Pre-season in the NFL is always kind of a weird thing. Teams are shaking off the summer rust—and starters tend to ride the bench, to keep them healthy for the season ahead. Games, meanwhile, don’t have any real consequence, so it’s harder for fans to get invested in them. But now, the scores start to count.
The 2025-2026 NFL season gets underway tonight in Philadelphia, where the defending Super Bowl champs will begin their quest to go back-to-back.
Like last year, this season will have a rolling start. There’s a single game tonight, with another (streaming exclusive) on Friday. Then, come Sunday, most of the rest of the league will take the field.
Here’s all you need to know about tonight’s season opener.
Which NFL teams are playing Thursday? And what channels are airing the games?
There’s no FOMO tonight, as the NFL is hosting just one game. As always, the home team is listed second.
Thursday, Sept. 4
Dallas Cowboys vs. Philadelphia Eagles, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
How can I watch the NFL season opener for free—even if I am out of market?
The best way to 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 2025-2026 NFL games live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
Of course!
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to several games, including tonight’s, all upcoming Sunday night matchups and on Thanksgiving. The seven-day free trial is no longer offered, unfortunately, so expect to pay an $8 or $14 monthly charge. (An annual plan starts at $80.)
Hulu with Live TV
This service is going away soon, but for now, you can sign up for $83 per month (with ads) or $95 per month without ads.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $83.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $46 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $61 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, but you can buy a Day Pass, giving you 24-hours of Live TV for $5.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $85 per month and up after the free trial option. (The package that includes NFL Network will run you $90 per month.)
Fubo TV
Another option whose lifespan is limited, this sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $85 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Can I watch the NFL’s opening game on Amazon?
No. While Amazon Prime Video will normally carry Thursday Night Football, it does not have the broadcast rights to tonight’s game. The first matchup on Amazon this year will be the Washington Commanders facing the Green Bay Packers on Sept. 11.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
It does. You have three to choose from.
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. You’re looking at a $50 charge per season. ($100 for premium.)
NFL Sunday Ticket
YouTube once again is the home for this channel. Prices this year start at $83 per month for Sunday Ticket and YouTubeTV or $480 for just Sunday Ticket, if you’re a returning user (spanning the entirety of out-of-market games this season). New users can get a standalone Sunday Ticket subscription for $276.
Are there any new rules for the 2025-2026 season?
After changing how kickoffs occurred last year, the NFL is making a few more tweaks in 2025-2026. After a touchback, the ball will now be placed on the 35-yard line, instead of the 25-yard line.
Onside kick rules are being adjusted as well. Teams will still have to declare their intention, but they can now make them at any point in the game, instead of just in the fourth quarter.
Overtime will be a bit different. Both teams will get a chance to possess the ball, even if the first team scores. (This, previously, was only the case in the postseason.) Overtime periods, also, will be limited to 10 minutes.
