How to Watch Live All 6 NFL Wild Card Matchups for Free in the U.S, Canada, UK, and Worldwide
Watch Live: All six NFL Wild Card games for free
1. Can I Watch Carolina Panthers vs Los Angeles Rams for Free? And Wild Card Game Preview
2. Can I Watch Bears vs Packers for Free? Wild Card Game Preview, and Viewing Guide
3. Can I Watch Bills vs Jaguars for Free? Full Wild Card Preview, and Viewing Guide
4. Can I Watch Eagles vs 49ers for Free? Wild Card Preview, Prediction, and Viewing Guide
5. Can I Watch Chargers vs Patriots for Free? Full Wild Card Preview, and Viewing Guide
6. Can I Watch Texans vs Steelers for Free? Monday Night Wild Card Preview, and Viewing Guide
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| Where to Watch NFL Wild Card for Free |
NFL Wild Card Weekend is one of the best times of the year for fans — not just because the games are win-or-go-home, but because most of them can still be watched for free in the United States.
The NFL Wild Card features six playoff games over three days, spanning Saturday through Monday. Every game is single elimination. Lose once, and the season is over.
First, What Does “Watch for Free” Actually Mean?
In the U.S., “free” means:
You can watch using a basic over-the-air (OTA) antenna
You do not need cable or a paid subscription
ESPN-only games are the main exception
The NFL requires that playoff games air on major broadcast networks. That’s why Wild Card Weekend is far more accessible than most regular-season weeks.
Read more:
- NFL Wild Card Weekend 2026: Full Schedule, Matchups, Times, and How to Watch
- NFL Playoffs 2026 Viewing Guide: Best Games, Busiest Days, and What Matters Most
- Can You Watch the NFL Playoffs 2026 for Free? and How to Watch Legally?
- Which Teams Are in the 2026 NFL Playoffs: Full List, Seeds, and Bracket Breakdown
Saturday, January 10, 2026
Los Angeles Rams at Carolina Panthers
Kickoff: ~3:30 PM ET
Network: FOX
How to watch for free
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FOX (OTA antenna) — nationwide
Streaming alternatives
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FOX Sports app (TV login required)
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YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, FuboTV
Free for almost all U.S. viewers with an antenna
Green Bay Packers at Chicago Bears
Kickoff: ~7:00 PM ET
Network: NBC
How to watch for free
-
NBC (OTA antenna) — nationwide
Streaming alternatives
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Peacock (subscription)
-
NBC Sports app
-
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV
Free nationwide via NBC
Sunday, January 11, 2026
Buffalo Bills at Jacksonville Jaguars
Kickoff: ~1:00 PM ET
Network: CBS
How to watch for free
-
CBS (OTA antenna) — nationwide
Streaming alternatives
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Paramount+
-
CBS Sports app
-
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV
Free nationwide
San Francisco 49ers at Philadelphia Eagles
Kickoff: ~4:30 PM ET
Network: FOX
How to watch for free
-
FOX (OTA antenna) — nationwide
Streaming alternatives
-
FOX Sports app
-
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV
Free nationwide
Los Angeles Chargers at New England Patriots
Kickoff: ~8:00 PM ET
Network: NBC
How to watch for free
-
NBC (OTA antenna) — nationwide
Streaming alternatives
-
Peacock
-
NBC Sports app
-
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV
Free nationwide
Monday, January 12, 2026
Houston Texans at Pittsburgh Steelers
Kickoff: ~8:15 PM ET
Network: ABC / ESPN
How to watch for free
-
ABC (OTA antenna) — local markets only
Streaming alternatives
-
ESPN app (TV provider login)
-
YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV
This is the only Wild Card game that is NOT free nationwide
Best Simple Setup to Watch Almost Everything Free
If you want the easiest solution:
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HD Antenna → FOX, CBS, NBC, ABC
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Optional free trials → Peacock / Paramount+
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Outside U.S.? → NFL Game Pass International (paid)
Final Take
Wild Card Weekend remains one of the most viewer-friendly playoff events in American sports. With a simple antenna, most fans can watch nearly every game without paying a dollar.
Plan ahead, set up once, and you won’t miss a snap.
