Do you want to know where to watch NFL football games? We’ve got all the info you need. From streaming services to cable TV and even mobile apps to watch the playoffs, there’s a suitable option for everyone. There’s also some insight I can give to you for optimizing your NFL viewing experience.

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Where to Watch NFL Football in 2024

You want to know where to watch the NFL playoffs, right? Well, here’s the guide you need. I’ve got details of the top streaming services, the best cable and satellite TV channels and guidance on using mobile apps for viewing the games.

Where to watch NFL games for free

1. Streaming Services

The table below highlights the various streaming services available for where to watch NFL playoffs and other associated shows. Each one brings something different to the experience.

Streaming Service

Live Games

Highlights Replays

Analysis Shows

Hulu + Live TV

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

Peacock

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

YouTube TV

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

Amazon Prime Video

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

FUBO

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

ESPN+

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

NFL+

Yes

Yes Yes

Yes

Paramount+

Yes

No No

No

Sling TV

Yes

Yes Yes

No

DirectTV Stream

Yes

Yes No

No

Netflix

Yes

No No

No

The streaming services noted above come with their own subscription costs to pay. There may also be free trials that you can take advantage of for set periods of time. Below, you can see official details of all relevant streaming service costs.


Streaming Service

Monthly Cost

Annual Cost

Free Trial

NFL Packages/Bundles
Hulu + Live TV $76.99 N/A 3 Days Yes (NFL Network + Sports Add-on for $10)
Peacock $7.99 $79.99 N/A Yes (Premium and Premium Plus Plans)
YouTube TV $72.99 N/A Various Yes (NFL Sunday Ticket Add-on)
Amazon Prime Video $14.99 $139 30 Days Yes (NFL Game Pass)
FUBO $79.99 N/A 7 Days Yes (NFL Network, NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL RedZone)
ESPN+ $10.99 $109.99 N/A No
NFL+ $6.99 – $14.99 $49.99 – $99.99 N/A Yes (NFL+ and NFL+ Premium)
Paramount+ $7.99 – $12.99 $59.99 – $119.99 7 Days No
Sling TV $30 N/A N/A Yes (Sling Orange & Blue with Sports Extra for $11)
DirectTV Stream $69.99 – $149.99 N/A 5 Days Yes (Sports Pack for $14.99)
Netflix $6.99 – $22.99 N/A N/A No

Different streaming services are compatible with different devices. In the table below, you will see which of the mentioned services are accessible via smartphone, tablets, Smart TVs and so on.


Streaming Service

Compatible Devices

Setup Tips
Hulu + Live TV Web Browsers, Mobile Devices, Tablets, Streaming Sticks, Gaming Consoles, Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes Use the Hulu app and check for device updates
Peacock Web Browsers, Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, Set-Top Boxes Check your internet connection speed first
YouTube TV Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, Mobile Devices, Tablets, Web Browsers Incorporate ESPN into your package to roll everything into one.
Amazon Prime Video Mobile Devices, Streaming Sticks, Gaming Consoles, Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes, Blu-Ray Players, Web Browsers Utilize the Prime Video app and enable high-definition streaming
FUBO Smart TVs, Web Browsers, Mobile Devices, Tablets Make sure you have a high-speed connection
ESPN+ Mobile Devices, Gaming Consoles, Tablets, Streaming Sticks, Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes Use alongside YouTube TV to combine services
NFL+ Mobile Devices, Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, Tablets Access by logging into your NFL.com account, if you prefer
Paramount+ Web Browsers, Mobile Devices, Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes, Gaming Consoles, Tablets Register on the day the season begins to take advantage of 7-day free trial
Sling TV Web Browsers, Mobile Devices, Gaming Consoles, Set-Top Boxes, Smart TVs, Tablets Download the app, browse the TV guide
DirectTV Stream Mobile Devices, Smart TVs, Web Browsers, Tablets, Streaming Sticks Connect to the same Wi-Fi network as your TV and use the DirectTV Stream app
Netflix Smart TVs, Mobile Devices, Streaming Sticks, Tablets, Web Browsers, Gaming Consoles, Set-Top Boxes Use the Netflix app for the best experience

2. Traditional Cable and Satellite

There are many channels that offer NFL coverage, which include the following:

  • CBS
  • ESPN
  • FOX
  • NBC
  • ABC

If you are a cable or satellite subscriber, then you can access these channels by selecting your preferred one via your television. Different regions will have different levels of access. This means some NFL games will only be available in certain areas. For more insight into this, you need to consult your local station schedule.

For broader access to games, you can always turn to NFL Sunday Ticket. Customers were previously charged $300 per season for subscribing to this service, although the NFL was recently ordered to pay $4.7 billion in damages for artificial price inflations. Sunday Ticket now falls under the ownership of YouTube.

So, when it comes to deciding where to watch NFL football, how do you decide between streaming services or cable/satellite options? Here are some pros and cons of sticking with traditional TV over streaming services.

Pros of Traditional Cable / Satellite:

 

  • Larger channel lineup
  • No need for multiple packages
  • Reliable broadcasts/high-quality
  • Doesn’t rely on an internet connection

Cons of Traditional Cable / Satellite:

 

  • Can be a lot more expensive
  • Streaming services are more flexible
  • Streaming comes with additional content
  • Not as convenient/accessible as streaming

3. Mobile Apps and On-the-Go Watching

Many of the same streaming services already mentioned offer mobile apps to use for watching NFL games. The Paramount+ app, for example, is ideal for watching CBS games. Peacock+ and ESPN+ are also available for Android and iOS users to enjoy. NFL+ serves as the NFL’s exclusive streaming service, offering local and primetime games, NFL RedZone and much more.

Aside from those already mentioned, you can download the Yahoo Sports app to stream NFL games. If you’re looking for the best app to stream NFL games, I recommend either YouTube TV or FUBO TV. With any mobile app offering live streaming, you should ensure you always have a strong, secure Wi-Fi or data connection. In terms of the latter, you also need to make sure your mobile service plan includes enough data to cover the usage for streaming full games.

An extra benefit that comes with watching on a mobile app is that you can quickly switch between it and your favorite sports betting app for placing wagers. Included on many of the best NFL apps are extra features, such as real-time stats and highlights. They can help with deciding on which way to bet.

Quick Comparison: Where to Watch NFL Football

Platform

Service

NFL Coverage Cost Free Trial

Device Compatibility

NFL+ Streaming, Mobile App Live Games
Highlights
Replays
Analysis shows
$6.99/month
$49.99/year

7 Days

Mobile Devices, Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, Tablets
YouTube TV Streaming, Mobile App Live Games
Highlights
Replays
Analysis shows
$72.99/month

Various

Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, Mobile Devices, Tablets, Web Browsers
Hulu + Live TV Streaming, Mobile App Live Games
Highlights
Replays
Analysis shows
$76.99/month

3 Days

Web Browsers, Mobile Devices, Tablets, Streaming Sticks, Gaming Consoles, Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes
FUBO TV Streaming, Mobile App Live Games
Highlights
Replays
Analysis shows
$79.99/month

7 Days

Smart TVs, Web Browsers, Mobile Devices, Tablets
Sling TV Streaming, Mobile App Live Games
Highlights
Replays
$30/month

No

Web Browsers, Mobile Devices, Gaming Consoles, Set-Top Boxes, Smart TVs, Tablets
Amazon Prime Video Streaming, Mobile App Live Games
Highlights
Replays
Analysis shows
$14.99/month
$139/year

30 Days

Mobile Devices, Streaming Sticks, Gaming Consoles, Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes, Blu-Ray Players, Web Browsers
Paramount Streaming, Mobile App, Cable, Satellite Live Games $7.99/month
$59.99/year

7 Days

Web Browsers, Mobile Devices, Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes, Gaming Consoles, Tablets
Peacock Streaming, Mobile App, Cable, Satellite Live Games
Highlights
Replays
Analysis shows
$7.99/month
$79.99/year

No

Web Browsers, Smart TVs, Gaming Consoles, Set-Top Boxes
DirecTV Streaming, Mobile App, Cable, Satellite Live Games
Highlights
$69.99/month

5 Days

Mobile Devices, Smart TVs, Web Browsers, Tablets, Streaming Sticks
ESPN+ Streaming, Mobile App Live Games
Highlights
Replays
Analysis shows
$10.99/month
$109.99/year

No

Mobile Devices, Gaming Consoles, Tablets, Streaming Sticks, Smart TVs, Set-Top Boxes

Pros and Cons of Different Platforms

Platform

Pros

Cons

NFL+ — Affordable
— Mobile access
— Game replays
— Limited to Mobile
— Doesn’t include live out-of-market games
YouTube TV — No contract
— Cloud DVR with unlimited storage
— Broad channel coverage
— Higher cost
— Regional restrictions may apply
Hulu + Live TV — Includes Disney+ and ESPN+
— Extensive on-demand library
— Extra $10 for NFL Network
— Relatively expensive
FUBO TV — Sports-focused
— Includes NFL RedZone
— 1000 Hours of Cloud DVR
— Higher price
— Local channel availability may vary
Sling TV — Flexible pricing
— Add-ons available
— Good for budget users
— Regional restrictions
— Limited channel selection without add-ons
Amazon Prime Video — Includes Prime Video library
— Exclusive Thursday
— Night Football games
— Limited to Thursday games
— Requires full Prime subscription
Paramount — Affordable
— On-demand library
— Access to CBS content
— Limited to CBS games
— Fewer games compared to other services
Peacock — Affordable
— Live sports
— Includes other NBC content
— Limited to Limited to NBC games
— Fewer games than other services
DirecTV — No need for internet
— Comprehensive out-of-market game coverage
— Expensive
— May experience blackouts
ESPN+ — Affordable
— Original programming
— Includes other ESPN content
— Limited game selection
— Mostly on-demand content
— Not a comprehensive NFL package

How to Optimize Your NFL Viewing Experience

So, how do you get the best sort of viewing experience for NFL games? Believe me, there are ways and means to enhance your setup for this. This includes details on setting up your own fun-filled home viewing experience, what to do to watch NFL games if you’re on a budget, insights into watching NFL games while travelling, and information on enhancing your experience via social media.

where to watch NFL playoffs

1. Set Up an Ultimate Home Viewing Experience

It is ideal to consider all aspects of watching NFL games – sounds, picture quality and portability as starting points. Surround sound systems can introduce a much more immersive experience for you. This can make it feel like you’re right there in the stadium.

Try options like:

  • Sonos Arc
  • Logitech Z906
  • Bose Smart Ultra Soundbar

Why not consider a TV with Dolby Atmos included? This creates a 3D sound experience for you to hear all angles of the game playing out. Combine this with a 4K television to see everything in the best definition. Of course, there are certain players you won’t be seeing this season. Find out which players these are by reading our guide to the biggest deadweight gone from each NFL team this year.

How about watching the games outside? Get yourself a projector, such as the Anker Nebula Mars. It’s highly portable and projects up to 120 inches in 1080p! Bring a better atmosphere to the house on game day with team-themed decorations or host a game-day party for you and your friends.

Make sure there’s a snack station available for those guests who want something tasty during the game. If you want to use a streaming service, make sure you own a streaming stick, gaming console or other device to allow for this.

2. Watching NFL Games on a Budget

Many people ask where to watch NFL games for free, as not everyone has a budget suitable for the big streaming services. You can always take advantage of the free trials provided by some of the companies. Amazon Prime Video features a 30-day trial, while FUBO and Paramount+ are available for free for 7 days each.

If you have a connected TV, you can use the NFL Channel. This is the NFL’s 24/7 channel, which is free and always offering content. It features live game day coverage (not live game broadcasts) and NFL game replays for you to watch. It is also available via the NFL App or via a partner platform – LG, Peacock, Pluto TV, Roku, Tubi, Vizio or Xumo.

Try sharing a streaming account with friends or family, which helps with splitting costs. Make sure more than one person can use the account at once, though. Something else to consider for where to watch NFL football for free is to use an antenna for local broadcasts. Or you could tune into radio streams for audio coverage.

3. Watching NFL Games While Traveling

We all like to travel, and if you’re doing this while the NFL season is active, you could try seeking out local viewing spots. Sports bars are popular in many countries.

If you’re not interested in watching alongside others, then try using a VPN on your laptop or mobile device. This masks your IP address, making it look like you’re still within the USA. NordVPN and ExpressVPN are two good options to use for streaming sports events. These can also be of assistance when accessing new betting sites while traveling, so you can still bet on your chosen games.

If you know you aren’t going to have reliable access to the internet while abroad, investigate downloading games or NFL highlights before you go. You can then watch these while offline to keep up on the season’s happenings.

4. Social Media and Live Commentary

It can be just as entertaining to turn to social media for extra NFL entertainment. Most NFL players have accounts on X (formerly Twitter), Instagram and Reddit, providing extra insights. Some streaming platforms also have their own accounts, where live reactions are provided to comment on. There is even the chance to get involved in fan polls while games are playing out.

You can listen to live commentary on radio stations or YouTube channels, too. Why not subscribe to a channel or join fan groups on social media to connect with other NFL fans? If you’re still figuring out how to watch NFL football, being able to do so alongside other fans can be one of the most enjoyable experiences.

Conclusion

We’re all looking forward to the NFL season kicking off once again. It brings an unparalleled level of excitement, and you can enjoy it to the max with the right sort of setup. Try out different platforms and services to see which one works best for you. It’s all about having the ultimate NFL viewing experience.

When you’ve found what you think is the best way to watch NFL football, share your setup in the comments or on social media. Others may want to follow in your footsteps!