YouTube TV carries most NFL games, but not all of them
YouTube TV includes the channels that broadcast regular-season NFL games: CBS, Fox, and NBC. During the 2024 season, this means you can watch most Thursday night games on NBC, most Sunday afternoon games split between CBS and Fox, and most Sunday night games on NBC. However, YouTube TV does not carry ESPN, so you will miss Monday Night Football games. You also will not see games that air exclusively on Amazon Prime Video or the NFL's own streaming service.
The exact number of games available to you depends on which games your local CBS and Fox affiliates broadcast. If you live in a market where the local team is playing, your regional CBS or Fox station will carry that game. If you live elsewhere, you may see a different regional matchup on those same channels. YouTube TV's live TV guide shows you what is coming up in your area.
Key Takeaways
- YouTube TV carries CBS, Fox, and NBC, which broadcast most regular-season NFL games, but not ESPN or Amazon Prime Video games.
- Your local CBS and Fox affiliates determine which specific games appear in your YouTube TV guide based on your zip code.
- You can watch Thursday Night Football on NBC and most Sunday night games, but Monday Night Football requires a separate ESPN subscription.
- YouTube TV's live guide updates weekly and shows exactly which games will air in your market before the weekend.
Which channels carry NFL games on YouTube TV
YouTube TV's base package includes CBS, Fox, and NBC—the three networks that hold the main NFL broadcasting contracts. CBS and Fox split Sunday afternoon games based on regional markets. NBC carries Sunday Night Football and Thursday Night Football. These are the only NFL games included with your YouTube TV subscription at no extra cost.
ESPN, which broadcasts Monday Night Football, is not part of YouTube TV's standard package. If you want to watch Monday games, you would need an ESPN+ subscription or a cable login through another provider. Amazon Prime Video holds the exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football starting in 2023, but YouTube TV's NBC feed still carries most Thursday games, so you have access through that route.
How to find which games are on this week
Open YouTube TV and go to the Live tab. Search for "NFL" or navigate to the Sports section. YouTube TV will show you all upcoming games in your local market, organized by date and time. The guide updates continuously as games are scheduled and broadcast details are finalized.
Your location matters because regional CBS and Fox stations broadcast different games depending on where you live. If you are in New York, you might see the Giants or Jets game on Sunday afternoon. If you are in Los Angeles, you will see the Rams or Chargers instead. YouTube TV's guide automatically shows you what your local affiliates will broadcast, so you do not have to guess.
Games you cannot watch on YouTube TV
Monday Night Football airs on ESPN, which YouTube TV does not carry. If you want to watch these games, you need an ESPN+ subscription, a cable login through another provider, or access through a friend or family member's account.
Some Thursday Night Football games air exclusively on Amazon Prime Video. While NBC carries most Thursday games, a handful each season go to Amazon only. Check YouTube TV's guide for the specific week—if a Thursday game does not appear, it is likely on Amazon Prime Video instead.
Playoff games and the Super Bowl air on CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN depending on the round. Since YouTube TV does not include ESPN, you will miss any playoff games broadcast on that network. The Super Bowl typically airs on CBS or Fox, so you can watch it on YouTube TV in most years.
What to do if your game is not showing
If you cannot find an NFL game in your YouTube TV guide, check whether it is on ESPN or Amazon Prime Video. Search the NFL's official schedule online and match the game to its broadcast network. If the game is on ESPN, you will need to watch it through ESPN+ or another source. If it is on Amazon Prime Video, you can watch it there if you have a Prime membership.
If the game should be on CBS, Fox, or NBC but is not appearing in your guide, refresh the YouTube TV app or check your location settings. YouTube TV uses your zip code to determine which regional games to show. If your location is set incorrectly, you may see the wrong market's games. Go to your account settings and confirm your home location is accurate.
Comparing YouTube TV to other streaming options for NFL
YouTube TV gives you CBS, Fox, and NBC for one monthly fee. If you only care about Sunday afternoon and night games plus Thursday Night Football, YouTube TV covers most of what you need. However, if you want Monday Night Football, you have to pay extra for ESPN+.
Hulu + Live TV includes the same channels as YouTube TV (CBS, Fox, NBC) plus ESPN, so you get Monday Night Football included. Sling TV is cheaper but carries fewer channels and may not include your local CBS or Fox affiliate. The trade-off is cost versus channel selection and local game availability. Check YouTube TV's channel list for your zip code before you sign up to confirm your local CBS and Fox stations are included.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I watch Monday Night Football on YouTube TV?
No. Monday Night Football airs on ESPN, which YouTube TV does not carry. You would need an ESPN+ subscription, a cable login, or access to another streaming service that includes ESPN to watch those games.
Will I see my local team's games on YouTube TV?
Usually yes, if your local CBS or Fox affiliate has the broadcast rights that week. YouTube TV shows games based on your zip code, so your guide will display your regional CBS and Fox broadcasts. Some games may be blacked out or unavailable depending on league rules and your location.
Do I need to pay extra to watch NFL games on YouTube TV?
No. All NFL games on CBS, Fox, and NBC are included in your YouTube TV subscription. You do not pay per game or need add-ons for these channels. However, games on ESPN or Amazon Prime Video require separate subscriptions.
How far in advance does YouTube TV show the NFL schedule?
YouTube TV updates its guide as games are officially scheduled and broadcast assignments are announced. The full NFL schedule is usually available weeks in advance, so you can plan ahead. Check the Live tab regularly to see upcoming games in your market.
What if my local CBS or Fox station is not on YouTube TV?
YouTube TV's channel availability varies by location. Before you sign up, check whether your local CBS and Fox affiliates are included in your zip code. If they are not available in your area, you may not be able to watch regional Sunday games. Contact YouTube TV support or check their coverage map for your location.