The NFL is a highly popular sport with millions of fans watching the games each season. Knowing how to watch NFL games is a must for all – whether you’re an insane fan or just starting out in the sport. From traditional cable TV to newer streaming services, this guide will help you figure out how to watch live action. Below, we’re going to investigate the various way show you how a few ways on NFL games can be watched – so that you make sure never miss any minute of exciting gridiron action.
1. Cable and Satellite TV
Much of the fan experience continues to be driven by cable and satellite television. ESPN, NBC,CBS and FOX are the prime channel for most of the games including Sunday night football, Monday Night Football. Here’s what you need to know:Watch NFL Games.
Key Channels
- ESPN -Home of Monday Night Football
- Week 11 on NFL Sunday TicketFeatured Game of the WeekNBC: Airs SNF
- CBS and FOX: Regional Sunday afternoon games
- Pros and Cons
- Pros: Excellent high-definition quality, reliable coverage & other sports channels
- Cons: costly supplements, possible local sports blackouts and inflexibility in channels.
2. Streaming Services
The way we view NFL games has changed through the years.Especially when experiencing it via streaming services. StreamingIf you like to have the flexibility of watching games on different devices, then streaming may be right for you.
Popular Streaming Platforms
- NFL Game Pass: Is your out-of-market game live or is it simply an abbreviated “following” sequence? You can go beyond the replays of all games and get enhanced analysis right now.
- YouTube TV: This over-the-top service includes ESPN, NBC and Fox in most areas of the country, meaning it’s a comprehensive option for NFL fans.
- Hulu + Live TV – Another great selection that covers all of the biggest NFL broadcast networks.
- FuboTV: Fubo is best known as a sports-centric live TV streaming service.
- Pros and Cons
- Pros: Freedom, overall cheaper than cable and watching on multiple devices.
- Cons: Could lag when streaming, quality not the same based on internet speed and sometimes has region restrictions.
3. NFL Mobile App
Fans on the go, can check out games using the NFL Mobile App. The app, which is available for iOS and Android, provides live local and primetime games plus highlights beyond the box score.
Features
- Watch Local & Primetime Games: Watch local and primetime games for Free.
- Watch Game Highlights and Replays brought to you by MSG.
- Fantasy Football Integration – One Place to Manage your Fantasy Team and Draft
- Pros and Cons
- Pros: Portable, streams some local and national games for free, offers in-depth NFL coverage.
- Cons: Particular to specific games, screen size limited and may use a lot of data.
4. Over-the-Air Antenna
An over-the-air antenna is an inexpensive option. This will give you the ability to stream NFL games airing in your local market – including “Thursday Night Football” on Fox, Sunday regional afternoon games on CBS and Fox, everything broadcast by NBC (Sunday night) or ESPN (Monday night), as well all postseason matches.
How It Works
- Buy an Antenna: These can be purchased at most electronic stores, or online.
- Installation: Plug into TV and search for channels.
- Check out: Get exposure to local games on CBS, NBC and FOX.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: Free local game coverage, no sub costs and HD quality.
- Cons: No out-of-market games, signal reception problems and no pre-/postgame programming.
5. Sports Bars and Restaurants
Enjoy the game at a sports bar or restaurant that shows NFL games. The downside is there are multiple games going on at once. And this a great way to experience different parts of the game with other fans.
What to Expect
- Use Multiple Screens – Watch different Games at the same time.
- Fan Valet: Experience the action with your fellow fans.
- Food and Beverages : Eat delicious with the game.
Pros and Cons
- Principles: Social Experience, Many games and No Subcription Needed
- Cons: Cost for food and drinks, more crowded spaces here you lose some control of what gets shown.
6. Radio Broadcasts
The old standby is, of course the radio broadcast in case listening to a game turns out that you cannot watch it. Give it a go: local radio stations air live commentary and play-by-play updates
Benefits
- Listen On-The-Go: Perfect for driving or keeping you company on your commute!
- Commentary: Get the live thoughts of The Seattle Times sports staff on our local teams.
- Not a TV Replacement: Awesome for times you can’t be looking at the screen.
Pros and Cons
- FREE PROS: Easy to access, portable, interactive commentary.
- Cons: No section for visuals, potential signal issues and limited to some regions.
7. NFL Sunday Ticket
Best ForDie-Hard FansNFL Sunday TicketFor the truly rabid NFL fan, DirecTV offers a premium package that includes every game on Sundays. For fans who like to follow teams other than the Buccaneers, it gives you all of the out-of-market Sunday afternoon games.
Features
- Every out-of-market game: See games not broadcast in your local area.
- Player Tracker: Follow behind and follow your favorite players.
- Fantasy Zone Channel: Fantasy football insights and stats.
Pros and Cons
- Benefits: Full coverage, ability to watch out-of-market games.
- The Bad: Expensive, needs a DirecTV subscription and not in all areas.
8. International Options
NFL Live Stream: Watch NFL Online (Even Free) in 2019 Season For fans landed outside the US, they can watch by going through several international offerings. The NFL has distribution deals with various networks and streaming services around the world.
Great Global Broadcaster
- DAZN – Available in Canada, Germany and Japan (to name a few), with NFL Game Pass.
- Sky Sports: the UK and Ireland’s home for live coverage.
- ESPN International, which provides coverage for Latin America and the Caribbean among other areas.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: World access to NFL games, Depth options often go complete with sports content.
- Cons: Country specific, may have limitations and paid-subscription.
9. Watching on Social Media
The NFL Is Coming To A Social Media Platform Near You The latest sport to be driven further into the social media…medium.com Sporting KC: You won’t get full games but you can watch highlights and both live updates as well as behind-the-scenes.
Platforms to Follow
- Twitter (Updates in Real-Time, + Highlights and Commentary)
- Facebook: Live updates, connecting with fans and official team pages.
- Instagram, Visuals/Scripting for stories and some player highlights
- YouTube: Game recaps, player interviews and exclusive footage.
Pros and Cons
- Pros: free to access, live updating, connects you with other fans
- Cons: Not all games are shown in their entirety, content is siloed and potential for spoiler.
Watch NFL Games
There are so many ways to watch the NFL games that never before there has been such a multitude of alternatives made available to more tastes and budgets. There’s a method best suited to your needs, whether you’re hanging on for dear life with the increasingly antiquated traditional cable experience or AVoD versioning it up and need something easier than signing into yet another pesky streaming service each time; enjoy an away game down at the neighborhood precinct. Enjoy the variety of options and get your NFL fix from home or on-the-go! These methods will also guarantee that you never miss a touchdown, tackle or game-winning play.
And it is up to you how close or far away from the action you would like to be. Pick your favorite and get all of your friends and family together for what should be an epic football-watching season. Happy watching!
