Where to watch NFL live streams for free every week

 Posted on June 12, 2024  |  6 minutes  |  1220 words  |  Martina Birk

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There is no shortage of ways to watch NFL games, especially if you live in the United States. Getting free access to those games is a different story entirely. Streaming NFL games requires paid access in most cases, whether you're watching live TV streaming services or specialized network apps. You aren't totally out of luck, though—there are still a few options to watch NFL live streams for free weekly.

The options below are officially sanctioned broadcasts across several countries, including the United States, the UK, and Australia. Although you can watch these NFL games live for free, you'll need a VPN if you don't live in those regions. We'll drop our recommendation for our top VPN pick below if you don't already have one.

You'll be limited to whichever games these sources feel like showing each week, so you may miss out on your favorite teams and matchups. If you need a more varied selection, you can check out some other not-so-frugal watch options in our guide to NFL live streams, which has plenty of options for cord-cutters.

If you're just coming in for the playoffs, viewing options on given days are likely different than those in the regular season. That's why we've added this quick tips box below, which has everything you need for upcoming games in the playoffs. First up, the remaining divisional rounds. And thanks to various free trials, you can watch these games for free.

How to watch divisional round NFL playoffs for free

The remainder of this article discusses options for viewing free games during the regular NFL season. While correct for the 2023/2024 season, we'll update before next season to reflect any changes. 

Free NFL live stream quick links:

  • Access FREE live streams internationally via ExpressVPN (try it risk-free for 30 days)
  • Watch Thursday Night Football FREE in the US: Twitch
    • When: Every Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET
  • Watch Monday Night Football FREE in the UK: Channel 5
    • When: Every Monday at 8:20 p.m. ET
  • Watch Sunday afternoon games FREE in Australia: 7Mate
    • When: Every Sunday at 1 p.m. ET and 4:25 p.m. ET

How to watch Monday Night Football for free

Channel 5 in the United Kingdom shows Monday Night Football for free. International viewers not located in the UK can use a VPN to watch the game every Monday night starting at 8:15 p.m. ET. Just use the VPN to connect to a server within the UK, then head to Channel 5's website and find the game on the main feed in the TV guide. You'll need a free account to get through the door, but that's easy enough to create if you use Google to find a local postal code to use.

How to watch Thursday Night Football for free

Twitch streams Thursday Night Football live for free in the United States, a nice byproduct of being an Amazon subsidiary. Navigate to the Prime Video Twitch channel every Thursday at 8:20 p.m. ET, and you'll be able to tune in, no account necessary. If you're not in the United States, Twitch will block you from viewing these feeds, but you may be able to get around that with a VPN, although we've struggled to sneak in from overseas.

The game is also shown on the Prime Video app in the US, and we have been able to access that on international versions of Prime via a VPN.

How to watch NFL games live for free every Sunday

7Mate in Australia shows select NFL games every Sunday. You'll mostly find Sunday afternoon games here, typically one early afternoon game (1 p.m. ET) and one late afternoon game (4:25 p.m. ET) right afterward. There's no telling which games 7Mate will feature too far in advance, so check the guide each week to settle your viewing plans beforehand. You can also expect full NFL playoff coverage at 7Plus once the road to the Super Bowl starts in early January.

Watch NFL live streams free with a VPN

A VPN uses technological trickery to dupe websites into thinking you're visiting from within a supported country, so you can tune into some of the sources above to watch NFL games for free. If you already have one, just point it to the country required to view the stream you're interested in, visit that website, and sign up with a free account if necessary. Signing up may require a local postal code, but that's easily attainable with a quick Google search.

You can snag a risk-free offer on the best VPN we've tested if you need a VPN. ExpressVPN is 49% off the regular price right now, and you get three extra months for free. There's a 30-day money-back guarantee if you're unsatisfied, too. Check out our ExpressVPN review to learn more.

Staff Pick ExpressVPN Plan

With its consistent performance, reliable security, and expansive global streaming features, ExpressVPN is the best VPN out there, excelling in every spec and offering many advanced features that makes it exceptional. Better yet, you can save up to 49% and get an extra three months for free today.

Shop at ExpressVPN External link Arrow An arrow icon, indicating this redirects the user."

Highlights

  • Unlocks global streaming channels
  • Thousands of servers in 94 countries
  • 24/7 live chat customer service
  • Excellent speeds for streaming, downloading, and browsing
  • Hides your location and protects your online devices
  • Independently audited

How to Stream NFL games free with a VPN

  • Sign up for a VPN if you don't have one.
  • Install it on the device you're using to watch the game.
  • Turn it on and set it to your preferred location.
  • Go to Twitch (Thursday - USA), Channel 5 (Monday - UK), or 7Mate (Sunday - Australia).
  • If necessary, sign up with a local postal code.
  • Enjoy your free NFL streams.
Quentyn Kennemer Editorial Fellow Quentyn Kennemer was a former Editorial Fellow for Insider Reviews. A career tech journalist, reporter, and devout tech-head whose entire life story surrounds the matter, he also loves escaping to fascinating new worlds through video games. In addition to Insider, Quentyn has written and edited for top publications like Forbes, Consumer Reports, Digital Trends, and more. Read more Read less

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