Football fans, we’ve all been there—wanting to catch every thrilling moment of the game but getting tangled up in hefty cable bills or service restrictions.
If you’ve ever asked yourself, “Is there a way to stream football games without cable?” the good news is: Yes! Cord-cutting has never been easier, and you don’t need a traditional cable package to watch your favorite teams in action.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll break down all the ways you can stream football games online.
Why Cut the Cord? The Rise of Streaming Football
Cord-cutting has exploded in popularity over recent years, and sports fans have joined the movement for several good reasons.
With streaming, you get more flexibility, often at a fraction of the cost. No more being stuck with dozens of channels you don’t watch.
Plus, many streaming services offer special sports packages, so you only pay for the content you care about.
Let’s dive into the most popular options for watching football without cable.
1. Streaming Services That Offer Live Football
Many online platforms allow you to stream live football games. These services are designed to give you access to all the major networks that broadcast NFL and college games, without the need for cable.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu isn’t just for binge-watching shows. The Hulu + Live TV package offers access to ESPN, CBS, FOX, and NBC, all key channels for NFL broadcasts.
The service also offers regional sports networks (RSNs) for local games. You can easily watch Monday Night Football, Thursday Night Football, and Sunday games without any interruptions.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV has become a favorite among sports fans due to its ease of use and access to top networks like ESPN, NFL Network, CBS, FOX, and NBC.
You can stream live football games from your favorite devices, and the cloud DVR feature means you’ll never miss a game.
Sling TV
Sling TV is one of the most budget-friendly options for football fans. With two main plans—Sling Blue and Sling Orange—you can choose a package that includes key football channels like ESPN, FOX, and NBC.
For an additional fee, you can also add NFL RedZone, which gives you coverage of every touchdown from every game.
FuboTV
FuboTV is tailored for sports lovers. It offers an impressive lineup of football channels, including CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and the NFL Network.
One of the unique features is the availability of international sports channels, making it a great option for fans of both NFL and college football.
Amazon Prime Video
Amazon Prime Video has exclusive rights to stream Thursday Night Football games, meaning if you’re a Prime member, you can watch these games at no extra cost. It’s an excellent perk for those already using the platform for its other content.
2. How to Stream NFL Games on Mobile Devices
Many people prefer watching games on the go, whether during a commute or while multitasking. Luckily, several apps and services make it easy to stream NFL games on your smartphone or tablet.
NFL Mobile App
The official NFL mobile app allows you to stream local and prime-time games for free on your mobile device. While the app doesn’t cover every single game, it’s a solid option for staying connected to local matchups.
Yahoo Sports App
Yahoo Sports offers free streaming of local and prime-time NFL games, similar to the NFL mobile app. This app is also convenient for accessing game highlights and news on your favorite teams.
3. Stream Football Games for Free: Do You Have Options?
Free streaming services are a little more limited when it comes to live sports, but there are still some legitimate ways to catch a game without paying anything.
Network Websites and Apps
Some networks, like CBS and NBC, offer free streaming of games on their websites or apps. You may need to sign in with a TV provider, but some offer limited access to live streams without an active subscription.
Local Broadcast Channels
If you have an HDTV antenna, you can pick up local channels like CBS, FOX, and NBC over the air for free. While this isn’t technically “streaming,” it’s a great way to catch Sunday afternoon and prime-time NFL games at no cost.
4. NFL Game Pass: On-Demand Access to Every Game
For those who don’t mind waiting a bit to watch games, NFL Game Pass is an excellent option. It doesn’t offer live streaming for in-market games, but you can watch full replays of every NFL game as soon as they finish airing.
Additionally, Game Pass includes condensed games, which trim the game down to just 45 minutes of key highlights.
5. International Options for Streaming Football
Football fans outside the U.S. also have some great streaming options. Depending on your location, you may have access to different platforms that stream NFL games.
DAZN
In countries like Canada, Germany, and Japan, DAZN offers full coverage of NFL games, including live streaming. DAZN’s NFL Game Pass package is a convenient option for fans who want to watch games from abroad.
BBC iPlayer (UK)
If you’re in the UK, BBC iPlayer streams select NFL games, particularly major events like the Super Bowl. It’s free for UK residents and covers game highlights as well.
6. Key Considerations When Streaming Football Games Without Cable
Streaming football without cable offers great convenience, but there are a few important things to keep in mind before you choose your service.
1. Internet Speed
Since live streaming consumes a lot of bandwidth, you’ll need a fast and stable internet connection to enjoy football games without interruptions. Most services recommend at least 5 Mbps for standard streaming and 25 Mbps for 4K streaming.
2. Blackouts and Regional Restrictions
Depending on your location, some games might be blacked out, meaning they aren’t available for live streaming. For instance, if a game is airing on a local broadcast network, it may be restricted on streaming platforms in that area. Make sure to check blackout policies on your chosen service.
3. Device Compatibility
Not all streaming services are compatible with every device. If you prefer watching on a specific platform (like Roku, Apple TV, or Fire Stick), double-check that your service supports it.
FAQs About Streaming Football Games Without Cable
Can I watch NFL games for free without cable?
Yes, you can catch local and prime-time games for free using the NFL mobile app, Yahoo Sports app, or by tuning in to local broadcast channels with an HDTV antenna.
What’s the cheapest way to stream NFL games?
Sling TV offers affordable options, with plans starting at $35/month. You can also check for free trials from services like Hulu + Live TV or YouTube TV to watch games without paying upfront.
Do streaming services offer NFL RedZone?
Yes, services like Sling TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV offer NFL RedZone as part of their premium sports packages.
Are there any free trials for football streaming services?
Yes, many services such as Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and FuboTV offer free trials ranging from 7 to 30 days. This is a great way to test the service before committing.
Is there a way to stream out-of-market NFL games?
NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL Game Pass offer ways to watch out-of-market games, though NFL Sunday Ticket is typically restricted to DirecTV subscribers.
Can I stream college football without cable?
Yes, streaming services like Hulu + Live TV, YouTube TV, and Sling TV provide coverage for major college football games, including those from the SEC, Big Ten, and Pac-12 networks.
Conclusion
Cutting the cord doesn’t mean missing out on football action. With a wide variety of streaming services, apps, and free options, you can catch every touchdown without the need for cable.
Whether you’re a fan of the NFL or college football, streaming gives you the flexibility to watch on your own terms—anywhere, anytime.