ESPN Plus has become a popular option for cord-cutters and sports fans who want more flexibility in how they watch live events. Many people ask whether ESPN Plus includes NFL coverage, and the answer depends on league rights, regional restrictions, and the specific game.
This article breaks down how ESPN Plus handles NFL content, what you can watch, and how it compares to other services.
| Service | NFL Games Available | Live Access | Key Limitations |
|---|---|---|---|
| ESPN Plus | Limited, mostly out-of-market games | Yes | No in-market NFL on most weeks |
| ESPN | Selected games via ESPN/ABC | Yes | Primarily Sunday afternoon and Monday night matchups |
| NFL+ | All out-of-market regular season games | Yes | Only out-of-market; local games require local team subscription |
| ESPN + NFL+ Bundle | Combines ESPN Plus and NFL+ coverage | Yes | Best option for broader NFL access in one subscription |
Understanding ESPN Plus and NFL Rights
ESPN holds a share of NFL coverage, but most national games air on other networks. Local blackout rules heavily influence which games appear on ESPN Plus.
If your team is playing on Sunday afternoon and the game is shown locally, it will not be available on ESPN Plus in your market.
NFL Games on ESPN Plus
Available Matchups and Restrictions
ESPN Plus typically offers NFL games that are not shown on local broadcast or national cable in your region. These out-of-market games are highlighted as away games for your favorite team.
Monday Night Football and selected Sunday games sometimes appear here, but local games usually remain restricted based on your IP address.
How to Watch NFL on ESPN Plus
Steps to Access Available Games
To watch NFL content on ESPN Plus, you need an active subscription, a compatible streaming device, and a strong internet connection.
Use the ESPN app or website, sign in with your ESPN account, and look for the NFL tab during the season.
Pricing and Subscription Options
Cost and Bundles
ESPN Plus offers an annual plan that is more affordable than monthly billing, and it often bundles with other services like Hulu or Disney+.
Adding the NFL+ upgrade can expand your access to more games for a modest increase in monthly cost.
Key Takeaways and Recommendations
- ESPN Plus includes a limited selection of NFL games, mainly out-of-market matchups.
- Local blackouts restrict access to games broadcast in your region.
- Combining ESPN Plus with NFL+ provides the broadest NFL access.
- Check your location and team schedule to confirm game availability.
- Consider annual billing and bundle offers to save on subscription costs.
FAQ
Reader questions
Does ESPN Plus show live NFL games in my area?
ESPN Plus shows live NFL games only when those games are not part of your local market broadcast. Check your location settings within the app to confirm availability.
Can I watch Monday Night Football on ESPN Plus?
Select Monday Night Football matchups appear on ESPN Plus when they are not part of your local market, though some seasons carry most games on ABC instead.
What happens if my team is playing and the game is blacked out?
If the game is blacked out, you will not be able to stream it on ESPN Plus, and you may need to watch via a local TV station or your cable provider.
Is an NFL+ subscription required to see more games?
Yes, NFL+ unlocks all out-of-market games and is available as an add-on to your ESPN Plus subscription for broader coverage.