For dedicated football fans, missing a game isn’t an option — and the NFL Network delivers nonstop coverage, real-time updates, exclusive analysis, and behind-the-scenes access that’s unavailable on standard sports channels. Whether it's preseason matchups, Thursday Night Football, or exclusive events like the NFL Scouting Combine, this network connects fans directly to the heart of the league.
Subscribing to Optimum TV gives you access to a comprehensive sports lineup, but unlocking the full experience hinges on knowing exactly where to find the action. NFL Network is part of Optimum’s sports package lineup, which means subscribers can keep up with all the play-by-play coverage and never fall behind on the league’s biggest stories.
This guide breaks down the specific channel number for NFL Network on Optimum in various regions, outlines the additional features included with an NFL Network subscription through Optimum, and provides tips on how to enhance your viewing experience. Ready to dive in?
Optimum TV subscribers can locate NFL Network on different channel numbers depending on their geographic area. The network is typically available in both Standard Definition (SD) and High Definition (HD) formats, with separate channel assignments for each. Use the table below for a quick region-based lookup of the NFL Network channel on Optimum in select northeastern states.
For other locations, NFL Network may appear on a different channel number. Regional variations occur due to local broadcasting arrangements and system upgrades. Subscribers outside of NY, NJ, or CT may need to consult the Optimum channel guide or use the search function on their remote.
Both SD and HD streams offer full programming, but HD delivers a sharper, more immersive viewing experience—especially noticeable during fast-paced NFL matchups. If you’re using older equipment or a non-HD television, your set-top box may default to channel 219. However, HD-enabled setups will automatically tune to 719 when available.
On Optimum, NFL Network HD is available on channel 219. Standard-definition broadcasts lack the crisp detail and clarity that HD delivers, especially during fast-paced action like football. To ensure you're watching the game with the best possible picture, tune in to channel 219 rather than the standard-definition version.
To confirm channel availability, use the on-screen guide or the Optimum website and filter the listings for HD content. Not all packages include NFL Network, so access to the HD channel may depend on your subscription tier.
HD viewing begins with compatible hardware. The following devices fully support the high-definition broadcast of NFL Network through Optimum:
Watching football in HD significantly alters the visual experience. Details become sharper—individual blades of grass, jersey textures, and scoreboard graphics are all rendered with precision. The enhanced refresh rate reduces motion blur, making running plays and long passes easier to follow with the eye.
The widescreen 16:9 aspect ratio puts more of the field in view, offering a better understanding of formations and in-play strategy. Fans watching in high definition notice improved lighting contrast and broader color depth during day and night games alike.
Missed tackles, sideline reactions, referee calls—all appear clearer. With NFL Network in HD on Optimum, you're no longer just following football. You're seeing it unfold in cinematic quality.
Each week during the NFL season brings new matchups, breaking news, and deep-dive commentary — all broadcast through the NFL Network. To stay ahead, go straight to the source: visit nfl.com/network/schedule for the latest programming grid. This page updates in real time and outlines everything airing over the coming days, from prime time games to late-night replays.
Optimum’s on-screen guide also syncs with the latest listings. Press the ‘Guide’ button on your remote, enter “NFL Network” or navigate to the channel number assigned in your region, then scroll to view the full broadcast lineup for the week.
Never miss a kickoff again. Use your Optimum remote to schedule reminders with just a few clicks. While viewing a future broadcast on the guide, press the ‘Info’ button, then select ‘Set Reminder’. Your screen will flash a minute before the program begins.
Prefer mobile control? Open the Optimum TV app, find the NFL Network show you want to watch, and tap the bell icon to enable notifications for upcoming broadcasts. This works across all live games, studio shows, and replays.
Plan ahead, set alerts, and stay immersed in the action all season long.
NFL Network broadcasts a steady rotation of live games throughout the regular season, particularly on Thursday nights. These games, branded as Thursday Night Football, air nationally and include exclusive matchups not available on local channels. Subscribers with access to NFL Network through Optimum can watch these games live without needing any additional equipment or subscriptions. Live coverage begins with pre-game commentary and extends through post-game analysis.
While many NFL games air on CBS, FOX, or NBC, certain matchups are broadcast only on NFL Network. These include select international games played in London and Germany, early Saturday matchups in December, and specific late-season prime-time games. For these games, access to NFL Network is the sole means of viewing them live on TV. Without it, fans miss out on nationally relevant showdowns that impact playoff races and seeding.
Local blackout policies can occasionally block access to games due to regional broadcasting rights. When a local station holds exclusive rights to a game, the NFL Network feed may be replaced or not available in that region for that matchup. These restrictions apply mostly to in-market games and follow guidelines set by broadcasting agreements. In such cases, fans may need to switch to their local affiliate to catch the action.
Optimum subscribers with DVR service can record NFL Network games to watch at their convenience. The system allows for full recordings, live pause and rewind, and even scheduled series recordings for recurring programs like Good Morning Football or weekly game replays. Record an entire Sunday lineup or save key matchups for strategic rewatching—and skip commercials in the process. Just set the recording widget through your Optimum remote or mobile app and build your own football archive.
Subscribing to NFL Network with Optimum begins with understanding how its TV plans are structured. Optimum doesn’t include NFL Network across all packages, so the first step is choosing the right level of service that meets your sports-viewing needs.
Optimum offers multiple TV packages, but only certain tiers allow access to premium sports networks like NFL Network. Here’s a quick breakdown:
If NFL Network isn’t in your base plan, you’ll need to explore additional add-ons to access it.
NFL Network is part of Optimum’s Sports and Entertainment Pack. This add-on includes a lineup of sports-centric channels designed for fans who want year-round coverage.
This package pairs well with sports households looking for more than just football — baseball, basketball, and college athletics come bundled alongside NFL content.
The Sports and Entertainment Package currently starts at approximately $15 per month in addition to your base Optimum package. Pricing can vary slightly by region, but NFL Network will remain part of the lineup nationwide when this add-on is selected.
For subscribers with the Premier TV plan, NFL Network and a broader group of sports channels might already be included — no separate add-on required. Always check your existing channel lineup to avoid duplicate subscriptions.
If your football appetite extends beyond regular NFL matchups, Optimum provides plenty of supplemental options:
Combining these networks enhances the total football experience, keeping you plugged into both pro and college action throughout the season.
To access the NFL Network on your Optimum TV plan, start by reviewing your current package. The NFL Network typically falls under Optimum’s sports add-on packages or higher-tier plans like Core TV or Value TV Plus, depending on your region.
Upgrading your package involves a few straightforward steps:
If you're tuning in for the season and want minimal downtime, account changes usually take effect within minutes after confirmation.
Prefer handling it over a call or via mobile? Contact Optimum’s customer service directly at 1-866-200-7273. Agents are available to help you identify which upgrade includes NFL Network and can initiate changes on your behalf.
You can also use the Optimum Support app:
The app allows for plan updates, support requests, and billing adjustments, all in just a few taps.
If you're already subscribed but don’t see NFL Network on your guide, check your plan details to confirm inclusion. Head to optimum.net/profile and select TV Plan for an overview of included channels.
Still not there? Here’s what to do next:
If you've upgraded but the channel doesn't appear, equipment might need to be refreshed or updated. A quick reset of your set-top box often resolves the issue.
NFL Network isn’t limited to your living room. Streaming with Optimum opens access on a variety of devices, letting fans catch live games, original programming, and breaking league news from virtually anywhere.
To stream NFL Network in HD quality without buffering, minimum bandwidth should reach 5 Mbps per device for consistent performance. For 4K streaming (when available), 25 Mbps or higher delivers optimal results. Connecting via home Wi-Fi ensures fewer interruptions, while mobile networks may require stronger LTE or 5G signal levels to match the experience.
At home, use your smart TV or streaming box for game-day viewing on the biggest screen available. On-the-go fans prefer tablets or smartphones—ideal for watching live games during commutes or break times. Because both the Optimum and NFL apps remember login credentials, switching between devices requires no repeated sign-ins.
Got a tailgate party coming up or traveling during football season? Grab your phone, connect to LTE or secure Wi-Fi, and start streaming NFL Network within seconds using your Optimum credentials.
The Optimum on-screen channel guide offers a direct path to the NFL Network without digging through endless listings. To start, press the “Guide” button on your Optimum remote. This brings up the full TV grid, showing current and upcoming programs across every channel in your lineup.
Once the guide is open, use the remote’s directional pad to scroll through channels—either by number or by category. You can jump ahead in 30-minute increments to check when upcoming NFL shows, live games, or specials will air on NFL Network. NFL Network is usually located on Channel 219 and Channel 172 (HD), but this may vary slightly by region, so the guide ensures accuracy for your specific area.
Rather than browsing a comprehensive list of every single channel, use filters to streamline your view. The guide’s filter settings allow you to display only categories based on content type—in this case, sports.
This method reduces clutter, making it faster to view other sports channels like ESPN, Fox Sports, and CBS Sports—helpful when planning your entire football weekend lineup.
If your Optimum remote has a built-in microphone, voice search beats manual browsing every time. Hold the microphone button and say, “Go to NFL Network” or “NFL RedZone schedule”. The TV instantly jumps to the right channel or displays upcoming programming blocks.
In systems without voice capability, the search bar within the guide accomplishes a similar function. Press the Search button on your remote, type in “NFL Network”, and the guide will display all related channels and active listings—for both live and upcoming broadcasts.
In either case, there’s practically no delay. Results appear in seconds, letting you flip directly to live games or set reminders for pregame analysis, NFL Total Access, or Thursday Night Football matchups.
Optimum doesn’t assign a universal channel number for NFL Network across all service areas. Subscribers in Brooklyn won’t see the same number as someone in Long Island or Connecticut. This variation stems from Optimum’s regional broadcasting systems, which tailor channel lineups based on ZIP codes and infrastructure differences within the service footprint.
For example, in Nassau County, NFL Network appears on channel 219, while in the Bronx, the same network might be found on a different channel—sometimes 150 or 170 depending on local network configuration. These shifts in channel placement directly reflect the way Optimum segments its service territories.
The type of cable box in use can alter your channel guide. Legacy digital boxes and the newer Altice One systems access content differently. Altice One subscribers benefit from a streamlined interface and centralized software updates, which can lead to slight differences in channel organization compared to older models.
If you're using the older Scientific Atlanta or Samsung models, expect the channel lineup to reflect configurations designed over a decade ago. In contrast, Altice One integrates HD channels and streaming services directly into the main guide, sometimes resulting in separate channel numbers or tier-based access.
The fastest way to confirm the NFL Network channel number in your location is by visiting Optimum’s official Channel Guide. Entering a specific ZIP code pulls up a current and localized list of all available channels, including HD options, premium networks, and any regional sports networks that are bundled into your plan.
This method ensures accurate results and reflects any recent lineup changes, especially during football season when temporary blackouts or national simulcasts might prompt slot changes.
Have you checked your ZIP code yet to see where NFL Network lands in your area? Try it now and compare it with other nearby regions. The differences might surprise you.
To start watching the NFL Network on Optimum, go directly to channel 219 in HD or channel 29 in SD in most areas. For regional variations, use the Optimum interactive Channel Guide or type your ZIP code into the ✅ Quick Channel Lookup Box on Optimum’s website. That’s the fastest way to confirm your local lineup.
No other channel matches the depth and breadth of football content offered by the NFL Network. Access year-round programming, including exclusive Thursday Night Football games, real-time coverage of training camps, in-depth game analysis, and original series like "NFL Total Access" and "Good Morning Football."
Subscribers with the Sports & Entertainment Pak unlock even more vantage points through RedZone and NFL Films content. Every snap, stat, and strategy breakdown is just a channel switch away.
Already subscribed to Optimum? Open the 📲 Optimum TV App to verify whether NFL Network is included in your plan — a quick check under "My Account" reveals your active channel package. Not seeing the channel? Tap into the “Add Channels” section to include the Sports & Entertainment Pak with just a few clicks.
For those streaming on the go, set up your access in under 5 minutes. Watch the 📺 GIF tutorial embedded below to follow the streaming setup step-by-step, or download the 📝 Weekly NFL Game Schedule (PDF) to plan your perfect football weekend.
The game is on. All that's left is making sure you're tuned in to the right channel — because that’s where NFL lives, and where football thrives every down, every week.
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