At a Glance
- Major NFL Week 18 games set the stage for playoff battles.
- Saturday features the Panthers vs. Buccaneers and Seahawks vs. 49ers on ABC/ESPN.
- Sunday’s 13 games spread across CBS, Fox, NBC, and streaming services; a VPN can help bypass blackout zones.
- Why it matters: Fans can plan viewing or streaming from anywhere, even if local broadcasts are unavailable.
NFL Week 18 kicks off Saturday with two nationally televised matchups that could decide division titles and the NFC West crown. The Sunday slate stretches across CBS, Fox, NBC, and several streaming platforms, offering fans a range of ways to catch every game-especially if a VPN can unlock access in blackout areas.
Saturday Showdowns
The Carolina Panthers face the Tampa Bay Buccaneers at 4:30 p.m. ET on ABC/ESPN, while the Seattle Seahawks take on the San Francisco 49ers at 8 p.m. ET on the same networks. Both games are available on ESPN’s direct-to-consumer service, ESPN Unlimited, which costs $30 per month.
| Time (ET) | Matchup | Channel | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| 4:30 p.m. | Panthers vs. Buccaneers | ABC/ESPN | ESPN Unlimited |
| 8:00 p.m. | Seahawks vs. 49ers | ABC/ESPN | ESPN Unlimited |
Sunday Lineup & Streaming Options
Sunday starts at 1 p.m. ET with 13 games split between CBS and Fox, followed by late-night matchups on NBC and Peacock. The full schedule is broken down below.
| Time (ET) | Matchup | Channel | Streaming |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1:00 p.m. | Packers vs. Vikings | CBS | Paramount Plus |
| 1:00 p.m. | Browns vs. Bengals | CBS | Paramount Plus |
| 1:00 p.m. | Colts vs. Texans | CBS | Paramount Plus |
| 1:00 p.m. | Saints vs. Falcons | Fox | Fox One |
| 1:00 p.m. | Cowboys vs. Giants | Fox | Fox One |
| 1:00 p.m. | Titans vs. Jaguars | Fox | Fox One |
| 1:00 p.m. | Jets vs. Bills | CBS | Paramount Plus |
| 4:25 p.m. | Chargers vs. Broncos | CBS | Paramount Plus |
| 4:25 p.m. | Chiefs vs. Raiders | CBS | Paramount Plus |
| 4:25 p.m. | Commanders vs. Eagles | CBS | Paramount Plus |
| 4:25 p.m. | Lions vs. Bears | Fox | Fox One |
| 4:25 p.m. | Cardinals vs. Rams | Fox | Fox One |
| 4:25 p.m. | Dolphins vs. Patriots | Fox | Fox One |
| 8:20 p.m. | Ravens vs. Steelers | NBC | Peacock |
If you don’t want a full-lineup service, CBS games can be streamed on Paramount Plus, Fox games on Fox One, and the Sunday night game on Peacock. ESPN Unlimited is required for the Saturday games.
Watch Anywhere with a VPN
A virtual private network lets you change your IP address so you can view games that might otherwise be blocked by blackout rules. VPNs also prevent ISP throttling and add privacy when using public Wi-Fi.
- Choose a VPN that offers servers in the United States and Canada.
- Log in to your streaming account and verify the registered address matches your location.
- For smart TVs that lack VPN apps, install the VPN on your router or use a mobile hotspot.
ExpressVPN is our top pick. It has 3000+ servers in 105 countries, no DNS leaks, 18 % speed loss in 2025 tests, and a 30-day money-back guarantee. Plans start at $3.49 per month on a two-year subscription, with a $13 per month option and $75 first-year or $98 first-two-years pricing.
Best Streaming Services for NFL Fans
While dedicated services like Paramount Plus, Fox One, and Peacock are cheaper than a full live-TV bundle, they lack the instant channel-switching that live-TV services provide. The most comprehensive options are:
- DirecTV MySports – $70 per month, includes ABC, CBS, Fox, NBC, and NFL Network.
- YouTube TV – $83 per month, add RedZone for $11 per month.
- Fubo – $85 per month, add RedZone for $11 per month; the new Fubo Sports plan costs $56 per month (first month $46).
- ExpressVPN – $3.49 per month (two-year plan) for VPN access.
All services allow cancellation at any time and require a solid internet connection.
Key Takeaways
- Week 18 features critical division and playoff-seed games on Saturday and a full slate of 13 Sunday matchups.
- Streaming options range from direct-to-consumer services to full live-TV bundles; a VPN can unlock games blocked by blackout rules.
- ExpressVPN is the recommended VPN, offering a low-cost plan, extensive server network, and reliable performance.
With the right streaming plan or VPN, fans can enjoy every Week 18 game from anywhere, whether they’re at home or on the road.
