Watch the NFL Playoffs 2025 across FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC/ESPN, and top streaming apps.
You want a clear, fast guide that nails the nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream. I track rights, times, and platforms each season. Below, you will find dates, networks, streaming options, prices, devices, and 4K. I also share tips from testing these apps on real game days. This is your friendly, expert walk-through for the nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream.
2025 NFL Playoffs at a glance: dates, brackets, TV windows
The 2025 NFL Playoffs follow the 2024 regular season. Times below are typical windows in Eastern Time. Exact matchups and start times update after Week 18 and each round.
Wild Card Weekend, Jan 11–13, 2025
- Saturday: late afternoon and night windows
- Sunday: early, late, and night windows
- Monday: one primetime game on ABC/ESPN
Divisional Round, Jan 18–19, 2025
- Saturday and Sunday: two games each day, late afternoon and night
Conference Championships, Sunday, Jan 26, 2025
- Early afternoon and late afternoon windows
Super Bowl LIX, Sunday, Feb 9, 2025
- Location: Caesars Superdome, New Orleans
- Broadcast: FOX; stream via FOX Sports app and services that carry FOX
Networks for playoff games include CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC/ESPN. Select games may simulcast on streaming apps, like Paramount+ for CBS, Peacock for NBC, and possibly ESPN+ for ABC/ESPN. One Wild Card game may be streaming exclusive based on recent seasons, but that is not yet final. Always check local listings as the nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream locks in each week.
If you want a simple hub for dates and channels, bookmark this nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream guide and check back after each round.
Where to stream each game without cable
You can stream every playoff game with a few services. The key is to cover your local CBS, FOX, and NBC, plus ABC/ESPN.
Best all-in-one live TV services
- YouTube TV: Broad local coverage of CBS, FOX, NBC, plus ABC and ESPN. Unlimited DVR. Smooth during big events in my tests.
- Hulu + Live TV: Locals plus ABC and ESPN. Includes Disney+ and ESPN+ in most plans. Handy for the Monday Wild Card game.
- Fubo: Locals in many markets, strong sports lineup, solid 4K support for select events.
- DirecTV Stream: Broad locals and RSNs. Reliable, but higher price.
- Sling TV: Sling Blue has FOX and NBC in select cities. Add Sling Orange for ESPN. For CBS, use Paramount+ or an antenna.
Network apps and add-ons
- Paramount+: Streams your local CBS in many markets. Covers CBS Wild Card and Divisional games when assigned.
- Peacock: Streams NBC games. In past seasons, a Wild Card game was Peacock exclusive. Watch for news during the nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream.
- ESPN+: May simulcast the ABC/ESPN Wild Card. Hulu + Live TV includes ESPN+ in most bundles.
- FOX Sports app: Streams FOX with a pay TV login. Or use a live TV service that carries FOX.
- NFL+: Mobile and tablet only for local and primetime games. Great as a backup on the go.
Use this map in your head: You need ABC/ESPN, CBS, FOX, and NBC. If one is missing, plug the gap with Paramount+, Peacock, or a different live TV bundle. That is how I set up a foolproof nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream for friends each January.
Step-by-step: Set up your perfect stream
Follow these steps during Wild Card week. It removes game day stress.
- Pick your core service. I suggest YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV for most users. Both cover ABC, ESPN, CBS, FOX, and NBC in many markets.
- Add network apps if needed. Use Paramount+ for CBS and Peacock for NBC if your main service lacks a local.
- Confirm your locals. Enter your ZIP on each service website. Make sure ABC, CBS, FOX, and NBC show as available.
- Test on your device early. Open each app on your TV, phone, and tablet. Play a live channel for one minute.
- Set DVR and reminders. Add team names and NFL to your library. Record all playoff games. It saves you when a stream buffers mid-drive.
- Have a backup path. Keep a second app ready on your phone. NFL+ or a free trial can be a lifesaver.
I use this same plan every year. It makes the nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream feel easy, even with shifting times.
Prices, trials, and bundle tips
Prices change, so treat these as ballpark numbers. Pick what covers your channels at the best value.
Typical monthly prices
- YouTube TV: about 72.99
- Hulu + Live TV: about 76.99 and often includes Disney+ and ESPN+
- Fubo Pro: about 79.99, sports-first focus
- DirecTV Stream Entertainment: about 79.99
- Sling Orange + Blue: about 55.00 in many markets
- Peacock Premium: about 5.99, Premium Plus about 11.99
- Paramount+ with Showtime: about 11.99
- ESPN+: about 10.99
- NFL+ Premium: about 14.99; Basic about 6.99
Bundle ideas that work well
- Hulu + Live TV bundle: Covers ABC/ESPN plus ESPN+. Add Paramount+ and Peacock if needed.
- YouTube TV plus Paramount+ and Peacock: Covers all four networks in most markets.
- Sling Orange + Blue plus Paramount+ and an antenna: Budget route if your area gets FOX and NBC on Sling.
Run the math for the full month of January. Cancel right after the Super Bowl if you want. This keeps your nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream low-cost and stress-free.
4K, devices, and internet speed tips
Some playoff broadcasts offer 4K, often as upscaled feeds by FOX or NBC. It looks sharp on large screens. It needs the right device and speed.
What you need for 4K sports
- A 4K TV with HDR
- A 4K-capable streamer, like Apple TV 4K, Roku Ultra, or Fire TV 4K Max
- A plan that includes 4K feeds on your service, if applicable
Internet speed targets
- 10 Mbps per stream for HD as a baseline
- 25 Mbps per stream for 4K
- 200 Mbps or more for busy homes with many devices
Device tips I use
- Wire your main TV with Ethernet if possible. It cuts buffering during big plays.
- Close extra apps on game day. Some TVs have limited memory.
- Reboot your router the morning of Wild Card Saturday. It helps more than you think.
Smooth tech makes the nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream feel like a VIP theater.
Local vs out-of-market, blackouts, and travel
Local market rules still apply during the playoffs. Most games are national. Your local team’s game appears on the network assigned to that game. If you travel, your local channels change based on where you are.
Smart ways to handle location issues
- Use a live TV service that works wherever you log in. Most update locals by location.
- Keep Paramount+ and Peacock as backups. They are often less sensitive to location quirks for CBS and NBC games.
- Consider an indoor antenna. Free over-the-air can be the most reliable feed of FOX, CBS, and NBC.
About VPNs
- A VPN may change the channels you see, but it can violate terms of service.
- It can also add lag and reduce stream quality.
- I avoid VPNs for the nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream and use legit options instead.
International streaming options
Traveling or living outside the US? You have choices, but they differ by region.
- NFL Game Pass International on DAZN: Offers live and on-demand games in many countries outside the US. The playoffs are included in most territories.
- Local partners: Some countries carry games on local networks and streaming apps. Check your territory listing the week before Wild Card.
If you are abroad, set this up early. It is the easiest path to a clean nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream without last-minute stress.
Troubleshooting common streaming issues
No one wants buffering on third and goal. These quick fixes work well.
If the stream stutters
- Drop quality from 4K to 1080p for a few minutes.
- Switch from Wi-Fi to Ethernet or a 5 GHz Wi-Fi band.
- Force close and relaunch the app. Then reboot your streaming device.
If audio is out of sync
- Toggle audio settings off and on, like Surround or Dolby.
- Switch to a different device or app, then switch back.
If a channel is missing
- Recheck your ZIP settings in the app.
- Log out and back in. Then refresh locals.
- Open the network app, like Paramount+ or Peacock, as a backup.
Keep two apps ready at kickoff. That is my golden rule for any nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream.
Frequently Asked Questions of nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream
What channels will carry the 2025 NFL Playoffs?
CBS, FOX, NBC, and ABC/ESPN will carry games across the rounds. Final assignments post weekly, so check listings after each result.
Will there be a Peacock-only playoff game again?
It is possible, based on recent seasons. The league will confirm Wild Card assignments in January, so watch for that update.
What day is Super Bowl LIX and how can I stream it?
Super Bowl LIX is set for Sunday, February 9, 2025, in New Orleans. It is on FOX, and you can stream it via FOX Sports or any live TV service with FOX.
Can I watch the playoffs without cable and still get every game?
Yes. Use a live TV service that includes ABC/ESPN, CBS, FOX, and NBC. Fill gaps with Paramount+, Peacock, or an antenna if needed.
Is ESPN+ enough to watch the playoffs?
No. ESPN+ may simulcast select games, but not all. You still need access to the broadcast networks for the full slate.
Do I need 4K to enjoy the playoffs?
No. HD looks great and is more stable on slower connections. If you have the gear and speed, 4K can look amazing on larger screens.
What is the cheapest way to stream all playoff games?
Sling Orange + Blue with Paramount+ and Peacock can work in select cities. It is cheaper, but YouTube TV or Hulu + Live TV offer simpler setups.
Conclusion
You now have a clear plan for the nfl playoffs 2025 schedule stream. You know the dates, the likely channels, the right apps, and how to avoid common glitches. Use one main live TV service, add network apps as backups, and test your setup before kickoff.
Set your DVR, run a speed check, and line up a second app for peace of mind. Share this guide with a friend who needs help. If you found this useful, subscribe for updates as the matchups lock in, or drop a comment with your setup and wins.