YouTube TV does not carry every NFL game, but it covers most regular season and playoff broadcasts
YouTube TV includes the major networks that air NFL games: CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN. During the regular season, this means you will see most games that air nationally on those four channels. However, YouTube TV does not carry NFL Network, which broadcasts some games exclusively. If a game airs only on NFL Network, you cannot watch it through YouTube TV alone.
The games you can watch depend on your location. CBS and Fox use regional broadcasts for Sunday afternoon games, so you see the matchups your local market receives. Thursday Night Football airs on Amazon Prime Video, not on YouTube TV, so you will need a separate subscription or Prime membership to watch those games. Sunday Night Football on NBC and Monday Night Football on ESPN are available through YouTube TV in most cases.
Playoff games and the Super Bowl air on the major networks, so YouTube TV carries those broadcasts. However, some playoff games may air on NFL Network or cable channels that YouTube TV does not include, depending on the year and the matchup.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV carries CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN, which broadcast most NFL regular season and playoff games nationally.
- Games that air exclusively on NFL Network are not available through YouTube TV, even during the playoffs.
- Thursday Night Football streams on Amazon Prime Video, not YouTube TV, so you need a separate subscription to watch those games.
- Regional Sunday afternoon games on CBS and Fox depend on your location, and you will see only the broadcasts your market receives.
- The Super Bowl and most playoff games air on the major networks and are included with YouTube TV.
What games YouTube TV includes and what it does not
YouTube TV's NFL coverage breaks down by network and broadcast type. Sunday afternoon games on CBS and Fox are the backbone of the regular season schedule. CBS typically shows AFC matchups in your region, while Fox shows NFC games, though this varies by week. Both networks use a split-screen approach where different parts of the country see different games at the same time, and YouTube TV delivers whichever broadcast your zip code receives.
Sunday Night Football on NBC is available nationwide through YouTube TV. Monday Night Football on ESPN is also included. These two time slots show the same game to the entire country, so everyone with YouTube TV sees the same matchup. Wednesday Night Football does not exist in the current NFL schedule, but if it returns in future seasons, availability would depend on which network carries it.
NFL Network games are the main gap. This network, owned by the NFL itself, holds the rights to some Thursday games, select Monday games, and occasional playoff contests. YouTube TV does not carry NFL Network, so you cannot watch these broadcasts. The number of exclusive NFL Network games varies by season, but typically ranges from a handful to several games per year.
How to find out which games are on YouTube TV this week
The easiest way to check is to open the YouTube TV app or website and search for "NFL" or the specific team name. YouTube TV will show you upcoming games and which channel they air on. If a game appears in the guide with a channel listed, it is available to you. If a game does not appear, it is either on NFL Network, Amazon Prime Video, or a channel YouTube TV does not carry.
You can also check the official NFL schedule on NFL.com, which lists every game and its broadcast channel. Cross-reference that with YouTube TV's channel list: CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and your local channels. If the game is on one of those networks, YouTube TV has it. If it says NFL Network, Prime Video, or a cable channel like NFLN or FS1, you will need another service.
The NFL schedule changes slightly each year, and YouTube TV's channel lineup can shift, so checking week by week is more reliable than assuming next season will match this one.
Regional blackout rules and local broadcasts
YouTube TV respects the NFL's local blackout rules, which exist to protect local broadcasters and encourage attendance at games. If you live in the home team's market and the game is not sold out, the local CBS or Fox affiliate may black out the game on national broadcasts. This means the national feed will not show the game, and YouTube TV cannot deliver it either.
Blackouts are rare in modern NFL seasons because most games sell out, but they still happen occasionally. If you encounter a blackout, the game may be available on the local CBS or Fox channel in your area, which YouTube TV does carry. Check your local listings or the NFL app to see if a local broadcast is available.
If you travel outside your home market, YouTube TV will show you the games available in your current location. This means you may see different regional games than you would at home. The service uses your device's location to determine which broadcasts to show.
Thursday Night Football and other games not on YouTube TV
Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football. This means every Thursday game airs only on Prime Video, not on YouTube TV, CBS, Fox, NBC, or ESPN. If you want to watch Thursday games, you need an Amazon Prime membership or a Prime Video standalone subscription. YouTube TV cannot fill this gap, even if you subscribe to their premium tier.
Some playoff games and the occasional regular season game may air on cable channels like FS1 or NFLN, which YouTube TV does not include. The exact number and timing of these games depends on the NFL's annual broadcast schedule. Before the season starts, the NFL releases the full schedule with broadcast assignments, so you can plan ahead if you know you want to watch a specific team.
If you want to watch every game your team plays, you may need multiple services: YouTube TV for most games, Prime Video for Thursday games, and possibly NFL+ or NFL Game Pass if your team has exclusive games on those platforms in certain weeks.
Comparing YouTube TV to other ways to watch NFL games
YouTube TV is one option among several for NFL viewing. Cable and satellite providers like Comcast, DirecTV, and Dish Network carry the same four major networks plus NFL Network, giving them broader coverage. However, cable and satellite typically cost more per month and require a contract or equipment rental.
Streaming services offer different combinations. Hulu + Live TV includes the same networks as YouTube TV plus a few additional channels. Sling TV is cheaper but carries fewer networks and does not include NBC in most markets. FuboTV includes more sports channels but costs more. None of these services include NFL Network except cable and satellite providers.
If you want the most complete NFL coverage, cable or satellite with NFL Network is the only option. If you are willing to use multiple services, YouTube TV plus Prime Video covers most games. If you want a single affordable service, YouTube TV covers the majority of nationally broadcast games but will leave you unable to watch Thursday Night Football and some exclusive games.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch NFL Network games on YouTube TV?
No. YouTube TV does not carry NFL Network, so games that air exclusively on that channel are not available through the service. You would need cable, satellite, or a separate NFL+ subscription to watch those games.
Does YouTube TV show local games in my area?
Yes, YouTube TV carries your local CBS and Fox affiliates, so you see the regional Sunday afternoon games your market receives. However, if a game is blacked out due to local availability rules, YouTube TV cannot override that restriction.
What about playoff games and the Super Bowl?
Most playoff games and the Super Bowl air on CBS, Fox, or NBC, which YouTube TV includes. However, some playoff games may air on NFL Network or cable channels, so check the broadcast schedule before the playoffs begin.
Do I need YouTube TV to watch Thursday Night Football?
No. Thursday Night Football is exclusive to Amazon Prime Video, so you need a Prime membership or Prime Video subscription. YouTube TV does not carry these games regardless of your subscription level.
Can I watch out-of-market games on YouTube TV?
Only if they air on one of the four major networks during the national broadcast windows. Sunday afternoon regional games show only the matchups available in your location. To watch out-of-market games consistently, you would need NFL+ or NFL Game Pass.