How to watch NFL games in the US and UK

The NFL returns with 32 teams vying for a spot in Super Bowl LIX at the Superdome in New Orleans.

The Kansas City Chiefs, led by Patrick Mahomes and Travis Kelce, are chasing an unprecedented third consecutive Lombardi Trophy after retaining their crown in Las Vegas earlier this year.

After their near-miss, the San Francisco 49ers could be in contention again, while the Detroit Lions, Green Bay Packers and Houston Texans are among a group of teams on the rise.

But a long season played over 18 weeks will see many twists and turns even before the play-offs begin.

Here’s everything you need to know.

When is the NFL season?

Week 1 of the 2024 NFL season begins on Thursday, September 5, kicking off an 18-week regular season that will conclude on January 5, 2025. Each team will play 17 games with one bye week, with 14 teams from each conference participating in the playoffs.

Super Bowl LIX will take place on February 9, 2025.

How can I watch it in the USA?

For U.S. viewers, games will be available to stream via NFL+, Fox Sports, Paramount+, ESPN, NBC Sports on Peacock, Thursday Night Football on Amazon, Telemundo Deportes and more. Traditional broadcasts will continue on CBS, Fox, NBC and ESPN/ABC, while Netflix will exclusively stream two games on Christmas Day as part of a three-year deal.

NFL Week 1 US TV Schedule (Eastern Times)

Thursday September 5th

Friday September 6th

Sunday September 8th

• Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Atlanta Falcons, 1 p.m. | FOX

• Arizona Cardinals at Buffalo Bills, 1 p.m. | CBS

• Tennessee Titans vs. Chicago Bears, 1 p.m. | FOX

• New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals, 1 p.m. | CBS

• Houston Texans vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1 p.m. | CBS

• Jacksonville Jaguars at Miami Dolphins, 1 p.m. | CBS

• Carolina Panthers vs. New Orleans Saints, 1:00 p.m. | FOX

• Minnesota Vikings vs. New York Giants, 1 p.m. | FOX

• Las Vegas Raiders at Los Angeles Chargers, 4:05 p.m. | CBS

• Denver Broncos vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. | CBS

• Dallas Cowboys at Cleveland Browns, 4:25 p.m. | FOX

• Washington Commanders vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 4:25 p.m. | FOX

• Los Angeles Rams vs. Detroit Lions, 8:20 p.m. | NBC

Monday September 9th

How can I watch in the UK?

UK viewers will be able to watch selected matches each week on Sky Sports and the Sky Go streaming service, with two games airing on Sunday nights in addition to the evening’s flagship match each Thursday, Sunday and Monday. The broadcaster will also continue to show Redzone on Sky Sports Mix, covering the action from all other Sunday games.

Every Monday night, football will also be broadcast live on Channel 5, while all other games will be available via DAZN’s NFL Game Pass.

Here are the matches selected by Sky to be broadcast in week 1 (times BST):

• Thursday Night Football: Ravens vs. Chiefs at 1:20 (FRIDAY)

• NFL Sao Paulo match: Packers vs Eagles 1h15 (SATURDAY)

• Steelers vs Falcons: 6 p.m. (SUNDAY)

• Cowboys vs. Browns: 9:25 p.m. (SUNDAY)

• Sunday Night Football: Rams vs. Lions at 1:20 (MONDAY)

• Monday Night Football: Jets vs. 49ers at 1:15 a.m. (TUESDAY)

If you’re travelling abroad and want to watch major sporting events, you may need a VPN to unblock your streaming app. Our VPN roundup is here to help and includes VPN deals on the market. Users who use a VPN should ensure that they comply with local regulations in their country, as well as the terms of their service provider.

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