Watch NFL Without Cable: Full Guide

You can watch NFL games without cable by using live TV streaming services like YouTube TV, Hulu + Live TV, and FuboTV, or by using the NFL’s own streaming options like NFL+ and NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube. These services let you watch games on your TV, phone, or computer with an internet connection, and most offer free trials so you can test them before committing.

Formula

The calculator above converts a game’s total length in minutes into the average time per quarter and the number of quarters that fit in an hour. The formulas are:

• Average pace per quarter = total minutes ÷ 4
• Quarters per hour = 4 ÷ (total minutes ÷ 60)

Variables: t = total game time in minutes, pace = minutes per quarter, speed = quarters per hour. This is useful for planning how much of a game you can watch in a given break or for estimating how long a recorded game will take to watch.

Worked Example

If a game lasts 60 minutes (the default), then:

• Pace per quarter = 60 ÷ 4 = 15 minutes per quarter.
• Quarters per hour = 4 ÷ (60 / 60) = 4 quarters per hour.

So a 60-minute game has 15-minute quarters and you can watch 4 full quarters in an hour. The calculator rounds to one decimal for pace and two for speed.

Why People Cut the Cord for NFL

The main reason people drop cable for NFL is cost. A basic cable package with sports channels can run $100 or more per month, and you still might not get every game. Streaming services often offer a similar channel lineup for less, and you can cancel anytime. Also, streaming works on multiple devices, so you can watch at home or on the go. Many fans also prefer the flexibility of picking only the services that carry the games they want.

Live TV Streaming Services

These services carry the same broadcast and cable channels that show NFL games, but they deliver them over the internet. You don’t need a cable box or a contract. Most offer a free trial (usually 5–7 days) and include cloud DVR so you can record games. The main ones are:

• YouTube TV – includes CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. It also offers NFL Sunday Ticket as an add-on.
• Hulu + Live TV – includes CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and sometimes NFL Network depending on your region.
• FuboTV – includes CBS, Fox, NBC, and NFL Network, but does not carry ESPN (as of 2024).
• DirecTV Stream – includes CBS, Fox, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network, but it’s pricier.
• Sling TV – the cheapest option, but it only has some channels (Fox and NBC in select markets, and ESPN on the Orange plan).

All of these require a stable internet connection. Check the service’s website for the latest channel lineup, because it changes by region and over time.

NFL’s Own Streaming Options

The NFL has its own apps and services that don’t require cable. Here’s what they offer:

• NFL+ – a subscription service that lets you watch live out-of-market preseason games, and live local and primetime games on your phone or tablet only (not on TV). It also includes game replays and NFL Network. It does not include every regular-season game.
• NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube – this is the out-of-market Sunday afternoon package, now available on YouTube and YouTube TV. It shows every Sunday afternoon game that isn’t broadcast in your area. It’s an add-on, so you need a base YouTube TV subscription or a standalone YouTube account.
• NFL Game Pass – now called NFL+ Premium, it offers full game replays and condensed games, but not live regular-season games (except on mobile with NFL+).

Using an Antenna

An over-the-air (OTA) antenna can pick up local broadcast channels (CBS, Fox, NBC, and sometimes ABC) for free. That means you can watch the locally broadcast NFL games without any subscription. You just need a TV with a digital tuner or a converter box, and an antenna placed near a window or high up. The number of channels you get depends on your distance from broadcast towers and any obstacles like hills or buildings. In many urban areas, a basic indoor antenna works fine. In rural areas, you may need a larger outdoor antenna. This is the only truly free way to watch NFL legally, but it only gives you the games that are broadcast on local channels in your area.

How to Choose the Right Option

To decide, answer these questions:

• Which games do you need? If you only want your local team’s games, an antenna or a live TV streaming service with your local channels is enough.
• Do you need out-of-market games? Then you need NFL Sunday Ticket (YouTube) or NFL+ (for mobile only).
• What devices do you watch on? If you want to watch on your TV, you’ll need a streaming device (Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, or a smart TV) and a service that supports it. NFL+ is mobile-only for live games.
• What’s your internet speed? Live streaming requires at least 10 Mbps for a stable stream, but faster is better for 4K.
• Do you care about other channels? If you also want ESPN for Monday Night Football, pick a service that includes it.

Common Problems and Solutions

Streaming NFL games can have hiccups. Here are common issues and fixes:

• Blackout restrictions – Some games are blacked out in certain regions, especially out-of-market games. Use a VPN? That may violate the service’s terms, so it’s safer to check the service’s coverage map.
• Buffering – Close other apps, restart your router, or lower the stream quality. Wired Ethernet is more reliable than Wi-Fi.
• Local channel missing – Live TV streaming services sometimes don’t carry every local affiliate. Check the service’s channel lineup for your zip code before subscribing.
• Game not available – If a game is on a channel you don’t have, you might need to switch services or use an antenna for that game.
• Delay compared to cable – Streaming has a 30–60 second delay. If you’re following along on social media, you’ll see spoilers. That’s normal.

Cost Comparison

Here’s a rough monthly cost comparison (prices vary by region and over time):

• Antenna: one-time cost of $20–$100 for the antenna, then free.
• Sling TV: around $40–$55 per month, but you may miss some games.
• YouTube TV: around $73 per month, includes most channels.
• Hulu + Live TV: around $77 per month, includes ESPN and local channels.
• FuboTV: around $80 per month, but no ESPN.
• NFL+: around $7–$15 per month, but mobile-only for live games.
• NFL Sunday Ticket on YouTube: an extra $300–$400 per season, on top of YouTube TV or YouTube.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I watch NFL games for free? Yes, with an over-the-air antenna you can watch the local games broadcast on CBS, Fox, and NBC for free. You can also use free trials of streaming services, but those last only a week or so.

Is NFL+ worth it? It’s worth it if you only watch on your phone or tablet and you want out-of-market preseason games or replays. It’s not a full cable replacement because you can’t stream live games to your TV.

What’s the difference between NFL Sunday Ticket and NFL+? NFL Sunday Ticket (on YouTube) shows every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game on any device. NFL+ is a cheaper mobile-only service that includes local and primetime games on your phone, plus replays.

Do I need a smart TV to stream NFL games? No. You can use a streaming stick (like Roku or Fire TV), a game console, or connect your computer to your TV with an HDMI cable. Most services also have apps for phones and tablets.

Will I get blackouts with streaming? Yes, the same blackout rules that apply to cable also apply to streaming. Local games are usually available, but out-of-market games may be blacked out unless you have NFL Sunday Ticket.

Can I watch Thursday Night Football without cable? Yes, Thursday Night Football is streamed on Amazon Prime Video. You need a Prime membership, but you don’t need cable.

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in t | Game time | min | 60 | 1 | 600
out pace | Average pace | min/quarter | t / 4 | 1
out speed | Average speed | quarters/h | 4 / (t / 60) | 2