Only six playoff spots remain for the 2024-2025 postseason, and with just four weeks left in the regular season, things are starting to get very, very interesting.
In the NFC alone, half a dozen teams are still in contention. But the real fun armchair quarterbacking comes when you look at who might make the wildcard games.
Minnesota, earlier this season, was unstoppable, but lost its momentum. Now it’s aiming for a wildcard berth. The Washington Commanders, meanwhile, also have had some good runs, but haven’t gelled as well as teams like the Lions or Eagles. The Packers, meanwhile, have the same record as the Vikings—and could bring that longstanding rivalry to a head in one final battle for a playoff spot.
To get there, though, all three teams have to finish strong—and there are plenty of other contenders who would love to shove them aside. Here’s all you need to know about this week’s games.
Which NFL teams are playing this week? And what channels are airing the games?
As always, the home team is listed second.
Sunday, Dec. 15
Washington Commanders vs. New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Kansas City Chiefs vs. Cleveland Browns, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Cincinnati Bengals vs. Tennessee Titans, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Miami Dolphins vs. Houston Texans, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Baltimore Ravens vs. New York Giants, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
New York Jets vs. Jacksonville Jaguars, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Dallas Cowboys vs. Carolina Panthers, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Tampa Bay Buccaneers vs. Los Angeles Chargers, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
Indianapolis Colts vs. Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
New England Patriots vs. Arizona Cardinals, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
Buffalo Bills vs. Detroit Lions, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 4:25 p.m. ET on Fox
Green Bay Packers vs. Seattle Seahawks, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Monday, Dec. 16
Chicago Bears vs. Minnesota Vikings, 8:00 p.m. ET on ABC
Atlanta Falcons vs. Las Vegas Raiders, 8:30 p.m. ET on 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?
You bet. Try one of these.
Paramount+
CBS’s streaming service will give you a one-week free trial, followed by a $8 or $13 monthly charge. (An annual plan is as low as $30 right now.)
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to several games, including all Sunday night matchups. It carries a $8 or $14 monthly charge—and the service has recently done away with its free trial. (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?
Not today. Amazon, however, is the home of Thursday Night Football once again. The next matchup is on Dec. 12, when the Los Angeles Rams face the San Francisco 49ers.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
A trio, 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. 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 $449 for just Sunday Ticket (spanning the entirety of out-of-market games this season).
