS, Fox, and NBC, which broadcast most regular-season NFL games on Sundays.
- YouTube TV does not include ESPN, so Monday Night Football is not available through the service.
- Thursday Night Football on Amazon Prime Video and NFL+ exclusive games require separate subscriptions.
- Your local channel availability depends on your zip code, and you should verify coverage before subscribing.
- YouTube TV's base plan costs the same regardless of NFL access, with no separate sports tier.
Which networks carry NFL games on YouTube TV
CBS and Fox split most Sunday afternoon games throughout the regular season. CBS typically shows games in the early slot (around 1 p.m. Eastern), while Fox usually carries the late afternoon game (around 4 p.m. Eastern). Both networks also broadcast some playoff games and the Super Bowl in even-numbered years.
NBC carries Sunday Night Football, which airs at 8:20 p.m. Eastern most weeks during the regular season. NBC also broadcasts playoff games and the Super Bowl in odd-numbered years. If your market receives all three networks through YouTube TV, you will have access to the majority of nationally televised NFL games.
Games you cannot watch on YouTube TV
Monday Night Football airs exclusively on ESPN, which YouTube TV does not carry. If you want to watch these games, you would need a separate ESPN+ subscription or a cable login through the ESPN app.
Thursday Night Football games that air on Amazon Prime Video are not available through YouTube TV. Some Thursday games air on NFL Network, which is also not included in YouTube TV's lineup. The NFL's own streaming service, NFL+, carries some games that do not air on broadcast television, and these are not part of YouTube TV either.
How to check NFL coverage in your area
YouTube TV's channel availability changes by location because broadcast networks have regional agreements. To see which networks are available at your address, visit YouTube TV's website and enter your zip code in the channel availability checker. This tool shows you exactly which CBS, Fox, and NBC feeds you would receive.
Some markets receive all three networks, while others may have gaps. If your area does not receive one of these networks through YouTube TV, you would miss games that air on that network. Checking before you subscribe prevents surprises later.
Cost and what is included
YouTube TV's base plan includes all available local channels in your market, along with national cable channels. There is no separate sports tier or NFL package — you pay one monthly price regardless of whether you watch football. The service also includes cloud DVR storage, so you can record games and watch them later.
If you need ESPN for Monday Night Football or other sports, you would have to add ESPN+ as a separate subscription through YouTube TV's add-on menu, which costs extra per month.
Alternatives for complete NFL coverage
If you want to watch every nationally televised NFL game without switching between services, no single streaming option covers everything. You would need YouTube TV (for CBS, Fox, NBC), ESPN+ (for Monday Night Football), and Amazon Prime Video (for Thursday Night Football). Some games on NFL Network and NFL+ would still require additional subscriptions.
Traditional cable or satellite TV includes more of these channels in a single package, though at a higher cost. Some people use a combination of streaming services based on which teams or games matter most to them, rather than trying to catch every broadcast.
Recording NFL games on YouTube TV
YouTube TV includes unlimited cloud DVR storage, which means you can record games and keep them for up to nine months. You can set up recordings for your favorite team or specific games, and the service will automatically record them when they air. This is useful if you cannot watch live or want to skip commercials.
The DVR works across all devices, so you can start watching a recorded game on your TV and finish it on your phone or tablet. You do not have to delete old recordings to make room for new ones, unlike some cable DVR systems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch the Super Bowl on YouTube TV?
Yes. The Super Bowl alternates between CBS and NBC each year. If your market receives the network broadcasting that year's game, you can watch it on YouTube TV. You can also record it with the cloud DVR if you cannot watch live.
Does YouTube TV have NFL RedZone?
No. NFL RedZone is not part of YouTube TV's standard lineup. You would need to add it through YouTube TV's add-ons menu for an extra monthly cost, or access it through a cable subscription or NFL+.
What if my area does not get all three networks?
You would miss games that air on the networks not available in your market. You could check if those games are also broadcast on another network, or explore other streaming services that might carry them in your area.
Can I watch NFL games on YouTube TV outside my home?
Yes. YouTube TV allows you to watch on the go through the YouTube TV app on your phone or tablet. You can also watch on a web browser, though some features may be limited depending on your location and the content.
Is there a free trial for YouTube TV?
YouTube TV occasionally offers free trial periods, though the length and availability vary. Check the YouTube TV website to see if a trial is currently available in your area before signing up.