The New England Patriots are one of the most popular teams in the NFL — their games draw fans not only in the US, but worldwide. But given that broadcasting rights vary (channel, streaming platform, region), it’s not always obvious where to catch them. Whether you’re in New England, elsewhere in the U.S., or abroad, there are several legal and reliable ways to watch Patriots games.
In this article, I guide you through all the main options — TV, streaming, radio — and point out what works inside and outside the Patriots’ home region.
Official ways to watch Patriots games
TV Broadcasts: Local channels and major networks
Some Patriots games are broadcast on major U.S. television networks, depending on the schedule and broadcast rights:
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When a game airs on a network like CBS (which often carries Sunday afternoon games), you can watch it via local CBS affiliates. (TVGuide.com)
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On a typical Sunday when the Patriots play locally (in or around Boston/New England), the game may appear on free over-the-air TV. For many Patriots fans in Boston, that means reception via local affiliates like the CBS station (WBZ‑TV), or — depending on the week — other local network affiliates. (Boston.com)
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For primetime games — e.g. Monday Night Football — a major sports network like ESPN may carry the game. (New England Patriots)
So if you’re in the local region and get network TV, this is often the simplest (and free) way to watch.
Streaming Services: For those without cable or outside the local area
For those without traditional cable — or those living outside the Patriots’ local market — streaming services are often the easiest way to catch the game. Here are some of the most reliable platforms:
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NFL+ — This is the league’s own subscription service. It allows fans, especially those outside the New England region, to stream regular‑season and postseason games (local and primetime) on mobile devices (phone/tablet). It also provides replays, game archives, and more. (New England Patriots)
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Paramount+ — When Patriots games are aired on CBS, Paramount+ becomes useful: fans with Paramount+ (or through Prime Video’s Paramount+ add-on) can stream those games live. (TVGuide.com)
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Other “all‑in‑one” live‑TV streaming platforms — Some services bundle major networks (CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, ABC) so you can catch nearly any NFL game. For example, platforms that carry a broad lineup of channels can cover many Patriots games. (Sportsnaut)
Because broadcast/ streaming rights vary week to week, streaming tends to offer more flexibility — especially if you’re outside the Patriots’ home area.
Radio and Audio Streaming
If you just want to listen to the game — or can’t stream video — there are also radio and audio options:
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For local fans in New England, the flagship radio station is the local sports radio affiliate (e.g. “98.5 The Sports Hub”). (New England Patriots)
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For broader audiences (outside New England, including international fans), some services associated with the NFL may carry live audio — though video streaming remains the main option for overseas fans. (New England Patriots)
What to do if you live outside the U.S. / internationally
If you’re abroad — say in India, UK, or elsewhere — watching NFL and Patriots games requires a little more planning. According to official information from the Patriots’ website:
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For “International” fans, there are streaming options under the Patriots’ official “Ways to Watch” guide. This suggests that through certain services designated for international distribution, fans worldwide can access games live or on-demand. (New England Patriots)
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Alternatively, when games are on US networks but streaming or broadcast rights don’t cover your region, services like NFL+ (or the international equivalent) may still offer game replays, highlights, or live streams — depending on rights. (New England Patriots)
Because licensing differs by country and by game, you’ll need to check — just before kick‑off — which streaming service legally covers your region.
Pros and Cons of Different Watching Methods
TV Broadcast
Pros:
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Often free if you have access to network TV (i.e. local affiliate)
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High reliability — no buffering, stable broadcast
Cons:
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Only works if you are in the home market or if your TV provider carries the channel
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Limited to scheduled games on that network — you might miss games if broadcast rights go elsewhere
Streaming Platforms (NFL+, Paramount+, etc.)
Pros:
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Accessible from anywhere (mobile, tablet, smart TV) — great if you’re outside the local market
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Flexible — you can often watch replays, highlights, or games on demand
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Covers a majority of games — especially for international fans
Cons:
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Requires a paid subscription (not free)
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Occasionally affected by region restrictions / rights blackouts — you must check which service covers your region before game time
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For some services, streaming may only be available on certain devices (e.g. mobile or tablet) rather than full‑screen TV. (New England Patriots)
Radio / Audio Streaming
Pros:
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Light on bandwidth; useful if you have poor internet or want to listen while doing other tasks
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Might work when video isn’t available
Cons:
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You miss out on visuals — no game highlights, replays, or big-screen experience
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Coverage may be limited depending on region or local affiliate availability
What’s Best for You — Depending on Where You Are
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If you live in or near Boston / New England and have good TV reception → Watch games on local TV via CBS, FOX, NBC, or ESPN depending on the schedule. It’s often free and reliable.
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If you live elsewhere in the U.S. (but want the full schedule) → Subscribe to a streaming service that bundles NFL channels (or use NFL+ / Paramount+ depending on game coverage). This gives flexibility and access to nearly all games.
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If you live outside the U.S. (international fan) → Check official international streaming offerings (as referenced on the team’s website) or use a global NFL streaming option that has rights for your region. Be sure to verify coverage before kickoff.
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If you just want audio or you have limited data → Use radio or audio streaming options wherever they’re available; better than missing the game altogether.
Recent Example (2025) — How a Game Was Available
A recent game involving Patriots illustrates the variety of watching options. For example, in the matchup between New York Giants and the Patriots (Week 13, 2025), the game was broadcast on ESPN for U.S. viewers and could also be streamed via major services. (Decider)
In addition, for fans outside the local market, the official “Ways to Watch” list from the Patriots offered streaming via NFL+ or international streaming rights — showing that even away‑market fans still had legitimate options. (New England Patriots)
Tips to Ensure You Don’t Miss a Game
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Check the schedule & broadcaster ahead of time. Because games may air on CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN or be available via streaming, it’s good to check which channel or platform will carry the game.
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Have more than one option ready. Sometimes the game might shift platforms (e.g. from network TV to streaming), so having both a TV/Tuner and streaming service helps.
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If you’re outside the U.S. — verify rights. International streaming rights vary by country. Always check a few hours before kickoff to confirm.
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Use official/legit services. Avoid shady “free streaming” sites (unofficial streams) — they’re often illegal and unreliable. Using official services like NFL+, Paramount+, or network streaming ensures stable quality and legality.
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Consider device compatibility. Some services stream only on phones/tablets (especially NFL+), not on large-screen TV — so choose what works best for you.
Conclusion
Watching the Patriots in 2025 is much easier than it used to be — thanks to a mix of broadcast TV, streaming platforms, and official NFL services catering to fans inside and outside the team’s local region.
If you live in the home region, local TV might be all you need. But if you’re elsewhere — even abroad — there are solid, legal ways to catch every snap, tackle, and touchdown via streaming. The key is to plan ahead: check each week’s game broadcaster, ensure you have the right subscription or app, and pick the method that fits your device and region.
No matter where you are, you don’t have to miss a Patriots game — you just need the right access.