NFL 2026 TV channel and live stream FREE: How to watch opening weekend in the UK without paying a penny

NFL has returned for the 2026 season, which means a lot of late night for fans in the UK. The season kicked off with a Super Bowl rematch between the Seattle Seahawks and New England Patriots in the early hours of Thursday, but today is the first full Sunday of action. Lamar Jackson’s Baltimore Ravens feature in tonight’s free matchups Credit: Getty Patrick Mahomes will return from his ACL injury for the Kansas City Chiefs in week one Credit: Getty There are some blockbuster matchups tonight, with the Buffalo Bills heading to the Houston Texans in one of the standout matches of the first week. When they met last year, Josh Allen threw two interceptions in a loss to CJ Stroud and Co – the Bills have since changed head coaches in a bid to finally win their first Super Bowl. Sign up for the Sport newsletter Thank you! UK favourites Jacksonville Jaguars host the Cleveland Browns in the opening week, with Trevor Lawrence looking to get off to a smooth start in his second year under Liam Coen. Lawrence and his side finished 13-4 last year and won the AFC South ahead of the Texans, before their season ended at the hands of Buffalo in the Wild Card round. How to watch NFL opening weekend for FREE In the UK, there will be two of the NFL’s opening matches broadcast for FREE this weekend. The Baltimore Ravens’ trip to the Indianapolis Colts and the NFC North clash between the Minnesota Vikings and Green Bay Packers are the matches that have been chosen for the first week. Channel 5 will show both matches across their channels. TV guide Most read in Sport 5.30pm – Baltimore Ravens @ Indianapolis Colts – 5 Action 9pm – Green Bay Packers @ Minnesota Vikings – 5 Both matches will also be streamed live and for free on the 5 app and website. Comment now