Watch Patriots Game Today: Live Stream & TV Options

Watching the New England Patriots game today is simpler than ever with a variety of live stream, cable, and over-the-air options available. Whether you're a devoted fan in New England or cheering from afar, securing access to the game involves understanding broadcast schedules, regional availability, and the right streaming platforms. Our goal is to provide a comprehensive guide to ensure you don't miss a single snap of today's Patriots action.

Historically, catching NFL games involved a traditional cable TV subscription, but the landscape has evolved dramatically. Modern fans now have the flexibility to choose from an array of services, each offering unique advantages for viewing. This article will break down all your reliable options, from free local broadcasts to premium streaming packages, ensuring you're ready for kickoff.

Official Broadcast Channels: Where to Find the Patriots on TV

For many New England Patriots games, traditional broadcast networks remain the primary viewing channel. These networks hold significant NFL broadcast rights and are often the most straightforward way to watch if you have cable or an antenna.

CBS and FOX: The Core NFL Broadcasters

CBS and FOX are the staples for Sunday NFL action. Most Patriots games, especially those in the AFC, will air on CBS. NFC matchups, or inter-conference games where the Patriots are the visiting team against an NFC opponent, are typically found on FOX.

• CBS: Primarily broadcasts AFC games, including many Patriots home and away contests. You can often access CBS with a digital antenna for free local viewing.
• FOX: Carries NFC games and select inter-conference matchups. Like CBS, FOX is available over-the-air in most markets.

Our analysis shows that these two networks cover the vast majority of regular-season Sunday games. Checking local listings for your specific area is crucial, as regional blackouts can apply based on your geographic location.

NBC: Sunday Night Football's Home

When the Patriots are featured in a primetime Sunday Night Football slot, you'll find them on NBC. This weekly marquee game is a highlight of the NFL schedule.

• NBC: Exclusive broadcaster for Sunday Night Football. Accessible via antenna or most cable/satellite packages.

ESPN: Monday Night Football Authority

Monday Night Football is synonymous with ESPN. If the Patriots are playing on a Monday evening, ESPN will be your destination.

• ESPN: Home to Monday Night Football. Requires a cable subscription or a live TV streaming service that includes ESPN.

NFL Network and Amazon Prime Video: Special Broadcasts

Beyond the major networks, NFL Network and Amazon Prime Video also carry select games.

• NFL Network: Broadcasts Thursday Night Football games early in the season, and sometimes international games or triple-headers. It also offers extensive pre-game and post-game coverage, making it valuable for dedicated fans.
• Amazon Prime Video: Since 2022, Amazon Prime Video has become the exclusive home for most Thursday Night Football games. A Prime subscription is necessary to watch these matchups, including any Patriots games on a Thursday.

Top Streaming Services for Patriots Games

Cord-cutters and those seeking more flexibility can turn to a variety of live TV streaming services. These platforms offer bundles of channels, including the major networks that carry Patriots games, typically on a monthly subscription basis.

fuboTV: A Sports Fan's Paradise

fuboTV is renowned for its sports-centric channel lineup, often including CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, along with NFL Network. — Port O'Connor Weather: Your Up-to-Date Guide

• Pros: Extensive sports coverage, cloud DVR, multiple simultaneous streams.
• Cons: Can be pricier than some alternatives, may not include all desired non-sports channels for some users.

In our testing, fuboTV consistently delivers high-quality streams and a user-friendly interface for tracking NFL games. It's an excellent choice if sports are your primary viewing focus.

Sling TV: Budget-Friendly Options

Sling TV offers two main packages, Orange and Blue, or a combined option. The Blue package typically includes FOX and NBC in select markets, while Orange has ESPN. For comprehensive NFL coverage including Patriots games, combining both is often recommended.

• Pros: More affordable entry price, customizable channel add-ons.
• Cons: Local channel availability can be limited depending on your location, fewer channels overall than some competitors.

Hulu + Live TV: A Comprehensive Bundle

Hulu + Live TV combines Hulu's extensive on-demand library with live TV channels, including most of the major networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN). It's a popular choice for those wanting both live sports and a deep catalog of shows and movies.

• Pros: Combines live TV with a massive on-demand library, Disney+ and ESPN+ often bundled.
• Cons: Higher monthly cost compared to basic streaming options.

YouTube TV: Modern Interface, Wide Coverage

YouTube TV is known for its intuitive interface, unlimited cloud DVR, and a strong channel lineup that typically includes CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN in most markets. It's a solid all-around option for watching the Patriots game today.

• Pros: Excellent DVR, strong local channel coverage, user-friendly interface.
• Cons: Price point is competitive but higher than some entry-level services.

DirecTV Stream: Premium Channel Selection

DirecTV Stream offers various packages, with its higher tiers providing a very comprehensive channel lineup, often including all major networks and regional sports networks. It can be a good option for those looking for a traditional cable-like experience without a long-term contract.

• Pros: Wide selection of channels, good for those transitioning from cable.
• Cons: Can be one of the more expensive streaming services.

NFL+: Mobile-First Viewing and Replays

NFL+ is the official streaming service of the NFL. It offers live local and primetime regular season and postseason games on your phone or tablet. It also includes live out-of-market preseason games, and game replays for all games. For today's game on a bigger screen, you'll need one of the live TV streaming services or traditional broadcast.

• Pros: Affordable, official source for mobile viewing, extensive archive of games and features.
• Cons: Live regular season games are restricted to mobile devices (phone and tablet screens). Does not offer live, out-of-market regular season games.

Free & Alternative Ways to Watch Patriots Football

While most reliable methods involve a subscription, there are a few legitimate ways to watch Patriots games for free or at a lower cost.

Over-the-Air (OTA) Antenna: Local Games for Free

For many, the simplest and most cost-effective method is a digital antenna. If you're within range of local CBS, FOX, and NBC affiliates, you can watch any Patriots game broadcast on these channels absolutely free, in high definition. This is a foundational strategy for local fans to watch the Patriots game today.

• Practical Scenario: If the Patriots are playing on CBS at 1 PM ET and you live in the Boston area, a simple digital antenna will pick up your local CBS affiliate, allowing you to watch the game without any subscription.

NFL.com and Yahoo Sports App: Mobile Local Games

The NFL and Yahoo Sports apps provide live local and primetime games for free on mobile devices (smartphones and tablets). This is a great option if you're on the go and want to catch the Patriots game today without a subscription. — Nashville To New Orleans: The Ultimate Road Trip Guide

• Limitations: This is strictly for mobile viewing and subject to local market blackout rules.

Sports Bars and Restaurants

Many sports bars and restaurants subscribe to comprehensive sports packages, allowing them to show virtually every NFL game. This can be a fun social way to watch the Patriots, especially for important matchups.

• Expert Tip: Call ahead to confirm they will be showing the Patriots game, especially if it's not a primetime or local market game.

Navigating Regional Blackouts and VPNs

Regional blackouts are a common frustration for NFL fans. These rules prevent broadcasts in certain areas, usually to protect local market sales for games that are not sold out, or due to broadcast rights within specific regions.

• How Blackouts Work: If you live outside the Patriots' primary broadcast market, and another local team is playing at the same time, the local game often takes precedence on regional networks like CBS or FOX.

Can You Use a VPN to Watch Patriots Games?

A Virtual Private Network (VPN) can theoretically mask your IP address, making it appear as though you're browsing from a different geographic location. This might allow you to bypass regional blackouts or access out-of-market content from services like NFL+ Premium (which shows replays, not live out-of-market games).

• Considerations: Using a VPN can violate the terms of service for many streaming platforms, potentially leading to account suspension. Furthermore, the NFL and broadcasters actively work to block VPN usage. While technically possible, it's not a guaranteed or officially supported method. We strongly advise reviewing the terms and conditions of any service before attempting to use a VPN.

Listening to the Patriots: Radio Broadcasts & Audio Options

If visual access isn't possible, listening to the game can be an excellent alternative. The Patriots have a strong radio network.

Local Radio Affiliates

Most NFL teams have a flagship radio station and a network of affiliates across their region. In New England, 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM) is the official flagship station for the Patriots. You can usually find a list of all official Patriots radio affiliates on the team's official website (Patriots.com).

• Accessibility: Accessible via traditional radio, or often through the station's website or app.

NFL+ Premium: Live Game Audio

NFL+ Premium includes live game audio for every game, including the Patriots' home and away broadcasts. This is a reliable option for listening to the game from anywhere without local radio limitations.

Patriots Preseason, Regular Season, and Playoff Viewing

The viewing options for New England Patriots games can vary slightly depending on the stage of the season.

Preseason Games

Preseason games are often broadcast locally by regional networks (e.g., WBZ-TV in Boston for local Patriots games), and some may be picked up by NFL Network. NFL+ Premium subscribers can also watch live out-of-market preseason games.

Regular Season Games

As detailed above, the vast majority of regular season Patriots games will be on CBS, FOX, NBC (Sunday Night Football), ESPN (Monday Night Football), or Amazon Prime Video (Thursday Night Football). Your best bet for today's Patriots game is one of these outlets.

Playoff Games

NFL playoff games are typically broadcast on the major networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN). The specific network depends on the game schedule set by the NFL. Super Bowl LVII, for instance, aired on FOX. These games are usually widely accessible through cable, live TV streaming services, and over-the-air antennas.

FAQ Section: Your Patriots Game Viewing Questions Answered

Can I watch the Patriots game for free?

Yes, you can often watch the Patriots game for free using a digital over-the-air antenna if the game is broadcast on your local CBS, FOX, or NBC affiliate. Additionally, the NFL and Yahoo Sports apps offer live local and primetime games for free on mobile devices (smartphones and tablets).

What is the best streaming service for Patriots games?

The "best" streaming service depends on your priorities. For dedicated sports fans, fuboTV offers a strong channel lineup. For a balance of sports and entertainment, Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV are excellent choices. If budget is a primary concern, Sling TV can be a cost-effective option, particularly if combined with an antenna for local channels.

Do I need NFL RedZone to watch all Patriots games?

No, NFL RedZone does not show entire Patriots games. NFL RedZone is a separate service that whips around to show scoring plays and key moments from all Sunday afternoon games simultaneously. It's fantastic for fantasy football and keeping up with the entire league, but it's not designed for watching a single full game from start to finish.

How can I watch Patriots games if I'm out of market?

Watching out-of-market Patriots games live can be challenging. NFL Sunday Ticket (now exclusively on YouTube TV) is the official solution for live, out-of-market regular season games. NFL+ Premium offers game replays for all games, including out-of-market ones, shortly after they conclude, but not live broadcasts on larger screens.

Can I use a VPN to watch Patriots games?

While a VPN can potentially circumvent regional restrictions by making your device appear in a different location, it often violates the terms of service of streaming providers. Streaming services actively block VPN usage, so success is not guaranteed, and your account could be suspended. It is generally not a recommended or supported method. — McDonald's Thanksgiving Hours: What To Know

Where can I find the official Patriots game schedule?

The most reliable place to find the official New England Patriots game schedule, including broadcast information, is on the team's official website, Patriots.com, or the official NFL website, NFL.com. Major sports news outlets also provide comprehensive schedules.

What radio station broadcasts Patriots games?

The New England Patriots' flagship radio station is 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM) in the Boston area. You can find a complete list of all official Patriots radio affiliates, which span across New England and beyond, on Patriots.com.

Conclusion: Catching Every Moment of Today's Patriots Game

Successfully watching the Patriots game today requires knowing which platform aligns best with your viewing habits and location. From traditional over-the-air broadcasts to comprehensive live TV streaming services, numerous avenues exist to catch all the action. Always check local listings and the official Patriots schedule to confirm broadcast details, ensuring you're tuned in when kickoff happens.

We've covered the breadth of options, offering insights into each to help you make an informed choice. Whether you prefer the convenience of streaming or the reliability of an antenna, being prepared is key. Don't miss out – get ready to cheer on the New England Patriots! Check Patriots.com for the most up-to-date game schedule and broadcast information.