NBC has become the first US broadcaster to be allowed to stream National Football League games online.

The network will offer a web-based service which will stream the 17 weekly Sunday Night Football NFL broadcasts.

Viewers will be able to listen to the television audio feed from announcers Al Michaels and John Madden, and watch the game from several different camera angles.

The service will also offer picture-in-picture options and special statistics for the web stream, as well as a live in-game blog.

The streaming broadcast will be the first to be allowed by the NFL, which has several highly-lucrative broadcast deals. The service will be offered for NBC and the NFL's websites.

"This is an exciting step forward for us as we offer our fans a new way to consume NFL games," said Steve Bornstein, NFL executive vice president of media.

"We are combining NBC's outstanding Sunday Night Football telecast with extras that will enhance the enjoyment of the game."

The service will go live on 4 September for the opening night game between the New York Giants and the Washington Redskins.