The rising costs of cable TV subscriptions have prompted many viewers to seek alternative ways to catch all the gridiron action. The good news is that even after cutting the cord, we can still enjoy a full slate of NFL games without having to subscribe to expensive cable packages.
This guide will explore the options to watch NFL games without a cable subscription, ensuring you don’t miss a single touchdown, field goal, or game-changing play.
From the NFL’s own dedicated streaming options to a range of cord-cutting services, I’ll share all the ways you can stay tuned into the upcoming NFL season.
11 Ways To Stream NFL Without Cable | Legit Options
Here’s a quick overview of the 11 main options for watching NFL games without a cable subscription:
| Service | NFL Coverage | Price | Simultaneous Streams |
|---|---|---|---|
| NFL Network | Analysis, highlights, exclusive shows | Included in many packages | Varies by provider |
| NFL+ | Live local & primetime games, replays | $6.99-$14.99/month | Mobile-only for live games |
| NFL Sunday Ticket | All out-of-market Sunday games | $379-$479/season | Varies (via YouTube TV) |
| YouTube TV | Local broadcasts, ESPN, NFL Network | $72.99/month | 4 |
| ESPN+ | Select games, analysis | $9.99/month | 3 |
| Amazon Prime Video | Thursday Night Football | $14.99/month | 3 |
| Paramount+ | CBS games, AFC matchups | $5.99-$11.99/month | 3 |
| Peacock Premium | NBC games, Sunday Night Football | $7.99-$13.99/month | 3 |
| Sling TV | ESPN, NFL Network, some locals | $40-$45/month | 1-3 |
| Hulu + Live TV | Local broadcasts, ESPN, NFL Network | $76.99-$89.99/month | 2 |
| Fubo | Local broadcasts, ESPN, NFL Network | $79.99-$99.99/month | 10 |
Haven’t cut cords yet? Follow this detailed guide to know how you should cut the cord on cable TV.
To further continue how you can watch your favorite team playing without a cable, read out the details below.
1. Watching On NFL Network
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | Typically included in streaming packages |
| NFL Content | Analysis, highlights, exclusive shows |
| Availability | Included with many streaming services |
| Platform link | Here |
NFL Network is the league’s free dedicated TV channel, offering 24/7 coverage of all things football. While it doesn’t air every game, it provides extensive analysis, highlights, and exclusive content for die-hard fans.
NFL Network is typically included in many streaming service packages or accessed through NFL+. The channel offers around-the-clock NFL coverage, live look-ins during game days, and exclusive shows and documentaries.
NFL Network is an essential resource for fans who want to immerse themselves in football culture beyond the games.
- NFL Inclusions – 24/7 NFL coverage and analysis, Live look-ins during game days, Exclusive NFL shows and documentaries.
- NFL Exclusions –Most live regular season games, Playoff games and Super Bowl
2. Watching On NFL+
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | NFL+ (Basic): $6.99/month or $49.99/yearNFL+ Premium: $14.99/month or $99.99/year |
| NFL Content | Live local/primetime games, replays, NFL Network |
| Availability | Mobile devices for live games, all devices for replays |
| Platform link | Here |
NFL+ is the league’s official streaming service, designed for mobile-first viewing. It offers a range of features for fans who want to stay connected on the go. The service is available in two tiers – Basic and Premium.
NFL+ provides live local and primetime games on mobile devices, game replays, condensed games, and NFL Network shows on demand.
The Premium tier adds coaches’ films and additional features like NFL Redzone access and game replays, making it an attractive option for fans who want to explore game strategy and analysis.
- NFL Inclusions: Live local and primetime games on mobile devices, game replays, and condensed games, and NFL Network shows on demand.
- NFL Exclusions: Out-of-market live games, streaming on TV devices (mobile-only for live games).
3. NFL Sunday Ticket
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $479/year (standalone)$379/year (with YouTube TV) |
| NFL Content | Sunday local televised games, nationally televised games, pre-season, playoff, and Super Bowl, and all out-of-market Sunday afternoon games |
| Availability | Through YouTube TV |
| Platform link | Here |
Earlier, it was exclusive to DirecTV, but it is now available through YouTube TV. This comprehensive package gives fans access to out-of-market Sunday afternoon games.
NFL Sunday Ticket allows you to watch any Sunday afternoon game outside your local market, making it ideal for fans living away from your favorite team’s local market. It offers multiple game viewing options and real-time stats, providing a complete NFL viewing experience.
- NFL Inclusions: All out-of-market Sunday afternoon games, real-time stats and scores, multiple game viewing options
- NFL Exclusions: Local market games, Thursday, Sunday, and Monday night games.
4. YouTube TV
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $72.99/month |
| NFL Content | Local broadcasts, ESPN, NFL Network |
| Simultaneous Streams | 4 |
| Platform link | Here |
YouTube TV has become a popular choice for cord-cutters, offering various channels, including those that broadcast NFL games.
Priced at $72.99/month, it includes local CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates, ESPN, and NFL Network. YouTube TV allows for 4 simultaneous streams, making it a good option for households with multiple viewers.
The service lacks out-of-market games unless you subscribe to the NFL Sunday Ticket add-on. However, its cloud DVR feature with unlimited storage is a significant advantage for recording games to watch later.
- NFL Inclusions: Local CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates, ESPN, NFL Network
- NFL Exclusions: Out-of-market games (unless subscribed to NFL Sunday Ticket add-on)
Bonus: Check out this guide and claim your free YouTube TV trial before subscribing to a paid plan.
5. ESPN+
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $9.99/month or $99.99/year |
| NFL Content | Limited live games, extensive analysis |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 |
| Platform link | Here |
ESPN+ is a standalone streaming service that complements ESPN’s cable offerings with additional content and some exclusive games.
Priced at $9.99/month or $99.99/year, it offers select exclusive NFL games, extensive analysis, and shows.
While it doesn’t provide access to most live NFL games aired on ESPN’s main channel, it’s a good supplementary service for hardcore fans who want more in-depth coverage.
- NFL Inclusions: Select exclusive games, NFL analysis, and shows
- NFL Exclusions: Most live NFL games aired on ESPN’s main channel
6. Amazon Prime Video
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $14.99/month (includes full Prime membership) |
| NFL Content | Thursday Night Football |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 |
| Platform link | Here |
Amazon Prime Video has exclusive rights to Thursday Night Football games, making it a must-have for NFL fans who want to catch every game of the week. Paired with the 30-day free trial, you can try out how this service fits as a cable tv substitute.
Priced at $14.99/month (which includes full Prime membership benefits) after the trial, it offers all Thursday Night Football games but no other NFL content. The service allows for 3 simultaneous streams.
- NFL Inclusions: All Thursday Night Football games
- NFL Exclusions: All other NFL games
7. Paramount+
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $5.99-$11.99/month |
| NFL Content | CBS games, including AFC matchups |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 |
| Platform link | Here |
Paramount+ offers live streaming of local CBS affiliates, making it a good option for watching AFC games on Sunday afternoons. Priced between $5.99-$11.99/month, it provides access to all CBS-aired games, including AFC coverage.
While it lacks games on other networks, it’s an affordable option for fans primarily interested in AFC matchups. Check out this full list of Paramount+ channels that you can stream alongside NBL action!
- NFL Inclusions: All CBS-aired games, including AFC coverage
- NFL Exclusions: Games on other networks
8. Peacock Premium
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $7.99-$13.99/month |
| NFL Content | NBC games, including Sunday Night Football |
| Simultaneous Streams | 3 |
| Platform link | Here |
Peacock Premium provides access to NBC’s NFL broadcasts, including Sunday Night Football. Priced at $5.99-$11.99/month, it offers Sunday Night Football and select other NBC games.
Like Paramount+, it’s limited to one network’s coverage but can be a cost-effective option for fans who prioritize Sunday night games.
- NFL Inclusions: Sunday Night Football, select other NBC games
- NFL Exclusions: Games on other networks
9. Sling TV
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $40-$45/month |
| NFL Content | ESPN, NFL Network, some local channels |
| Simultaneous Streams | 1-3 (package-dependent) |
| Platform link | Here |
Sling TV offers a more customizable approach to streaming, with different packages that include various NFL-carrying channels. Priced between $40-$45/month, it includes ESPN, NFL Network, and some local channels (market-dependent).
Sling TV’s flexibility allows users to tailor their subscription to their specific NFL viewing needs, although the lack of CBS can be a drawback for some fans. To overcome this drawback, get signed up for the Sling TV free trial for 7 days.
From what’s shared by Sling TV, it is apparently the most affordable way to watch the NFL without a cable.
NFL Inclusions: ESPN, NFL Network, some local channels (market-dependent) NFL Exclusions: CBS, some local affiliates
10. Hulu + Live TV
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $76.99/month-$89.99/month |
| NFL Content | Local broadcasts, ESPN, NFL Network |
| Simultaneous Streams | 2 |
| Platform link | Here |
Hulu + Live TV combines Hulu’s on-demand library with a robust selection of live TV channels, including those that broadcast NFL games. Priced at $69.99/month, it offers local CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates, ESPN, and NFL Network.
With 2 simultaneous streams allowed, it’s a comprehensive option for households that want both NFL coverage and a wide range of other content.
- NFL Inclusions: Local CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates, ESPN, NFL Network
- NFL Exclusions: Out-of-market games
11. Fubo
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Price | $79.99-$99.99/month |
| NFL Content | Local broadcasts, ESPN, NFL Network |
| Simultaneous Streams | 10 |
| Platform Link | Here |
Fubo is a sports-centric streaming service that offers a comprehensive selection of channels for NFL fans. Priced between $74.99-$94.99/month, it includes local CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates, ESPN, and NFL Network.
Fubo stands out with its allowance for 10 simultaneous streams, making it an excellent choice for large households or groups of friends who want to share a subscription.
- NFL Inclusions: Local CBS, Fox, and NBC affiliates, ESPN, NFL Network
- NFL Exclusions: Out-of-market games
How To Get The Maximum NFL Action?
To ensure you don’t miss any crucial NFL moments after cutting the cord, consider the following:
- Get NFL RedZone:
This channel provides live look-ins at every Sunday afternoon game, focusing on teams in scoring positions. It’s available as an add-on with many streaming services and is a must-have for fans who want to keep track of all the action across the league.
- Watch Out-of-market matches:
NFL Sunday Ticket through YouTube TV is your best bet for watching games outside your local market. This is particularly important for fans who support teams from different regions.
- Blackout games:
Use a combination of streaming services, an over-the-air antenna or using VPN, you can overcome potential blackouts. A VPN can be a low-cost way to ensure you have access to local broadcasts.
- Social media:
Follow official NFL accounts on platforms like Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook for real-time updates, highlights, and behind-the-scenes content. These platforms often provide quick score updates and key play highlights, enhancing your overall NFL viewing experience.
What’s The Best Way To Watch NFL Without Cable?
While streaming services offer convenient access to NFL games, there are other options that can enhance your viewing experience, with my favorite being the Apple Vision Pro experience:
1. Live At The Venue
Nothing beats the atmosphere of watching an NFL game in person. Attending games live offers:
- Unparalleled energy and excitement
- A chance to tailgate and connect with other fans
- The ability to see plays develop in real-time
While this option isn’t feasible for every game, attending even one live game per season can be a memorable experience that enhances your appreciation for the sport.
Note: NFL tickets depend on the game, time of booking, and teams playing. On an average, prices start from 36
2. Using Apple Vision Pro
From reality to virtual reality, the Apple Vision Pro headset promises to revolutionize how we consume content, including sports:
- Immersive 3D viewing experience
- Potential for multiple virtual screens to watch multiple games
- Interactive stats and information overlays
While this technology is still emerging, it represents the future of sports viewing, offering a level of immersion and interactivity that traditional viewing methods can’t match.
3. On Mobile Devices
Modern streaming services excel at providing flexible viewing options on mobile devices:
- Watch games on-the-go or while multitasking
- Access to live stats and additional content
- Ability to easily switch between games
This flexibility is particularly valuable for fans with busy schedules or those who travel frequently, ensuring you never have to miss a game.
Conclusion: You Can Watch The NFL Without Cable For Cheaper!
Cutting the cord doesn’t mean missing out on NFL action, in fact gives you an intense sideline experience. By leveraging a combination of streaming services and official NFL offerings, fans can access much of football content at a fraction of the cost of traditional cable packages.
The focus is to assess your viewing habits and priorities and choose the options that best fit your needs and budget. Consider factors such as:
- Which teams do you follow most closely
- How many games you typically watch each week
- Whether you prioritize live viewing or are content with replays
- Your budget for sports entertainment
By carefully selecting the right combination of services, you can create a customized NFL viewing experience with the flexibility and cost-savings offered by these cord-cutting options.
Ultimately, watching NFL games without cable allows fans to take control of their viewing experience and not miss a single play.
