We've not found a cure for the Monday blues just yet, but if you're an NFL fan, ESPN comes pretty close. Monday Night Football feels like an extension of the weekend, and its primetime status means it's guaranteed on of the best matchups of any given gameweek.
Right now, there's also rampant speculation that it could soon gain the rights to NFL RedZone, which is arguably second only to the Super Bowl in terms of popularity. That's yet to be confirmed, but what we do already know is that ESPN is a must-have for sports fans.
Read on as we explain how to watch NFL on ESPN without cable, and from anywhere.
How to watch NFL on ESPN without cable in the U.S.
ESPN is available on a selection of the best cable TV alternatives. You'll get the most bang for your buck from Sling TV, which has a lower starting price than Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV and Fubo.
Sling includes ESPN in its Orange plan. Sling Orange also carries ESPN2, ESPN3, Comedy Central, History Channel, Nick Jr., TBS and TNT, and usually costs $45.99 per month. However, you can also get Daily ($4.99), Weekend ($9.99) and Week ($14.99) passes now.
Hulu + Live TV costs $82.99 after a 3-day FREE trial; YouTube TV costs $82.99, but you'll get your first three months for $49.99 each; Fubo costs $84.99 after a 7-day FREE trial, but you'll get your first month for $64.99.
You can also access ESPN via ESPN Select, which costs $11.99/month or $120/year.
How to watch NFL live from abroad
American residents visiting Canada, the U.K., Australia and anywhere else can stream their usual services with the aid of VPN (Virtual Private Network).
The software sets your devices to appear as if they're back in your home country regardless of where in the world you are. So, it's ideal for sports and TV fans away on vacation or on business. Our favorite is NordVPN. It's the best on the market:
Live NFL on ESPN
ESPN has a slice of primetime action with MNF, which typically kicks off at 8:15 p.m. ET / 5:15 p.m. PT each week. Some games are exclusive to ESPN, while others are shown on ABC and/or ESPN Select too.
Select games also get the ManningCast treatment, an alternative feed helmed by Peyton and Eli Manning, which usually airs on ESPN2.
In 25/26 they will have the Week 18 Saturday Doubleheader (January 3, 2026). Wild Card Monday (January 12, 2026) and the Divisional Round (January 17 or 18, 2026).
While nothing concrete has been announced yet, ESPN is acquiring RedZone and NFL Network. You can argue that only the Super Bowl itself is bigger than RedZone.
What else is on ESPN?
The sheer breadth of ESPN's broadcasting deals makes it a must-have for sports fans.
As well as the NFL, ESPN holds the rights to MLB, NBA, NHL, Australian Open, Wimbledon and US Open tennis, WNBA, women's March Madness, F1, Masters and PGA Championship golf, La Liga and Bundesliga soccer, the College Football Playoff, Major League Rugby and select World Marathon Majors.
It also airs original documentaries and talkshows, which include "Around the Horn", "Pardon the Interruption", "SportsCenter", "The Pat McAfee Show" and the Oscar-winning "O.J.: Made in America".
"The Kingdom", a six-part docuseries on the Kansas City Chiefs, premieres on ESPN on Thursday, August 14.
Why should you use a VPN to watch ESPN live?
ESPN International comprises a number of regional channels that operate in various countries, including the Netherlands and Australia, but they're completely different to the American channel. The moment you leave U.S. soil for work or on vacation, you'll lose access to ESPN and all of its sports coverage.
However, a VPN will give you a route back in, no matter where in the world you are. VPNs also encrypt and anonymize your internet use, thereby preventing cybercriminals, government agents and internet service providers from keeping tabs on you.
More from Tom's Guide
- Sling Orange vs Blue: What’s the difference?
- How to watch NFL 2025 on NFL Network without cable
- How to watch NFL on Sling
We test and review VPN services in the context of legal recreational uses. For example: 1. Accessing a service from another country (subject to the terms and conditions of that service). 2. Protecting your online security and strengthening your online privacy when abroad. We do not support or condone the illegal or malicious use of VPN services. Consuming pirated content that is paid-for is neither endorsed nor approved by Future Publishing.
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