Introduction
Do you want to watch your favorite NFL team but can’t do it without forking over a hefty cable TV bill? It’s a frustrating predicament to be in, but don’t worry. There are plenty of alternative options to watch football games without cable. In this article, we’ll discuss seven ways to watch NFL games without cable.
Why You Should Consider Ditching Cable
Before we discuss how to watch the NFL without cable, let’s talk about why you might want to consider cutting the cord.
Firstly, cable TV is expensive. The average monthly cable bill in the United States is nearly $120. Over a year, that’s more than $1,400 spent just on cable TV. That’s a significant expense for many households.
Secondly, pay-TV services like cable TV have lost their luster with the rise of streaming services. Today, you can watch whatever you want at any time thanks to all the streaming options available now. Cable TV simply can’t compete with the convenience and cost-effectiveness of streaming.
7 Ways to Watch NFL Games Without Cable
Now that we’ve discussed why you might want to ditch cable TV let’s discuss seven ways to watch NFL games without cable.
Method 1: NFL Game Pass
NFL Game Pass is the official NFL streaming service. It provides access to every game in HD, including pre-season, playoffs, and the Super Bowl. You can access NFL Game Pass on most streaming devices.
Benefits: NFL Game Pass offers good video quality, comes with no commercials, and you can watch games on-demand. It’s also reasonably priced compared to cable TV packages.
Drawbacks: You can’t watch live games. You’ll have to wait until they finish airing before you can start watching them. Additionally, some users have reported that streaming quality can be affected by internet speeds.
Supporting Apps/Services: NFL Game Pass app, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Android and iOS devices.
Method 2: Sling TV
Sling TV is a streaming service that offers live TV channels, including ESPN and the NFL Network. You can customize your channel lineup with various packages starting at $35 a month.
Benefits: Sling TV offers live NFL games and additional channels to watch other sports outside of football. It’s also a cost-efficient option compared to cable TV.
Drawbacks: Some games may not be available due to local broadcasting rights. Additionally, to watch games on other networks like NBC, Fox, and CBS, you’ll need additional subscriptions or antenna to catch local broadcasts.
Supporting Apps/Services: Sling TV app, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Android and iOS devices.
Method 3: Hulu + Live TV
Hulu + Live TV is a live TV streaming service that offers access to over 75 channels, including ESPN and the NFL network. It’s similar to Sling TV, but it offers on-demand TV shows and movies as well.
Benefits: Hulu + Live TV offers live NFL games, access to additional TV, and movie content. It’s also a cost-effective option compared to cable TV.
Drawbacks: Some games may not be available due to local broadcasting rights, and it might not be available in all areas. Additionally, you’ll need to subscribe to additional streaming packages to get access to networks like NBC, Fox, and CBS.
Supporting Apps/Services: Hulu + Live TV app, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Android and iOS devices.
Method 4: FuboTV
FuboTV is another live TV streaming service that offers access to multiple NFL networks like ESPN, FOX, CBS, and NBC. It’s an excellent option for die-hard football fans.
Benefits: FuboTV offers access to multiple NFL networks, and it’s an all-in-one solution to catch up with all the live games. It’s also reasonably priced compared to cable TV options.
Drawbacks: Some local broadcasting rights may not be available, and it might not be available in all areas.
Supporting Apps/Services: FuboTV app, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Android and iOS devices.
Method 5: Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has acquired broadcasting rights for multiple NFL Thursday Night Football games. Amazon Prime members can access those games without any additional subscription.
Benefits: Access to multiple NFL Thursday Night Football games, along with other Prime content.
Drawbacks: Limited games available, no access to games from other networks, and you need an Amazon Prime subscription.
Supporting Apps/Services: Amazon Prime Video app, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Android and iOS devices.
Method 6: Yahoo! Sports App
The Yahoo! Sports app provides access to local and primetime NFL games, including wild-card, divisional-round, and championship games.
Benefits: Free access to local and primetime NFL games.
Drawbacks: Limited games available, no access to out-of-market games, and quality might be affected by internet speeds.
Supporting Apps/Services: Yahoo! Sports app, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, Roku, Google Chromecast, Xbox One, Playstation 4, and Android and iOS devices.
Method 7: Over-the-Air Antenna
If you have an over-the-air TV antenna, you can pick up local broadcast stations like NBC, CBS, ABC, and Fox. This method gives you access to live NFL games without paying for any subscription.
Benefits: Free access to local NFL games.
Drawbacks: Only local games are available, no access to out-of-market games.
Supporting Apps/Services: Over-the-air TV antenna, TV with a built-in tuner, digital converter box for older TVs.
Other Essentials About Watching NFL Games Without Cable
Before you cut the cord to watch NFL games, there are some essential things you need to know.
Firstly, quality internet connection is essential for streaming live games. Ensure that you have a high-speed internet connection to avoid buffering problems.
Secondly, to get the best viewing experience, you should plug your streaming device directly into your router or use a secure Wi-Fi network.
Conclusion
In conclusion, watching NFL games without cable is possible, and it’s a cost-effective solution. We’ve discussed seven ways to watch NFL games without cable and the benefits and drawbacks of each method. Encourage users to try alternative methods and share their experiences in the comments section. By cutting the cord, you will not only save money but also increase your viewing flexibility.
