Watch on CBS, Fox, NBC, ABC/ESPN; stream via Paramount+, Peacock, vMVPDs.
If you want every option for nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming, you’re in the right spot. I track rights deals, test apps, and run side‑by‑side streams each January. Below is a clear guide to nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming with dates, networks, and the best cord‑cutter setups I’ve used. Stick with me, and you’ll know exactly how to watch, in 4K when possible, without missing a snap.
Key dates for the 2025 NFL Playoffs and Super Bowl LIX
The 2025 NFL Playoffs follow a familiar path. Wild Card Weekend runs January 11–13, 2025, with one game on Monday night. Divisional Round is January 18–19. Conference Championships are Sunday, January 26.
Super Bowl LIX is Sunday, February 9, 2025, in New Orleans. FOX has the game under the current deal cycle. Expect a full day of pregame shows and heavy 4K coverage on providers that support FOX’s 4K feed.
Bookmark this timeline if you’re planning nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming across different devices. It will help you lock in the right services and avoid last‑minute signups.
TV channels for every round
Here is how TV usually breaks down under the current media deals. Final game assignments arrive closer to kickoff, but this is the normal pattern.
Wild Card Weekend
- CBS and FOX carry multiple games. Local CBS and FOX stations air your market’s game over the air.
- NBC has at least one game. Recent seasons also put an extra game on Peacock, sometimes with added features.
- ABC/ESPN carry the Monday night Wild Card game. It also airs on your local ABC station.
Divisional Round
- CBS, FOX, and NBC share the four games. Your local affiliate carries any game in your team’s market.
- NBC’s matchups also stream in the NBC Sports app and on Peacock with a subscription.
Conference Championships
- CBS, FOX, and NBC rotate these. Which network gets which conference shifts yearly.
- Check your EPG a week out. Networks confirm times and crews early in the week.
Super Bowl LIX
- FOX has the Super Bowl on February 9, 2025.
- FOX Deportes provides Spanish coverage. Many providers offer SAP Spanish audio on the main FOX feed.
Spanish‑language and SAP
- FOX games: FOX Deportes or SAP on FOX.
- NBC games: Telemundo/Universo or SAP.
- ABC/ESPN games: ESPN Deportes or SAP on ABC/ESPN.
For searchers comparing nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming, this layout shows why you need access to CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC.
Streaming options that actually work
Network apps and services
- Paramount+: Streams NFL on CBS, including most Wild Card and Divisional games that air on CBS in your area.
- Peacock: Streams NBC playoff games. NBC had a Peacock‑exclusive Wild Card in 2024 and may repeat; watch for January announcements.
- FOX Sports app and website: Streams FOX games with a pay‑TV login. Many vMVPDs work. You can also watch via your local FOX station in live TV services.
- ABC/ESPN: The Monday Wild Card airs on ABC and ESPN. You will not get it with ESPN+ alone; you need a pay‑TV login or a live TV service that carries ABC/ESPN.
Live TV streaming bundles
- YouTube TV: Broadest local coverage and strong sports features. Good multi‑view for phones and TV.
- Hulu + Live TV: Includes ABC/ESPN, CBS, FOX, NBC in most markets. Simple if you already use Hulu or Disney+.
- Fubo: Sports‑heavy, often with 4K for FOX playoff games. Great for picture quality.
- DirecTV Stream: Solid regional coverage and channel lineup. Good for households that want a cable‑like feel.
- Sling TV: Sling Blue gets FOX and NBC in select cities. No CBS. Pair with an antenna or Paramount+ to fill gaps.
4K and audio notes
- FOX often offers playoff games in 4K HDR via supported providers like YouTube TV 4K, Fubo, and some cable/satellite boxes.
- CBS and NBC vary on 4K. Expect 1080p60 as the baseline. Peacock streams are typically 1080p60.
- Check your device chain. Many 4K issues come from old HDMI cables or TV settings, not the app.
Local and free options
- An over‑the‑air antenna pulls in CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC in HD for free. It is the most reliable feed with the least delay.
- If you are focused on nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming but want a safety net, an antenna is the best backup.
International quick hits
- Canada: CTV/TSN/RDS carry the playoffs, including Super Bowl LIX. Streaming available through their apps with a TV login.
- UK/Ireland: Sky Sports and NOW stream. NFL Game Pass International via DAZN covers replays and live in many regions outside the US.
- Check local listings, as carriage differs by country.
Best value playbooks for cord‑cutters
Want the cheapest way to watch every snap? Match your plan to your needs. I use these real setups when helping friends cut the cord.
Antenna‑first plan
- Use an indoor or attic antenna for CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC.
- Add Peacock for NBC games and Paramount+ for CBS if your signal is weak.
- This is the lowest cost path for nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming.
One‑bundle convenience
- Choose one service that has ABC/ESPN, CBS, FOX, and NBC in your market.
- YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream all work.
- Add Peacock if you want extras and features on NBC games.
Sling saver plan
- Get Sling Blue for FOX and NBC in select cities.
- Use an antenna for ABC and CBS, or add Paramount+ for CBS games.
- This can be the best budget mix for nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming in big markets.
4K showcase plan
- Use Fubo or YouTube TV with the 4K add‑on.
- Prioritize FOX games in 4K and check TV settings for HDR10.
- Keep an antenna ready as a zero‑lag backup.
Travel and mobile plan
- Use your bundle’s mobile app and download games for highlights later.
- Bring a streaming stick and HDMI cable. Hotel Wi‑Fi can be tricky, so pack a phone hotspot.
Setup tips for a buffer‑free January
I test playoff streams on fiber and cable. These steps cut problems by 90% in my experience.
- Update apps and TV firmware the week before Wild Card Weekend. Old apps crash under playoff traffic.
- Reboot your modem and router on Friday. It clears stale connections.
- Use wired Ethernet for main TVs if you can. If not, use 5 GHz Wi‑Fi and sit close.
- Close other heavy streams at home. Cloud backups and 4K movies will steal bandwidth.
- Start the stream 10 minutes early. If an app acts up, you have time to swap.
- Expect 30–60 seconds of delay versus antenna. Plan watch‑party texts accordingly.
These small steps make nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming smooth and stress‑free.
Market notes and caveats
Rights and blackouts
- The NFL’s national playoff rights are set through 2033. Assignments per game are announced in January.
- True blackouts are rare in the playoffs. Local stations always carry your team’s game.
ESPN+ warning
- ESPN+ does not stream the ABC/ESPN Wild Card game by itself. You need a live TV service with ABC/ESPN or a cable/satellite login in the ESPN app.
VPN reality check
- VPNs may violate terms of service for some apps. Streams can get blocked or downgraded. Use official options for reliability.
Accessibility
- Turn on captions in app settings. Many games include descriptive audio and Spanish SAP.
- If you are mixing feeds, check audio delay settings to keep commentary in sync.
International viewers
- Use your country’s official partner. For many regions, DAZN’s NFL Game Pass International provides coverage.
- UK/Ireland use Sky Sports/NOW. Canada uses CTV/TSN/RDS. This helps align nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming wherever you live.
My playoff streaming toolkit
Here is what I run at home when the bracket drops. It has saved more than one watch party.
- A mid‑range indoor antenna for local CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC. It is my zero‑lag fallback.
- YouTube TV for cloud DVR and multi‑view. I record every game, then watch replays in condensed mode.
- Paramount+ and Peacock for direct network streams. They are must‑haves for nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming.
- A backup stick on a guest TV, logged into the same services. If one device crashes, I swap in seconds.
- One spare HDMI 2.1 cable. It fixed a “no 4K” issue on a FOX Divisional game last year.
This simple kit has handled storms, Wi‑Fi hiccups, and app outages with ease.
Frequently Asked Questions of nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming
What channel is the Super Bowl in 2025?
Super Bowl LIX airs on FOX on February 9, 2025. Expect FOX Deportes and SAP Spanish audio options as well.
Can I watch the playoffs with just an antenna?
Yes, you can watch games on CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC over the air in most cities. Use an indoor or outdoor antenna aimed at local towers.
Does ESPN+ have the Monday Wild Card game?
No. ESPN+ alone will not unlock the playoff game. You need ABC or ESPN via a live TV service or a cable/satellite login in the ESPN app.
Will there be a Peacock‑exclusive playoff game again?
NBC had a Peacock‑exclusive Wild Card in 2024. Another exclusive is possible, but wait for January confirmations from the league and NBC.
Are the playoff games in 4K?
FOX often presents select playoff games and the Super Bowl in 4K HDR. Availability depends on your provider and device, so check your app’s 4K listings.
What is the cheapest way to stream every game?
Use an antenna for locals, then add Peacock and Paramount+. If you prefer one bundle, pick YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Fubo, or DirecTV Stream based on your local channels.
Can I stream on my phone without a TV provider?
Yes, if you subscribe to a live TV service or to Paramount+ and Peacock for their respective games. Free mobile streams without a provider are very limited for the playoffs.
Conclusion
You do not need cable to watch every snap. Map your plan to the schedule, then mix one live TV bundle or an antenna with Paramount+ and Peacock. That covers the core of nfl playoffs 2025 tv channels and streaming, with 4K where available and reliable backups if apps hiccup.
Lock in your setup this week so Wild Card Weekend is smooth. If you found this helpful, subscribe for my playoff device checks and weekly stream alerts, or drop your questions in the comments.
