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How to watch Patriots vs Bengals: CBS, Paramount+, streaming, and free options


The New England Patriots travel to face the Cincinnati Bengals in a crucial Week 12 AFC matchup as both teams try to keep their playoff hopes alive. After both franchises missed the postseason in 2024 – the Patriots at 4-13 and the Bengals at 9-8 – this game is a vital midseason test.

New England holds an 18-10 all-time series lead, including a 16-10 victory last season, but the Bengals look stronger at home this year and aim to even the rivalry. Kickoff is scheduled for 1:00 PM ET on Sunday, November 23, with the game airing on CBS and streaming on Paramount+.

Game information: New England Patriots at Cincinnati Bengals

DateSunday, November 23, 2025
Time (ET and PT)1:00 PM ET / 10:00 AM PT
VenuePaycor Stadium, Cincinnati, Ohio
TVCBS
StreamParamount+, NFL+
RadioNew England: 98.5 The Sports Hub; Cincinnati: ESPN 1530, 102.7 WEBN, 700 WLW
CoverageRegional – check 506Sports.com for updated maps
Free7plus

CBS broadcasts different games to different regions each Sunday. That means some markets will get Patriots vs Bengals, while others may see a different AFC matchup. Fans can also stream locally on Paramount+, listen on NFL+, or watch for free on Australia’s 7plus (when using a VPN while traveling). Streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and Fubo also carry local CBS stations.

Where to watch New England Patriots vs Cincinnati Bengals

The NFL assigns networks and kickoff times for each game when the schedule is released in May. Once confirmed, the game will air on CBS in most markets. Because CBS uses regional broadcasting, some areas may not receive the game. Fans unsure whether they fall within the broadcast footprint can check the official coverage map at 506Sports.com during game week.

Home-market affiliates

  • Boston: WBZ-TV (CBS) typically carries Patriots games at 1:00 PM ET.
  • Cincinnati: WKRC-TV (CBS) is the primary Bengals broadcaster.

These stations provide the local TV feed, and viewers in these markets can also stream through Paramount+ Premium. Paramount+ Essential includes “NFL on CBS” but may not carry the full local channel, so Premium is the more reliable option.

Note: Once CBS is confirmed as the broadcaster, fans in local markets can watch via their CBS station, stream on Paramount+ Premium, or sign in to the FOX Sports app if FOX ends up picking up the game. All local CBS/FOX games can be watched free with an over-the-air antenna, which is often the most reliable option if you’re in the coverage region.

How to watch New England Patriots vs Cincinnati Bengals for free

Several international broadcasters offer free NFL streams:

  • 7plus (Australia) – two Sunday games + Thursday Night Football
  • Channel 5 (UK) – one Sunday afternoon game + Monday Night Football
  • TVNZ+ (New Zealand) – weekly rotating Sunday game, including Patriots vs Bengals this week

These platforms are geo-restricted, but travelers can use NordVPN to securely access their home stream.

Free NFL broadcasts this week

GameFree platformDate
Minnesota Vikings vs Green Bay PackersTVNZ+ (NZ)November 23, 2025
New England Patriots vs Cincinnati BengalsTVNZ+ (NZ)November 23, 2025
Atlanta Falcons vs New Orleans SaintsTVNZ+ (NZ)November 23, 2025
Indianapolis Colts vs Kansas City ChiefsChannel 5 (UK)November 23, 2025

How to listen to New England Patriots vs Cincinnati Bengals on a radio

New England Patriots radio

The Patriots Radio Network covers six states, with the flagship station 98.5 The Sports Hub (WBZ-FM) hosting Bob Socci and Scott Zolak. Fans in the region can listen for free on FM radio or stream online via the station’s website.

The call is also available through iHeartRadio and TuneIn. The official Patriots app provides live audio for fans inside the New England market on iOS and Android, though geographic restrictions apply.

Cincinnati Bengals radio

The Bengals Radio Network features three flagship stations – WCKY 1530 AM, WEBN 102.7 FM, and WLW 700 AM – with Dan Hoard and Dave Lapham on the call. Streams are available for free through iHeartRadio or via the Bengals app for iOS and Android.

National radio options

  • SiriusXM broadcasts every NFL game nationwide. Plans start at $12.99/month: SiriusXM NFL
  • NFL+ offers live radio feeds for every game for $6.99/month, accessible on mobile/tablet: NFL+

These national platforms are especially useful for fans outside the New England and Cincinnati markets.

How to watch New England Patriots vs Cincinnati Bengals without cable

Because the game airs on CBS, any streaming service carrying local CBS affiliates can show the game. Regional availability still applies, so check 506Sports.com during game week if you are unsure whether your ZIP code receives the broadcast.

Live TV streaming services

Direct-to-consumer options

  • Paramount+ Premium ($12.99/month) streams CBS live in most markets.
  • NFL+ allows mobile/tablet streaming of local games but does not support TV devices.

How to watch Patriots vs Bengals on cable or satellite

Every major cable and satellite provider includes CBS, though the exact game you receive depends on your designated NFL market.

  • Xfinity – CBS in Choice TV; additional fees may apply
  • Spectrum – CBS in TV Select; no contracts
  • Cox – CBS in all plans; contracts common
  • DirecTV – CBS in all packages; 24-month agreement
  • DISH – CBS nationwide; 2-year price guarantee

Cable is the simplest option for viewers already within the local broadcast region.

How to watch New England Patriots vs Cincinnati Bengals out of market

Fans outside the Patriots’ and Bengals’ designated markets need an official out-of-market streaming service.

NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube TV)

NFL Sunday Ticket is the only US service offering out-of-market Sunday afternoon games.

Prices range from $349–$449, depending on whether you subscribe through YouTube TV or Primetime Channels. Blackouts apply if the game airs on your local CBS station.

NFL Game Pass International (DAZN / Prime Video)

NFL Game Pass International streams every NFL game live outside the US, including playoffs and the Super Bowl. Distributed via DAZN and Amazon Prime Video, prices vary by country (around £159.99 in the UK). A VPN lets travelers access their home subscription abroad. Here’s our guide: How to watch NFL on DAZN game pass international