How to watch the NFL’s Week One live online for free—and without cable
The Buffalo Bills and Los Angeles Rams kicked things off on Thursday. Now it’s time for the rest of the league to get the 2022 season under way.
Last season, the Rams won it all, beating the Cincinnati Bengals in a narrow 23-20 win. This year, the oddsmakers are putting their money on the Buffalo Bills or the Tampa Bay Buccaneers as the favorites. The Bills have made it to the playoffs three years in a row, and the Tom Brady–led Bucs are hoping to grab their second Lombardi Trophy in three seasons.
Before we get there, however, there are 18 weeks of the regular season and the playoffs to watch first. Here’s a look at who’s playing whom and how best to catch the game.
Which NFL teams are playing this week? And what channels are airing the games?
The regular season kicks off with some big rivalries, including the Saints and the Falcons and the Packers and Vikings. Here’s who’s playing where and when. (The home team is listed second.)
Sunday, Sept. 11
Philadelphia Eagles vs Detroit Lions, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
San Francisco 49ers vs. Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
New England Patriots vs. Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Cleveland Browns vs. Charlotte Panthers, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Baltimore Colts vs. Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
New Orleans Saints vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Jets, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Washington Commanders, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Green Bay Packers vs. Minnesota Vikings, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
New York Giants vs. Tennessee Titans, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Dallas Cowboys, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Monday, Sept. 12
Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks, 8:15 p.m. ET on ESPN
How can I watch NFL games for free—even if I am out of market?
The best way to watch any sort of network programming for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. And watching preseason NFL games is simple, since many air on broadcast networks, meaning you’ll be able to watch even if you don’t have a cable subscription. To ensure you're getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home.
Can I stream NFL games live online if I don't have a cable subscription?
There are several ways, in fact.
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to several games. You can get a seven-day free trial, followed by a $5 or $10 monthly charge. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)