Can You Watch Broncos vs. Patriots for Free? Complete Guide + Preview, Odds & Predictions
Broncos vs. Patriots in NFL playoffs

The 2026 NFL Conference Championship between the Denver Broncos and the New England Patriots is one of the most anticipated games of the NFL season. Scheduled for Sunday, January 25 at 3:00 p.m. ET at Empower Field at Mile High in Denver, this AFC title game carries a trip to Super Bowl LX on the line.

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Live Viewing Options in the United States (Free & Paid)

Free Over-the-Air Broadcast

In the U.S., CBS holds the network broadcast rights for the AFC Championship, meaning the game will air free on local CBS stations with an antenna — if you’re within range of local broadcast towers. This is the only fully free way to watch without any subscription or trial.
(Download a local TV antenna and scan for CBS channels.)

Free Trials on Streaming Services

If you don’t have cable, there are legal ways to stream the game without paying a long-term fee:

  • Paramount+ Free Trial – Offers a 7-day trial that includes live CBS streaming. This will let you watch the game on your phone, tablet, or connected TV.

  • Live TV Streaming Trials – Services like YouTube TV, FuboTV, Hulu + Live TV, Sling TV, and DIRECTV Stream all include CBS in their lineups and typically offer short free trials for new users. These vary by region and time of year, so check current trial availability before game day.

These trials are fully legal and good for one-time access if you time them right.

Pay Options with Great Coverage

If you prefer to lock in coverage without worrying about trials:

  • Paramount+ (Paid) – Live CBS access plus on-demand NFL content.

  • NFL+ – The NFL’s official app offers live audio for all playoff games and live video on mobile devices in some markets.

  • FuboTV / Hulu + Live TV / YouTube TV – Offer broader sports packages including CBS, ESPN, and more.

  • Peacock – Will cover NFL playoff games carried by NBC (like the Super Bowl) and offers additional NFL content.

Canada: Free & Paid Streams

In Canada, the NFL playoffs — including the Conference Championship — are typically carried by:

  • TSN / CTV – Canadian networks with live NFL coverage, available via cable or streaming through TSN+/CTV apps (require subscription).

  • DAZN – Offers NFL Game Pass and live playoff coverage in many Canadian territories, usually as a paid service.

There are no guaranteed fully free legal streams for the AFC Championship in Canada outside of local network promos, but many services have trial periods similar to the U.S.

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United Kingdom: Free & Streaming Options

Fans in the U.K. have several ways to watch:

  • Sky Sports NFL – Main broadcaster for NFL action, including playoff games. Subscription required.

  • NFL Game Pass via DAZN – Offers live and replay coverage of all playoff games. Paid, but sometimes offers promos.

  • Freeview Channel 5 (NFL on Free to Air) – British TV has recently expanded free NFL coverage, including some high-profile games like the Super Bowl, and may include playoff matchups like the AFC title game depending on scheduling deals.

While not always free for every game, the evolving NFL presence on Freeview means more U.K. games could be available without subscription.

Australia

Fans in Australia have multiple legal options to watch the AFC Championship live:

  • ESPN Australia – Broadcasts NFL playoff games live via cable TV and the ESPN app (subscription required).

  • NFL Game Pass International (via DAZN) – Offers full live coverage, replays, and on-demand access across devices.

  • Free-to-air highlights – Some major games receive delayed highlights on local networks, but live coverage is usually paid.

Kickoff time in Australia will be Monday morning (AEDT), making streaming services the most practical option for live viewing.

Viewing Around the World

NFL fans outside North America and the U.K. have plenty of options — most via NFL Game Pass International or regional free apps:

  • Australia/New Zealand – Some NFL games are free over-the-air via local networks like 7Mate / TVNZ Prime, or through free streaming apps with registration.

  • Europe, Latin America & Asia – NFL rights are split among broadcasters like ESPN, DAZN, RTR, and regional sports networks. Many countries’ NFL rights holders offer reasonable-priced streaming services or partner apps.

  • VPN Use – Technically legal for privacy, a VPN may allow you to access your home country’s stream while abroad — but always respect local rights and terms of service.

Team News: Broncos vs. Patriots

Patriots: New England earned its AFC Championship spot with a strong defensive performance in the Divisional Round. They feature a dynamic offensive leader with MVP potential and a defense that’s stepped up when it matters most.

Broncos: Denver has navigated postseason adversity, including losing starting quarterback Bo Nix to injury. Backup QB Jarrett Stidham is set to start, which creates a big storyline and potential advantage for New England.

Odds & H2H

Early betting lines indicate:

  • New England Patriots favored with a spread near −5.5 and shorter moneyline odds, reflecting confidence in their balanced attack and Denver’s quarterback uncertainty.

  • Broncos have longer moneyline odds but strong home-field advantage and a defense capable of controlling momentum.

Historical head-to-head between Denver and New England includes memorable matchups, though recent regular-season contests have been competitive and close.

Prediction

Given the current news and odds:

  • Patriots have the edge, especially if their offense continues its efficiency and defensive playmaking.

  • Broncos could pull the upset if their defense dominates and Stidham proves steady under pressure.

A close game — potentially decided in the fourth quarter — seems likely.

Final Takeaway: Free vs. Paid

Free options:
✔ Local CBS broadcast with antenna (U.S.)
✔ Free trials on streaming services
✔ Selected international free broadcasts or apps

Paid options:
✔ Paramount+ and NFL+
✔ Cable alternative services (Sky, TSN, DAZN)

Legal free streams are limited but do exist if you plan ahead and use trials wisely. Avoid illegal or pirated streams — not only are they unsafe, but they undermine the sport’s broadcast ecosystem.