How to Watch NFL Playoffs 2026: Stream Texans, Patriots, Rams & Bears
Stream the 2026 NFL Playoffs without cable. Watch Texans vs. Patriots on Paramount+ and Rams vs. Bears on Peacock. Get free trial tips and Wi-Fi 7 setup advice.
By Team Gimmie
Updated August 27, 2026
NFL SUNDAY PLAYOFFS: HOW TO STREAM THE TEXANS, PATRIOTS, RAMS, AND BEARS WITHOUT CABLE
It is playoff Sunday, and if you are a football fan, the air is thick with that specific brand of January tension. Today, we have two massive matchups: the Houston Texans taking on the New England Patriots, followed by the Los Angeles Rams facing off against the Chicago Bears. But for many of us, the real nail-biter is not the opening kickoff; it is the frantic five minutes before the game starts when you realize you are not exactly sure which app holds the keys to the broadcast.
The days of simply flipping to a channel number are gone. In 2026, watching the NFL playoffs is a strategic exercise in app management. If you have cut the cord, you know the freedom of avoiding a massive cable bill, but you also know the minor panic of the "Loading..." screen. Today, we are breaking down exactly how to watch these specific games, how to do it for free if you are savvy, and how to upgrade your tech so you never miss a game-winning drive to a buffering wheel again.
THE 2026 BROADCAST MAP: WHERE TO TUNE IN TODAY
This year, the NFL has leaned even harder into exclusive streaming partnerships. While local affiliates still carry games in their home markets, the national landscape for cord-cutters has shifted.
For the early window, the Houston Texans at the New England Patriots is a CBS broadcast. This means your primary destination is Paramount Plus. Unlike previous years where the "Essentials" plan might have left you out in the cold, today’s Paramount Plus subscription includes the live CBS feed for all playoff matchups. If you have a live TV streamer like YouTube TV or FuboTV, you can also find it on your local CBS affiliate, but for the direct-to-app crowd, Paramount Plus is the play.
The late game—Rams vs. Bears—is the one that might trip people up. This is an NBC broadcast, which means it is streaming exclusively on Peacock. We have seen Peacock become a major player in the NFL postseason over the last few years, and today is no different. You will need a Peacock Premium or Premium Plus account to access the live stream of the game. Do not wait until five minutes before the Rams take the field to find your password or update your payment method; the Peacock interface can get a bit crowded during high-traffic events.
