Watch NFL Network FREE: No Cable Needed
How to Watch NFL Network for Free (Without Cable) in 2026-27: A Complete Beginner’s Guide
Why NFL Network Matters This Season
The 2026-27 NFL season is packed with games spread across many different channels and streaming services. It can feel overwhelming! Here’s the quick breakdown of where games live:
- Sunday afternoons: CBS & FOX
- Sunday Night Football: NBC & Peacock
- Monday Night Football: ESPN & ABC
- Thursday Night Football: Mostly Prime Video
- Other games: Netflix, NFL Network, NFL+, Paramount+, FOX One, NFL Sunday Ticket, NFL RedZone
IMPORTANT POINT: NFL Network is your go-to for international games! During Weeks 4–7 and Week 9, NFL Network will air exclusive 9:30 AM ET kickoffs from overseas. If you want to catch those early games, you need NFL Network.
Where Can You Stream NFL Network? (The Full List)
You have lots of options—some require a cable login, others are standalone streaming services. Here’s every way to get NFL Network in 2026-27:
1. Traditional Cable Providers (Need a cable subscription)
- Dish
- Fios
- Optimum
- Xfinity
- And more → Full list on NFL.com
If you already have cable: Just log into the NFL App with your cable credentials to watch live.
2. Live TV Streaming Services (No cable box needed!)
These work like cable but stream over the internet. All offer free trials!
| Service | Monthly Price | Free Trial? | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $67.99 | Yes | Includes NFL Network in base plan |
| YouTube TV Sports Plan | $54.99 | Yes | Cheaper sports-focused option |
| Hulu + Live TV | $89.99 | 3-day trial | Includes Disney+ & ESPN+ |
| Fubo TV – Sports Plan | $54.99 (first mo) → $64.99 | Yes | Sports-heavy lineup |
| Fubo TV – Pro | $63.99 (first mo) → $88.99 | Yes | More channels |
| Fubo TV – Elite | $68.99 (first mo) → $98.99 | Yes | Maximum channels |
| DIRECTV – MySports Genre Pack | $49.99 (first mo) → $64.99 | 5-day trial | Includes ESPN Unlimited + NFL RedZone |
| DIRECTV – Premier Streaming | Varies | Trial available | Top-tier package |
| Sling TV – Select | $19.99 | No trial | Cheapest option! |
| Sling TV – Orange/Blue | Varies | 1/3/7-day passes | Flexible prepay options |
3. NFL’s Own Services
| Service | Price | What You Get |
|---|---|---|
| NFL+ | $6.99/mo or $39.99/yr | NFL Network + live local/primetime games on mobile |
| NFL+ Premium | $14.99/mo or $79.99/yr | Everything above + All-22 film, condensed games, RedZone |
4. ESPN Unlimited (New for 2026!)
Big News: NFL Network is now inside the ESPN App for ESPN Unlimited subscribers!
How to get ESPN Unlimited:
You need an active subscription to one of these providers:
- DIRECTV
- FuboTV
- Hulu + Live TV
- YouTube TV
- Comcast Xfinity
- Spectrum TV
- Verizon FiOS
- U-Verse
- Cox
Pro Bundle Deal:
ESPN Unlimited + NFL+ Premium = $39.99/mo
(Or $45.99/mo with Disney+ & Hulu included)
→ Includes NFL RedZone too!
How to Choose the Best Option for YOU
Follow these steps to pick the right service:
- Do you already have cable? → Use the NFL App with your login (free!)
- Want the absolute cheapest way? → Sling Select at $19.99/month
- Want a free trial to test first? → Try YouTube TV, Fubo, DIRECTV, or Hulu + Live TV
- Want NFL RedZone + NFL Network + ESPN all in one? → DIRECTV MySports Pack or ESPN Unlimited + NFL+ Premium bundle
- Only care about NFL content (no other channels)? → NFL+ or NFL+ Premium
- Already subscribe to YouTube TV, Hulu, Fubo, or DIRECTV? → You likely already have NFL Network—check your channel guide!
Quick Price Comparison Cheat Sheet
| Option | Best For | Monthly Cost (After Trial) |
|---|---|---|
| Sling Select | Budget watchers | $19.99 |
| NFL+ | Mobile-only fans | $6.99 |
| YouTube TV Sports Plan | Sports fans, no fluff | $54.99 |
| Fubo Sports Plan | Maximum sports channels | $64.99 |
| DIRECTV MySports | ESPN + NFL Net + RedZone | $64.99 |
| ESPN Unlimited + NFL+ Premium Bundle | All-in-one NFL + Disney | $39.99 |
| Hulu + Live TV | Disney+ & ESPN+ lovers | $89.99 |
Summary: Your 3-Second Decision Guide
TL;DR – How to Watch NFL Network Free (or Cheap) in 2026-27:
- Have cable? → Log into NFL App
- No cable, want cheapest? → Sling Select ($19.99/mo)
- Want a free trial first? → YouTube TV, Fubo, or DIRECTV (5-day trial)
- Want NFL RedZone too? → DIRECTV MySports Pack or ESPN Unlimited + NFL+ Bundle
- Only watch on phone/tablet? → NFL+ ($6.99/mo)
- International games Weeks 4–7 & 9? → You NEED NFL Network
FAQ: Your Top Questions Answered
1. Can I watch NFL Network for truly free?
Only if you already pay for cable (then use the NFL App). Otherwise, use a free trial from YouTube TV, Fubo, DIRECTV, or Hulu + Live TV—just cancel before the trial ends!
2. What’s the cheapest way to get NFL Network long-term?
Sling Select at $19.99/month is the lowest regular price. NFL+ at $6.99/month is cheaper but only works on mobile/tablet (not TV unless you cast).
3. Does YouTube TV include NFL RedZone?
No—not in the base plan. You’d need the Sports Plan add-on or a different service like DIRECTV MySports or the ESPN Unlimited + NFL+ Premium bundle.
4. Is NFL Network on ESPN+?
No. But it IS on ESPN Unlimited (a different, higher-tier plan that requires a participating TV provider login).
5. Which international games are on NFL Network in 2026-27?
NFL Network has exclusive 9:30 AM ET games in Weeks 4, 5, 6, 7, and 9. Check the official NFL schedule for matchups.
Final Thought
With so many options, there’s a perfect fit for every budget and viewing style. Grab a free trial, test the interface, and see what works best for your football Sundays (and early Saturday mornings)!
Happy streaming—and go enjoy those international games!