The Cheapest Ways to Watch NFL Sunday Games Week 18 (All Under $10)
NFL Week 18 is uniquely suited for short-term, low-cost viewing, and with a bit of planning, you can watch legally for under $10 — sometimes for nothing at all.
This guide focuses only on Sunday games and breaks down the cheapest real-world options, including where each one works well and where it falls short.
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| The Cheapest Ways to Watch NFL Sunday Games |
Why Week 18 Is Ideal for Short-Term Subscriptions
Week 18 is different from every other NFL Sunday. All games are played on the same day, playoff implications are clear, and most fans only need access for one weekend.
That creates three advantages:
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Free trials still cover the full slate
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One-day or partial plans make financial sense
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You can cancel immediately after the games
If there’s ever a week to avoid long-term subscriptions, this is it.
The Absolute Cheapest Option: Free Over-the-Air TV
Before paying anything, check whether an antenna works for you.
FOX, CBS, and NBC all broadcast NFL games free over the air. With a basic digital antenna, you can watch:
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All early games
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All late-afternoon games
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Sunday Night Football
No login. No trial. No monthly fee.
If you live in range of local stations, this is the cheapest option — $0 total cost — and often the most reliable on a busy NFL Sunday.
One-Day Passes and Partial Bundles
Some streaming services quietly offer short-term access that works well for Week 18.
These options don’t always appear on the main pricing pages, but when available, they can be cheaper than a full month. They’re best for fans who want flexibility without committing long-term.
The downside? Availability changes by market and timing. Always confirm coverage before kickoff.
NFL+ Reality Check: Cheap, but Limited
NFL+ is often advertised as the budget option, and at around $7, it technically qualifies.
But there’s an important catch:
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Live games are mobile only
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No TV or desktop streaming for live games
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Best for one game at a time
If you’re watching on your phone while traveling, NFL+ can be worth it. If you want to follow multiple games or watch on a big screen, it’s not ideal.
NFL Week 18 Sunday TV Schedule (January 4, 2026)
Sunday Noon Kickoffs (1:00 p.m. ET)
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New Orleans Saints at Atlanta Falcons — FOX
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Cleveland Browns at Cincinnati Bengals — CBS
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Indianapolis Colts at Houston Texans — CBS
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Tennessee Titans at Jacksonville Jaguars — FOX
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Green Bay Packers at Minnesota Vikings — CBS
Sunday Late Afternoon Kickoffs (3:25 p.m. ET)
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Dallas Cowboys at New York Giants — FOX
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Los Angeles Chargers at Denver Broncos — CBS
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Arizona Cardinals at Los Angeles Rams — FOX
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Kansas City Chiefs at Las Vegas Raiders — CBS
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Miami Dolphins at New England Patriots — FOX
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New York Jets at Buffalo Bills — CBS
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Washington Commanders at Philadelphia Eagles — CBS
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Detroit Lions at Chicago Bears — FOX
Sunday Night Football (7:20 p.m. ET)
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Baltimore Ravens at Pittsburgh Steelers — NBC
When Free Trials Actually Make Sense
Week 18 is one of the few times free trials are genuinely useful.
A live-TV streaming trial can give you:
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FOX, CBS, and NBC
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Full Sunday coverage
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Access on TV, tablet, or phone
The key is timing. Sign up on Sunday morning, watch the games, and cancel immediately after Sunday Night Football.
Used responsibly, trials are legal, effective, and cost $0.
Cost Per Game: What You’re Really Paying
Here’s how the cheapest options break down when you think in per-game terms:
| Service | Price | Games Covered | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Antenna (OTA) | $0 | All Sunday games | Local viewers |
| Free live-TV trial | $0 | All Sunday games | New users |
| Paramount+ | ~$8 | CBS games only | CBS-heavy markets |
| NFL+ | ~$7 | Mobile-only | Phone viewers |
If you only care about one or two games, paying a small fee can still be cheaper than a full subscription.
Who Should Not Choose the Cheapest Options
Cheap isn’t always smart.
You may want to avoid ultra-budget setups if:
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You need guaranteed access to a specific out-of-market game
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You plan to watch on multiple TVs
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You want RedZone-style coverage
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You’re hosting a watch party
In those cases, a full live-TV bundle might be worth the extra cost for one month.
The Bottom Line
NFL Week 18 is the easiest week of the season to watch on a budget. Between free antennas, mobile-only plans, and short-term trials, most fans can watch legally for under $10 — or nothing at all.
The key isn’t finding the fanciest service. It’s matching the option to how, where, and how much you actually plan to watch.
