To catch every NFL playoff game in 2026, choose a live‑TV streaming service that carries the big‑four broadcast networks (CBS, FOX, NBC) and ESPN. Services such as YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, FuboTV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV Stream all offer the full playoff schedule and typically include a 3‑ to 7‑day free trial. Pair with NFL RedZone or NFL+ for extra coverage.
Traditional Broadcast Networks You Need
The NFL’s postseason still relies on the four major broadcast partners:
- CBS – AFC Sunday afternoon games.
- FOX – NFC Sunday afternoon games.
- NBC – Sunday Night Football, the league’s marquee primetime slot.
- ESPN – Monday Night Football, with additional content on ESPN+.
If your cable or satellite package includes these channels, you already have access to most playoff action.
Top Streaming Services for the 2026 Playoffs
YouTube TV
- Channels Included: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network, NFL RedZone
- Key NFL Content: All broadcast games, ESPN, RedZone
- Free Trial: 7‑day trial
Hulu Live TV
- Channels Included: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network, NFL RedZone
- Key NFL Content: Same lineup as YouTube TV
- Free Trial: 7‑day trial
FuboTV
- Channels Included: ABC, CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network, NFL RedZone
- Key NFL Content: Full broadcast slate with 4K options for sports
- Free Trial: 7‑day trial
Sling TV (Blue + Orange)
- Channels Included: FOX, NBC (plus ESPN and NFL Network as add‑ons)
- Key NFL Content: Flexible, lower‑price entry for essential games
- Free Trial: 3‑day trial
DIRECTV Stream
- Channels Included: CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, NFL Network, NFL RedZone
- Key NFL Content: Premium sports packages covering all playoff games
- Free Trial: 7‑day promotional trial
Additional Platforms with Limited NFL Access
Peacock
Peacock streams Sunday Night Football and the NBC‑aired Wild Card games, but it does not carry the full CBS or FOX lineups. A Peacock Premium subscription costs $5.99 per month.
Apple TV+
Apple TV+ offers Monday Night Football in select markets, limited to the national broadcast. Subscriptions start at $4.99 per month.
NFL+ and NFL RedZone – Supplemental Options
NFL+ provides live out‑of‑market games, a replay library, and coach’s film for analysts. It does not replace national broadcasts but is a valuable supplement. NFL RedZone, included in most major bundles, flips between every scoring play across the league, delivering a nonstop highlight reel for fans who can’t watch every game start‑to‑finish.
How to Choose the Right Service
- Identify Your Must‑Watch Teams – Ensure the service carries CBS or FOX if your team appears on those networks.
- Consider Your Budget – Sling TV’s à‑la‑carte model can be cheapest, but add‑ons may increase cost.
- Check Device Compatibility – All major services support smartphones, tablets, smart TVs, and streaming sticks.
- Take Advantage of Free Trials – Sign up now, watch the Divisional Round, then decide if you want to keep the service.
- Don’t Forget the Extras – Prioritize platforms that bundle RedZone or NFL+ for the most immersive experience.
Impact on NFL Audience Reach
The expanding roster of streaming options is reshaping how the NFL engages fans. While traditional broadcast still commands the largest share, partnerships with services like Peacock and Apple TV+ target younger, cord‑free viewers. Free‑trial periods during the high‑stakes playoff window can convert casual watchers into long‑term subscribers, broadening the league’s digital footprint beyond the Super Bowl.
Bottom Line
The current playoff weekend is the perfect test case for anyone undecided about how to watch the NFL. With YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV, FuboTV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV Stream all offering free trials, there’s virtually no excuse for missing the action. Pair a live‑TV service with NFL RedZone or NFL+ for the ultimate playoff experience, and you’ll be set to follow every touchdown, turnover, and game‑changing play right through to the Super Bowl.
