Arts & Entertainment·NFLHow to watch the opening game of the 2025-2026 NFL season online for free—and without cableBy Chris MorrisBy Chris MorrisFormer Contributing WriterChris MorrisFormer Contributing WriterChris Morris is a former contributing writer at Fortune, covering everything from general news to the game and theme park industries.SEE FULL BIO Bryce Huff #0 of the Philadelphia Eagles rushes the passer against Terence Steele #78 of the Dallas Cowboys at Lincoln Financial Field on December 29, 2024 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.Mitchell Leff—Getty ImagesPre-season in the NFL is always kind of a weird thing.
Teams are shaking off the summer rust—and starters tend to ride the bench, to keep them healthy for the season ahead.
Games, meanwhile, don’t have any real consequence, so it’s harder for fans to get invested in them. But now, the scores start to count.
The 2025-2026 NFL season gets underway tonight in Philadelphia, where the defending Super Bowl champs will begin their quest to go back-to-back. last year, this season will have a rolling start.
There’s a single game tonight, with another (ing exclusive) on Friday. Then, come Sunday, most of the rest of the league will take the field. Here’s all you need to know tonight’s season opener.
Which NFL teams are playing Thursday? And what channels are airing the games? There’s no FOMO tonight, as the NFL is hosting just one game. As always, the team is listed second. Thursday, Sept.
4 Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC How can I watch the NFL season opener for free—even if I am out of market?
The best way to watch any of network gramming for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna.
To ensure you’re getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your . Can I 2025-2026 NFL games online if I don’t have a cable subscription? Of course!
Peacock NBC’s ing service will give you access to several games, including tonight’s, all upcoming Sunday night matchups and on Thanksgiving.
The seven-day free trial is no longer offered, unfortunately, so expect to pay an $8 or $14 monthly charge.
(An annual plan starts at $80.) Hulu with TV This service is going away soon, but for now, you can for $83 per month (with ads) or $95 per month without ads.
YouTubeTV After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $83. Sling TV Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $46 per month.
Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $61 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, but you can buy a Day Pass, giving you 24-hours of TV for $5.
DirecTV Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed ing service will run you $85 per month and up after the free trial option.
(The package that includes NFL Network will run you $90 per month.) Fubo TV Another option whose lifespan is limited, this sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most .
There’s a seven-day free trial, ed by monthly charges of $85 and up, depending on the channels you choose. Can I watch the NFL’s opening game on Amazon? No.
While Amazon Prime will normally carry Thursday Night Football, it does not have the broadcast rights to tonight’s game.
The first matchup on Amazon this year will be the Washington Commanders facing the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 11. Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want? It does.
You have three to choose from. NFL App The NFL App will let you games that are being broadcast locally in your market on Sundays. If you want to watch an “out of market” game, you’ve got two choices.
NFL+ Watch local and out of market games and (with the premium subscription) replays. You’re looking at a $50 charge per season.
($100 for premium.) NFL Sunday Ticket YouTube once again is the for this channel.
Prices this year start at $83 per month for Sunday Ticket and YouTubeTV or $480 for just Sunday Ticket, if you’re a returning user (spanning the entirety of out-of-market games this season).
New users can get a standalone Sunday Ticket subscription for $276. Are there any new rules for the 2025-2026 season?
After changing how kickoffs occurred last year, the NFL is making a few more tweaks in 2025-2026. After a touchback, the ball will now be placed on the 35-yard line, instead of the 25-yard line.
Onside kick rules are being adjusted as well. Teams will still have to declare their intention, but they can now make them at any point in the game, instead of the fourth quarter.
Overtime will be a bit different. Both teams will get a chance to possess the ball, even if the first team scores.
(This, previously, was only the case in the postseason.) Overtime periods, also, will be limited to 10 minutes. Fortune Global Forum returns Oct. 26–27, 2025 in Riyadh.
CEOs and global leaders will gather for a dynamic, invitation-only event shaping the future of . Apply for an invitation.