Thursday dealt with the whole Taylor Swift sideshow. Friday was the new reality of streaming service exclusives. Today… today, football—as longtime fans know it—is officially back.
The Sunday (and Monday) tradition of an afternoon comfortably settled into your couch or favorite watering hole with friends and Fantasy Football cohorts returns as the opening weekend of the 2024 NFL season hits its peak. The Chiefs might be hoping for a record third-in-a-row Super Bowl victory, but there are 31 other teams that are looking to knock them off the perch.
There are new rules, new players, and new highlights, but that’s not dimming fans’ excitement one bit. Here’s how best to catch the remainder of the opening weekend games.
Which NFL teams are playing this week? And what channels are airing the games?
There’s a wide spectrum to choose from today. As always, the home team is listed second.
Sunday, Sept. 8
Charlotte Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
New England Patriots vs. Cincinnati Bengals, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Arizona Cardinals vs. Buffalo Bills, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Jacksonville Jaguars vs. Miami Dolphins, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS
Dallas Cowboys vs. Cleveland Browns, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Monday, Sept. 9
New York Jets vs. San Francisco 49ers, 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC and 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. To ensure you’re getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home.
Can I stream 2024 NFL games live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
Yep—and you’ve got several choices.
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to several games, including all upcoming Sunday night matchups. Prices will run you $8 or $14 per month. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $30 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service lasts three days. Afterward, it will cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $80 per month and up after the free trial option. (The package that includes NFL Network will run you $99 per month.)
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $80 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Can I watch NFL games on Amazon?
Yes, but not today. Amazon will be the home of Thursday Night Football once again, with the exception of Thanksgiving (though it will air a game on Black Friday). The first matchup on Amazon this year will be the Buffalo Bills facing the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 12.
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 stream 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 live 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 home for this channel. Prices this year start at $73 per month for Sunday Ticket and YouTubeTV or $119.75 per month ($479 per year) for just Sunday Ticket spanning the entirety of out-of-market games this season.
What’s this new kickoff rule all about?
The NFL is trying a one-year experiment this season, putting all members of the kicking and receiving teams (except the kicker and returners) within a 10-yard zone down the field. Only the kicker and two returners will be allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20.
Kicks that reach the end zone in the air can be returned, or taken as a touchback and possession at the 30. If a ball hits the ground (or a player) before the end zone and goes into the end zone, the touchback will be at the 20. The kick can also still be returned.
Onside kicks, meanwhile, can no longer be surprises, as the trailing team will have to declare plans to attempt one—and only in the fourth quarter.
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