You can watch the 2025 NFL Playoffs on CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC/ESPN, and Peacock.
If you want the easiest path, this nfl playoffs 2025 streaming guide lays it all out. I’ve tested the major services, compared costs, and mapped the best setups for every budget and device. Stick with me and you’ll know exactly where to stream every game, how to watch in 4K, and how to avoid blackouts and hidden fees.
What channels carry the 2025 NFL Playoffs
The 2025 postseason runs across a familiar set of partners. The league’s current media deal puts playoff games on a mix of broadcast and streaming platforms. Here is the base map you need:
- CBS carries AFC games, plus some cross-flexed games. Many will stream on Paramount+ in your local market.
- FOX carries NFC games, plus select AFC games via cross-flex. FOX streams through the FOX Sports app with a TV provider login, or via live TV services.
- NBC has a Wild Card or Divisional slot. Games stream on Peacock and through the NBC Sports app with a provider.
- ABC/ESPN has at least one Wild Card game, often on Monday night, and may carry another game. You can stream with a pay-TV login or a live TV service.
- Peacock may host an exclusive playoff game, as it did recently. Treat Peacock as a must-have hedge.
- NFL+ streams live local and prime-time playoff games on phones and tablets only. It is not for TV screens.
- Super Bowl LIX is set for February 9, 2025, in New Orleans. Final network details are announced closer to kickoff.
Note: Exact game assignments come out on Selection Sunday after Week 18. Times and channels shift, so confirm the final grid the week of each game.
This section is the backbone of every nfl playoffs 2025 streaming guide. It shows where each game type lives so you can pick the right app before the rush.

The best US streaming options for every budget
This is the section I wish I had when I cut the cord. I tested these services across a Roku, Apple TV, and a Chromecast with Google TV. I used a mid-tier cable internet plan and a simple indoor antenna as a backup. Here is how each option fits into a smart nfl playoffs 2025 streaming guide.
- YouTube TV
- What you get: CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN in most markets. Unlimited DVR, great multi-view, and reliable 4K add-on for select FOX/NBC games.
- Why it works: One login covers almost every playoff game, including Monday night.
- Cost: Around $73 per month, 4K add-on extra. Free trials appear on and off.
- Hulu + Live TV
- What you get: CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN plus Hulu, Disney+, and ESPN+. Very stable and simple.
- Why it works: One bundle for games and on-demand shows.
- Cost: Around $77 per month. ESPN+ is included but does not unlock playoff games.
- Fubo
- What you get: CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, ESPN in many markets. Sports-first UI, strong picture, and lots of niche sports.
- Why it works: Great for 4K on select FOX games. Useful sports features.
- Cost: From about $80 per month. Check local channel coverage first.
- Sling TV (Blue or Orange + Blue)
- What you get: Sling Blue has FOX and NBC in select cities. Add Orange for ESPN. No CBS.
- Why it works: Best for budget if you can get CBS free with an antenna.
- Cost: About $45 for Blue, around $60 for Orange + Blue. Limited locals.
- Paramount+
- What you get: Your local CBS stream in most areas.
- Why it works: Cheap way to get CBS playoff games if you already have locals elsewhere.
- Cost: From about $6 per month.
- Peacock
- What you get: NBC playoff games and possible exclusives.
- Why it works: Last season’s exclusive Wild Card made Peacock non-negotiable. Expect repeat plays.
- Cost: From about $6 per month.
- ABC/ESPN apps
- What you get: Streams of ABC/ESPN broadcasts with a TV provider login.
- Why it works: Use it if your live TV service is buggy on game day.
- Cost: Requires an active pay-TV or live TV streaming account.
- NFL+ (mobile and tablet only)
- What you get: Live local and prime-time playoff games on phones and tablets.
- Why it works: Emergency backup. Watch on the go when you can’t be near a TV.
- Cost: From about $7 per month; Premium is higher.
Personal tip: For one clean setup, I use YouTube TV for the full slate, Peacock for insurance, and a $25 indoor antenna for FOX/CBS/NBC as a fail-safe. That combo has saved three playoff games for me when apps crashed.

Budget and free ways to watch
You do not need to spend much if you plan well. A smart nfl playoffs 2025 streaming guide always includes a path that costs little or nothing.
- Use an antenna for CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC
- Many playoff games air free over-the-air. Check reception with a coverage map before you buy.
- ATSC 3.0 can offer stronger signals in some cities, but any good indoor antenna often works.
- Stack short-term subscriptions
- Pay for one month of YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV during the playoffs.
- Add Peacock for any NBC or exclusive game.
- Add Paramount+ only if CBS is not available over-the-air where you are.
- Hunt for free trials and promos
- Major services run trials and bundle deals around playoff time. Set alerts the week before Wild Card weekend.
- Split with family
- Household profiles can share one plan within the same home network. Read the service policy to avoid log-in issues.
- Use NFL+ on the go
- If you are traveling, watch local or prime-time games on your phone. It is a cheap safety net.

4K, devices, and internet speed
Yes, you can watch parts of the NFL Playoffs in 4K, but it is not every game. FOX often offers select games in 4K (upscaled). NBC and CBS vary. Your live TV service must also support 4K, and you may need an add-on.
- Devices that work well
- Apple TV 4K and Chromecast with Google TV: Best 4K performance in my tests.
- Roku Streaming Stick 4K and newer smart TVs: Solid and simple.
- Game consoles: Fine, but apps can lag during peak traffic.
- Internet speed targets
- HD: 10 Mbps per stream.
- 4K: 25 Mbps per stream.
- Wi‑Fi tip: Use 5 GHz or Ethernet for your main TV. Reboot your router the morning of big games.
- Picture settings
- Turn off aggressive motion smoothing. Use a Sports or Game preset. It reduces blur and input lag.
- App prep checklist
- Log in to every app a day early.
- Run one test stream on the same device and network.
- Keep a backup path ready: antenna or a second app.
This practical slice of the nfl playoffs 2025 streaming guide saves you from the dreaded spin wheel during a two-minute drill.

How to watch outside the US
If you are traveling or live abroad, the path is different. The most reliable nfl playoffs 2025 streaming guide for international viewers looks like this:
- NFL Game Pass International on DAZN
- In many countries, DAZN’s NFL Game Pass streams every playoff game live and on demand.
- Availability and blackout rules vary by country. Check your local plan.
- Canada
- DAZN holds streaming rights for the NFL, with playoff coverage. CTV/TSN carry games on TV.
- Confirm which games are included the week of each round.
- UK, Ireland, most of Europe, and parts of LATAM/Asia
- NFL Game Pass International is the main route on DAZN in many regions.
- Some games also air on local free-to-air or pay channels.
- Travel note
- If you pay for a US service, it may not stream abroad due to licensing. Plan an international option before you fly.

Key dates and how the bracket works
Mark your calendar. Dates are based on the league’s standard cadence and can shift slightly. Always confirm final times and channels the week of each game.
- Wild Card Weekend
- Target window: January 10–13, 2025.
- Usually two games Saturday, three on Sunday, and one Monday night on ABC/ESPN.
- Divisional Round
- Target window: January 17–19, 2025.
- Two games each day on Saturday and Sunday.
- Conference Championships
- Target window: Sunday, January 26, 2025.
- One game per conference, afternoon and evening slots.
- Super Bowl LIX
- Date: Sunday, February 9, 2025, New Orleans.
- 6:30 p.m. ET kickoff window is typical.
How the bracket flows:
- Seven teams per conference. The 1-seed gets a bye.
- Wild Card: 2 vs 7, 3 vs 6, 4 vs 5.
- Highest remaining seed always hosts, week by week.
A clear calendar is the backbone of any nfl playoffs 2025 streaming guide. Set reminders now to avoid scrambling on game day.

Step-by-step plans for common setups
If you want a no-drama playoff month, pick one of these playbooks. I have run each of them for friends and family during past postseasons.
- The one-app plan
- Get YouTube TV.
- Add Peacock for safety.
- Keep an antenna plugged in. You are done.
- The budget slicer
- Use an antenna for CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC.
- Add Sling Orange + Blue for ESPN and a backup for FOX/NBC in select cities.
- Add Peacock for any NBC exclusive.
- The traveler
- Get NFL+ for mobile during flights and rides.
- Use hotel TVs with your antenna if the window faces a tower-rich direction.
- Pack a streaming stick and your passwords.
- The 4K chaser
- Use YouTube TV with the 4K add-on or Fubo with 4K.
- Focus on FOX 4K games when offered.
- Use Ethernet to your TV if possible.
These templates make the nfl playoffs 2025 streaming guide feel like a set of easy plays you can call on the fly.

Troubleshooting and pro tips I’ve learned
I have lost a stream in the red zone. It hurts. Here are the fixes that saved me, in plain English.
- Start streams five minutes early
- Apps often stagger ad loads. Early joins dodge the rush.
- Force-quit the app between games
- Clears bad cache and stale sessions that cause buffering.
- Switch CDNs by switching apps
- If Peacock struggles, open the NBC Sports app with your provider. Different pipes, same game.
- Keep a second device ready
- Phone or tablet with NFL+. It bridges you while you reboot a TV app.
- Mind location services
- Live TV services lock channels by your service address. Avoid last-minute travel changes or logins from a different city.
- Check power-saving settings
- Turn off TV and device energy savers during games. They throttle streams.
A strong nfl playoffs 2025 streaming guide is about backups. Have two ways to watch every game, and you will never miss a final drive.

Frequently Asked Questions of nfl playoffs 2025 streaming guide
What is the simplest way to stream every playoff game?
Use one live TV service that has CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and ESPN, like YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV. Add Peacock in case of an exclusive game.
Can I watch the playoffs free with an antenna?
Yes, many games air on CBS, FOX, and NBC over-the-air. You will still need a paid option for ABC/ESPN or any streaming exclusive.
Does ESPN+ stream NFL playoff games?
No, ESPN+ does not carry playoff games. Watch through ABC/ESPN with a provider or a live TV service.
Will there be a Peacock-exclusive playoff game again?
It is likely based on recent seasons, but not guaranteed. Get Peacock for January as cheap insurance.
Can I watch the NFL Playoffs in 4K?
Some games, often on FOX, may be in 4K. Your device, TV, and service must support 4K, and availability varies by game.
Does NFL+ let me watch on my TV?
NFL+ streams playoff games on phones and tablets for local and prime-time windows. It does not support TV screens for live games.
What internet speed do I need?
Aim for 10 Mbps per HD stream and 25 Mbps for 4K. Use Ethernet or 5 GHz Wi‑Fi for stability.
What if I am traveling abroad during the playoffs?
Check NFL Game Pass International on DAZN in your destination country. US services usually block streams outside the United States.
Conclusion
You now have a clean plan to watch every snap without stress. Pick a primary live TV service, add Peacock, and keep an antenna as a backup. Test your apps, lock in your gear, and set alerts for schedule updates.
Stream smart, save money, and enjoy a smoother January. If this nfl playoffs 2025 streaming guide helped, share it with a friend, subscribe for more cord-cutting tips, or drop your setup questions in the comments.





































