How to Watch Out-of-Market NFL Games in 2025

If you’re trying to follow a team that rarely shows up on your local channel, the NFL’s broadcast maze can feel impossible. Between regional rights, blackout rules, streaming exclusives, and device restrictions, there isn’t a single “magic” button. This guide organizes the options into clear tiers—official paid routes, lower-cost alternatives, and responsible VPN use for travelers—so you can build a weekend plan that’s legal, predictable, and doesn’t blow your budget.

Out-of-Market Basics: What Counts, What Doesn’t

Before you pick a service, get the vocabulary straight. “In-market” means games shown by your local CBS/FOX affiliates (based on your viewing location), while “out-of-market” covers matchups your region doesn’t receive. Rights vary by network and schedule, and some matchups stream exclusively on specific platforms.

The core idea—regional windows and blackouts

• Local windows: On most Sundays, your local CBS or FOX station carries a limited set of afternoon games tied to your designated market area (DMA). If your team isn’t assigned to your region, that matchup is “out of market.”
  
• National windows: Primetime games (e.g., Thursday, Sunday night, Monday night) and certain marquee slots are “national,” so they aren’t subject to the same regional limitations.
  
• Blackouts & location: Services typically enforce location via your device’s IP/network location and, on some platforms, GPS. If you travel to a different market, your “in-market” set changes accordingly.
  
• Device matters: Some mobile apps have different rights than living-room apps. What you can watch on a phone may not match what’s available on a smart TV app.

A quick decision tree

1. Are you in the U.S. and want to live out-of-market Sunday afternoon games? → Look first at NFL Sunday Ticket.
   
2. Are you outside the U.S. or traveling abroad? → Check your country’s official NFL international provider or pass.
   
3. Want a cheaper mix of local games, highlights, and replays? → Combine antenna, NFL+, and RedZone (with clear expectations).

Core Paid Paths: Sunday Ticket, International Pass, Regional TV

Start with the official, most predictable routes. In the U.S., Sunday Ticket covers out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. Abroad, many countries have an official NFL international pass or rights holder that provides live and on-demand coverage. Around those anchors, local affiliates, cable-replacement bundles, and standalone streamers fill in national windows and exclusives.

1) NFL Sunday Ticket (U.S.)

The headline solution for live out-of-market Sunday afternoon games is Sunday Ticket, delivered through YouTube/YouTube TV. It doesn’t typically include primetime or special exclusive games; its purpose is built for those regional Sunday windows. You’ll still rely on NBC/CBS/FOX/ESPN/ABC/streaming partners for non-Sunday-afternoon matchups.

Best for: Dedicated fans of a non-local team who want to watch most of that team’s regular Sunday afternoon slate live.

Consider:

• It doesn’t cover every single game of the season; national/exclusive matchups still sit elsewhere.
  
• Regional blackouts, commercial restrictions, and device limits can apply per the platform’s terms.
  
• Prices and promos can change year to year, so verify the current season before buying.

2) International NFL Pass or Local Rights Holder (outside the U.S.)

For fans living—or temporarily staying—abroad, many markets offer an official international NFL pass or access through the country’s authorized rights holder. This option usually provides comprehensive live and on-demand coverage aligned to local regulations and devices.

Best for: Viewers who legally reside outside the U.S. and want a central, sanctioned hub for live games and replays.

Consider:

• The exact provider, catalog, device support, and price vary by country and can change from season to season.
  
• If you’re a U.S. resident attempting to subscribe outside your region without eligibility, you risk violating service terms.
  
• Always check the official NFL “Ways to Watch” page for your country and verify the season’s details before subscribing.

3) Regional TV, cable-replacement bundles, and standalone apps

Even with an out-of-market focus, you’ll still want reliable access to national windows and featured games:

• NBC (Sunday Night Football) via Peacock/TV provider
  
• ESPN/ABC (Monday Night Football) via cable, satellite, or live-TV streamers
  
• FOX and CBS for Sunday daytime regional games (in-market) and some national windows
  
• Prime Video (Thursday Night Football) is the primary home for TNF
  Depending on the season, Peacock and Netflix may carry exclusive games; YouTube occasionally hosts special streams. Many viewers stitch together a base live-TV bundle (e.g., YouTube TV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV) with add-ons to cover the odd exclusive.

Quick reference: what each route is good at

Workable Alternatives: NFL+, Antenna, RedZone, and Replays

If the flagship packages feel pricey, you can still build solid coverage with a few strategic pieces. The key is knowing exactly what each tool does—and doesn’t do—so you don’t pay twice for the same window or expect out-of-scope live games.

NFL+ (manage expectations)

NFL+ is useful, but it’s not a full substitute for Sunday Ticket or international Game Pass. It’s strongest for mobile streaming of local and primetime games, audio, and on-demand replays (including coaches’ film/All-22 on the Premium tier). If you’re comfortable watching replays later—or following your local market live on a phone or tablet—it’s an economical supplement.

Pros: Affordable; good for catching up via condensed games and All-22; mobile access to local/primetime matchups.
Cons: Restrictions on out-of-market live viewing for TVs; app rights differ by device and market.

Antenna (OTA) for local games

A one-time purchase of an indoor or outdoor antenna pulls in free local broadcasts from CBS, FOX, ABC, and NBC (signal permitting). Even if you’re mainly chasing out-of-market matchups, an antenna guarantees local coverage and backup reliability when the internet acts up.
Tips:

• Check your address and expected signal strength before buying.
  
• Invest in a quality coax, consider amplifiers in fringe areas, and mount high for better line-of-sight.
  
• Pair with a DVR (e.g., Tablo, HDHomeRun) if you want time-shifting and whole-home viewing.
  

NFL RedZone (action without commitment)

RedZone isn’t a full game feed, but it’s perfect for Sundays when you don’t care which game you’re watching—so long as it’s exciting. It jumps to scoring opportunities, red-zone possessions, and key moments. For fantasy players, it’s a staple.

Where to get it: Often bundled with live-TV streaming add-ons or available through certain standalone subscriptions.

Reality check: RedZone doesn’t replace out-of-market rights; it’s a complement for highlights-heavy Sundays.

Replays and condensed games
If live timing isn’t essential, condensed replays (usually 30–45 minutes) and full replays after the broadcast window can cover every matchup without the live-rights price tag. Many fans watch their team live when possible and catch two or three other games in condensed form on Sunday night or Monday.

Sample budget builds 

• Replay-first: NFL+ Premium (replays + All-22) + Antenna (local) → Low cost, zero out-of-market live, great depth study.
  
• Action sampler: Live-TV bundle (includes RedZone) + Antenna → Many national games live, a firehose of excitement, limited out-of-market control.
  
• Team-diehard (U.S.): Sunday Ticket + Antenna/Peacock/ESPN as needed → Most Sunday afternoons covered; add services for exclusives.

Platform Exclusives in 2025: Amazon, Peacock, Netflix, YouTube

Rights shift each season, and a handful of games live on specific streamers. If you buy only one “big” package and ignore these one-offs, you’ll inevitably miss a game. Plan: map exclusives around your main subscription to avoid last-minute scrambles.

Key buckets to track

• Thursday Night Football on Prime Video: The default home for TNF. A base live-TV bundle won’t cover these if it lacks Prime.
  
• Sunday Night Football on NBC/Peacock: If you don’t have cable or OTA NBC, Peacock access becomes important.
  
• Monday Night Football on ESPN/ABC: Some games simulcast on ABC; check your bundle’s channel list.
  
• Occasional special streams: Certain holidays or international games may appear on Peacock or Netflix. YouTube has hosted special events. These are not “bonus” inside Sunday Ticket; they’re separate.

How to schedule-proof your weekend

• Use the official weekly schedule to tag matchups by provider: CBS/FOX regionals, primetime windows, and any platform exclusives.
  
• Layer subscriptions only for the weeks you need them. Many streaming services are month-to-month; pause when your team’s schedule lines up with networks you already receive.
  
• Set device alerts on smart TVs and streaming boxes so you aren’t re-entering passwords ten minutes before kickoff.

A pragmatic plan for most fans

1. Pick your primary: Sunday Ticket (U.S. diehards) or your country’s official NFL international pass (abroad).
   
2. Add one national-window app you’re missing (Peacock, Prime, or ESPN/ABC access).
   
3. Keep an antenna for a local safety net.
   
4. Consider NFL+ for replays and mobile flexibility.
   
5. Map exclusives on your team’s schedule and subscribe only for those weeks.

Using a VPN Responsibly to Expand Access 

VPNs can help travelers maintain privacy and secure connections, and—in some regions—access services they already pay for when on the road. They are not a guarantee for bypassing location rules, and using them to evade service terms can lead to blocks or account issues.

When a VPN is appropriate

• Travel scenarios: You’re abroad and want to securely use your home subscriptions where allowed by local law and the platform’s terms.
  
• Privacy and network stability: Public Wi-Fi at airports/bars is notoriously leaky; a VPN adds encryption and consistency.
  
• Testing legitimate alternatives: If a service offers different catalogs across countries and allows cross-border use within its rules, a VPN can help verify availability while you travel.

Important caveats

• No guarantees: Streaming platforms actively enforce location and may block VPN endpoints without notice.
  
• Follow the rules: Always check both the laws of your location and the platform’s terms of service.
  
• Fair-use mindset: Think of VPN as a privacy and travel tool, not a cheat code.

How to set up a VPN for game days 

1. Choose a provider with fast, nearby servers and a reputation for protecting privacy.
   
2. Install apps on the devices you actually use on Sundays (phone, laptop, streaming stick, Windows desktop).
   
3. Test early—before kickoff—to confirm logins and streams work on your network.
   
4. If the app fails, switch servers/IPs or revert to your regular connection to avoid missing the game.
   
5. Keep a backup path (antenna or a secondary subscription) so one block doesn’t ruin the day.

Choose A VPN that Can Fit
When you need a privacy-first setup for travel or for testing services within their terms, BearVPN can be a tidy option thanks to:

• Mobile-first and Windows-ready setup: Simple apps for iOS/Android plus a Windows client make quick, game-day connections straightforward on handhelds and desktops.
  
• Privacy-focused design: Encryption and protective defaults aim to reduce leaks on shaky public Wi-Fi, supporting a more consistent streaming experience without claiming guaranteed access.
  
• Quick IP rotation with global coverage: Over 2,000 servers across 50+ locations provide flexibility to try alternative routes when a particular path is congested or blocked.

• Kill switch/Split tunneling, where available: Helpful for keeping the stream stable while other apps use the regular connection.

Using BearVPN responsibly

• Treat BearVPN as one tool in a broader plan (antenna, official subscriptions, replays).
  
• If a platform disallows VPN use for location changes, don’t push it—stick to the rules and consider an official package that covers your need (e.g., Sunday Ticket or your country’s international pass).
  
• Re-test before key weeks (rivalry games, holidays); endpoints and blocks can change.

A sample “responsible VPN + official” stack

• U.S. fan who travels internationally sometimes: Keep Sunday Ticket at home for Sunday afternoons. On the road, use BearVPN primarily for secure connections and rely on local services or hotel TVs for nationally televised games.
  
• Expat who returns home twice a year: Maintain NFL Game Pass International abroad; when stateside, rely on antenna + national apps. BearVPN helps keep devices secure on public Wi-Fi during travel days.

FAQ

Q1: What’s the simplest way to watch every out-of-market Sunday game live in the U.S.?

Subscribe to NFL Sunday Ticket for Sunday afternoon out-of-market games, then add the services that carry primetime and exclusive matchups (Peacock for some NBC games, Prime Video for TNF, ESPN/ABC for MNF). You’ll still want an antenna for local coverage.

Q2: I live outside the U.S. Is there a single service for all NFL games?

Many countries offer an official international NFL pass or access through the authorized local rights holder. Check your country’s current provider, inclusions, and price; availability and features vary by region and can change each season.

Q3: Can NFL+ replace Sunday Ticket for out-of-market live games on my TV?

No. NFL+ is excellent for replays, audio, and mobile streaming of local/primetime games, but it’s not a full replacement for out-of-market live game rights on living-room devices.

Q4: Is using a VPN to watch NFL games legal?

VPNs themselves are legal in many countries, but using them to circumvent a platform’s geographic restrictions may violate that service’s terms. Always follow local laws and the platform’s rules. No VPN can guarantee access.

Q5: What’s the cheapest setup that still feels good on Sundays?

Pair an antenna (local games free) with a live-TV bundle that includes RedZone for excitement, then add NFL+ Premium for replays/All-22. If your team is non-local and you must watch live every week, Sunday Ticket is the most straightforward (though pricier) path.

Conclusion

Out-of-market NFL viewing isn’t one subscription; it’s a plan. Start with the official route that matches where you live—Sunday Ticket in the U.S. or your market’s international pass—then layer in national-window apps and an antenna for resilience. If you travel, a privacy-focused VPN like BearVPN can secure your connection and add flexibility, but it’s not a promise for bypassing rights. With clear expectations and the right mix, your Sundays can be both legal and low-stress.