After a tumultuous preseason, it’s time for the A team to hit the field as the NFL kicks off its 2023-2024 season tonight. And it’s starting things with a bang.
Last year’s champs, the Kansas City Chiefs, will take the field with Patrick Mahomes at the helm, squaring off against the Detroit Lions. Although the bulk of the Week One games will take place Sunday, tonight’s is the true first game of the season.
Whether you’re cheering on one of the teams or just doing some opposition research, it’s a good night to have a drink and settle into the couch or your favorite barstool to catch the action. Here’s a look at who’s playing whom and how best to catch the game.
Which NFL teams are opening the 2023 season? And what channel is airing the game?
Here’s how 2023’s opening night is shaping up. (The home team is listed second.)
Thursday, Sept. 7
Detroit Lions vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
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 tonight’s opening game will be a breeze, since it’s being carried by a broadcast network, 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.
Enjoy it while you can, though. Starting next week, the rights revert to a strictly online provider.
Can I stream NFL games live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
You sure can! Try one of these options.
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to several games, including tonight’s contest and all upcoming Sunday night matchups. You can get a seven-day free trial, followed by a $6 or $12 monthly charge. (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 $13 per month for all three combined (or $19.99 per month for no ads on Hulu). Keep in mind that starting Oct. 1, the prices will increase to $15 and $25.
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $70 per month ($76 with no ads). In October, that jumps to $77 for the ad-supported plan and $90 for commercial free.
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service is no longer offered. It will cost you $70 per month, until October 1, when the price increases to $77.
YouTubeTV
After an up to two-week trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73. YouTube is also now the home of Sunday Ticket. Prices on that service currently range from $300 to $439 for the season, with the current discounts.
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, but the cord-cutting service is offering 50% off of the first month’s bill.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $75 per month and up after the free trial option.
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 $75 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Can I watch the NFL opening night game on Amazon?
NBC is the home of opening night, but starting next week, you’ll need to have Amazon Prime to watch Thursday Night Football. The first matchup on Amazon will be the Philadelphia Eagles facing the Minnesota Vikings
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
You’ve got a trio of options.
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. There’s a seven-day free trial, after which you’re looking at a charge of $6.99 per month (including NFL Network). ($14.99 per month for premium, which includes NFL Network and RedZone.)
NFL Sunday Ticket
As mentioned above, YouTube has taken over broadcast duties for this channel, replacing DirecTV. With the current offered discounts, prices on the service (and the optional NFL Red Zone) currently range from $300 to $439 for the season.
