With the 2024 NFL season here, I’m going to break down all the different apps and TV subscriptions you need to catch the games. The NFL has teamed up with platforms like Netflix, Amazon Prime, and Peacock this year, so there’s a lot to consider. I’ll walk you through the best and most affordable ways to make sure you don’t miss any action.
1. Watch NFL Games for Free with an Antenna
The most affordable option for watching NFL games without a subscription is using an antenna. NFL games are typically broadcast on Fox, NBC, and CBS, which are national channels available for free with an antenna.
If you have multiple TVs, you can either set up indoor antennas on each one or invest in an outdoor antenna. I recommend an indoor amplified antenna for a better signal. The best part is, once you buy the antenna, you don’t have to pay monthly fees, and you’ll get access to all the games aired on local networks in your area.
For example, if you live in Cincinnati, you’ll be able to watch all the Bengals games for free. But if you’re in California and want to watch Bengals games, you won’t get them with just an antenna. That’s where NFL Sunday Ticket comes in.
2. NFL Sunday Ticket – Watch Out-of-Market Games
If you want to watch games for teams outside your local market, NFL Sunday Ticket is your best bet. This service is now available through YouTube, and you can get it without needing a YouTube TV subscription. YouTube TV costs around $72-$73 a month, but with NFL Sunday Ticket, you only need to pay for the games.
NFL Sunday Ticket is ideal if you live in one area but want to follow a team from another. For example, if you’re in California but want to watch the Dallas Cowboys regularly, this is the service for you. Keep in mind, it only covers Sunday games, so if you’re hoping to catch Thursday night or playoff games, you’ll need a different option.
3. NFL Plus – A Mobile-Friendly Option
If watching on your phone or tablet works for you, NFL Plus is a solid option. NFL+ lets you watch all local primetime games on mobile devices. However, you can’t stream them to your TV, which is a bit of a downside.
NFL+ comes in two versions: the basic package and NFL+ Premium. Premium includes NFL RedZone and lets you watch replays of games. If you don’t want to bother with separate subscriptions for Netflix, Peacock, or Amazon, NFL+ is a great all-in-one option for mobile viewing.
4. Amazon Prime – Thursday Night Football
For Thursday night games, Amazon Prime is where you’ll need to go. If you’ve got NFL+, you’re already covered for these games on your mobile device. But if you prefer watching on your TV, Amazon Prime is a great alternative. Plus, Amazon will have an exclusive playoff game this season, so it’s a must-have for certain matchups.
5. Netflix – Christmas Games
Netflix is getting in on the action this year with two exclusive Christmas Day games: Steelers vs. Chiefs and Ravens vs. Texans. If you don’t already have Netflix, you can still watch these games with NFL+ on your mobile device.
6. Peacock – International and Special Games
Peacock will stream the first-ever NFL game played in Brazil. You’ll need a Peacock subscription to watch it on your TV, or you can use NFL+ if you’re happy to watch on your phone or tablet.
Conclusion
In short, if you’re sticking to your local team, an antenna is the cheapest and simplest way to watch. But if you want to catch out-of-market games, NFL Sunday Ticket is your go-to option. For mobile viewing, NFL+ offers a convenient way to watch all the primetime games. And for exclusive matchups, subscriptions to Amazon Prime, Netflix, and Peacock might be worth it.
If you’ve got any questions or need recommendations, feel free to reach out. I’ve also linked my top picks for antennas and more detailed videos on YouTube TV and NFL+. Happy watching!
By AJ, NFLnewz.com
