After last week’s 70-20 shellacking of the Denver Broncos, you’d think the Miami Dolphins would be what everyone would be focusing on as we go into Week 4 of the 2023-2024 NFL season. But then Taylor Swift entered the conversation.
The pop star’s rumored romance with Kansas City Chiefs tight end Travis Kelce has shined a spotlight on the league that has brought in a new swath of fans (who are willing to pay handsomely to see their idol, even if it means going to a Jets game).
But the real action, as always, will be on the field. While we’re unlike to see record setting scores like last week, we will see some classic rivalries, such as the Dolphins and Bills squaring off in Buffalo. And the games start earlier than usual, as the Falcons and Jaguars play in London this week.
Whether you’re watching for NFL action or to stay up to date on Swift’s every move, there should be something for everyone. Here’s a look at how to watch and what to expect from this week’s games.
Which NFL teams are playing this week? And what channels are airing the games?
Here’s who’s playing where and when this week. (The home team is listed second.)
Sunday, Oct. 1
Atlanta Falcons vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 9:30 a.m. ET on NFL Network and ESPN+
Los Angeles Rams vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Baltimore Ravens vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Minnesota Vikings vs. Carolina Panthers, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Miami Dolphins vs. Buffalo Bills, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Denver Broncos vs. Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Washington Commanders vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Las Vegas Raiders vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. ET on CBS
Arizona Cardinals vs. San Francisco 49ers, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
New England Patriots vs. Dallas Cowboys, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
Kansas City Chiefs vs. New York Jets, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Monday, Oct. 2
Seattle Seahawks vs. New York Giants, 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 good news is: Almost every NFL game can be watched without a cable subscription. The bad news is: You’ll need to be in the right market to catch the games. The best way to do that (and 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 NFL games live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
Certainly! Try one of these.
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 $15 per month for all three combined (or $25 per month for no ads on Hulu). (the prices went up as of Oct. 1)
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 is no longer offered, as well. It will now cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After up to a 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 games on Amazon?
Only on Thursdays. Amazon is the home of Thursday Night Football, but doesn’t carry other games. The next matchup on Amazon will be the Detroit Lions facing the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 28.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
A few, in fact.
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.
