Ouch.
Last week saw plenty of injuries in the NFL, especially quarterbacks. The Chicago Bears saw QB Justin Fields leave the … well, field … and he’s not expected back this week. Raiders QB Jimmy Garoppolo hurt his back and was listed as questionable for this week. The Titans saw Ryan Tannehill go down and the Colts lost Anthony Richardson, likely for the entire season.
That throws a hand grenade into many people’s fantasy leagues, but makes this week’s matchups even more intriguing. How will these (and the many other injuries the league has seen) impact this week’s games?
Last week also saw the end of perfect records in the NFL, making the battle for the top stop all the fiercer. (And yes, Taylor Swift watch will resume as the Chiefs meet the Chargers.)
Here’s a look at how to watch and what to expect from this week’s games. One change from previous weeks: The NFL has concluded its London tour, so West Coasters? You can sleep in a bit longer.
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. 22
Atlanta Falcons vs. Tampa Bay Buccaneers, 1:00 a.m. ET on Fox
Los Angeles Raiders vs. Chicago Bears, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Cleveland Browns vs. Indianapolis Colts, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Washington Commanders vs. New York Giants, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Detroit Lions vs. Baltimore Ravens, 1:00 p.m. ET on Fox
Buffalo Bills vs. New England Patriots, 1:00 p.m. ET on CBS
Arizona Cardinals vs. Seattle Seahawks, 4:05 p.m. ET on Fox
Pittsburgh Steelers vs. Los Angeles Rams, 4:05 p.m. ET on Fox
Los Angeles Chargers vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
Green Bay Packers vs. Denver Broncos, 4:25 p.m. ET on CBS
Miami Dolphins vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
Monday, Oct. 23
San Francisco 49ers vs. Minnesota Vikings, 8:15 p.m. ET on ABC and ESPN
How can I watch NFL games for free—even if I am out of market?
Pretty easily, in fact. Almost every NFL game can be watched without a cable subscription, but you’ll need to be in the right market to catch them. 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?
Yes—and there are plenty of 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 $15 per month for all three combined (or $25 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 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?
You can, but not today. Amazon is the home of Thursday Night Football, but doesn’t carry other games. The next matchup on Amazon will be the Jacksonville Jaguars facing the New Orleans Saints on Oct 19.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
Several. It comes down to which suits you best.
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.