The Kansas City Chiefs kick off their quest to become the first Super Bowl threepeat winners Thursday as the 2024-2025 NFL season officially gets underway. And the first game is set to be a banger, as the Chiefs square off against the Baltimore Ravens, who they last faced in the conference championship game in January.
Patrick Mahomes and Lamar Jackson hope to lead their teams to a big start this season. But they’ve got some untested rookie talent joining them on the field.
The 2024 season is getting a bit of a rolling start, with a single game Thursday, one on Friday, then the rest on the league’s traditional Sunday schedule. That’s plenty of time for fans who have been suffering from a bit of football withdrawal to sink into their couch or favorite beer stool.
Here’s how best to catch the game.
Which NFL teams are playing Thursday? And what channel is airing the games?
There’s just one game tonight. (The home team is listed second.)
Thursday, Aug. 1
Baltimore Ravens vs. Kansas City Chiefs, 8:20 p.m. ET on NBC
How can I watch the NFL season opener for free—even if I am out of market?
The best way to watch any sort of network programming for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. And since the kickoff game will be carried by NBC, watching will be fairly simple. To ensure you’re getting the most reliable signal, be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home.
Can I stream the 2024 NFL kickoff game live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
You can—and there are several options:
Peacock
NBC’s streaming service will give you access to several games, including tonight’s, tomorrow’s and all upcoming Sunday night matchups. You can get a seven-day free trial, followed by a $8 or $14 monthly charge. (The free version of Peacock does not include live sports.)
Disney+
Disney’s bundle of Disney+, Hulu and ESPN+ no longer has a free trial, so you’ll have to pay $17 per month for all three combined (or $30 per month for no ads on Hulu).
Including Live TV in the bundle bumps the price to $77 per month ($90 with no ads).
Hulu with Live TV
The free trial on this service lasts three days. Afterward, it will cost you $77 per month.
YouTubeTV
After a free trial, you can expect monthly charges of $73.
Sling TV
Dish Network’s Sling lower-tiered “Orange” plan will run you $40 per month. Adding the more comprehensive “Blue” plan bumps the cost to $55 per month. The seven-day free trial has disappeared, unfortunately.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as DirecTV Now, AT&T TVNow and AT&T TV, this oft-renamed streaming service will run you $80 per month and up after the free trial option. (The package that includes NFL Network will run you $99 per month.)
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord-cutting service carries broadcast networks in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $80 and up, depending on the channels you choose.
Can I watch NFL games on Amazon?
Amazon will be the usual home of Thursday Night Football once again, but not this week. Also, like last year, the streaming service won’t carry any games on Thanksgiving, though it will on Black Friday. The first matchup on Amazon this year will be the Buffalo Bills facing the Miami Dolphins on Sept. 12.
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
Three, in fact.
NFL App
The NFL App will let you stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market on Sundays. If you want to watch an “out of market” game, you’ve got two choices.
NFL+
Watch live local and out of market games and (with the premium subscription) replays. You’re looking at a $50 charge per season. ($100 for premium.)
NFL Sunday Ticket
YouTube once again is the home for this channel. Prices this year start at $73 per month for Sunday Ticket and YouTubeTV or $449 for just Sunday Ticket (spanning the entirety of out-of-market games this season).
Will the new kickoff rule be in effect in the regular season?
It will.
The NFL is trying a one-year experiment this season, putting all members of the kicking and receiving teams (except the kicker and returners) within a 10-yard zone down the field. Only the kicker and two returners will be allowed to move until the ball hits the ground or is touched by a returner inside the 20.
Kicks that reach the end zone in the air can be returned, or taken as a touchback and possession at the 30. If a ball hits the ground (or a player) before the end zone and goes into the end zone, the touchback will be at the 20. The kick can also still be returned.
Onside kicks, meanwhile, can no longer be surprises, as the trailing team will have to declare plans to attempt one—and only in the fourth quarter.
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