Football season brings a level of excitement and anticipation that’s hard to match. For NFL fans, watching the games live, feeling the adrenaline with every touchdown and interception, and cheering for their teams is more than just a pastime; it’s a tradition.

However, with the rise of streaming services and the decline of traditional cable, it’s important to know how to stream NFL games in a way that provides the best fan experience.

Whether you’re watching at home or on the go, there are a variety of streaming platforms that let you enjoy every pass, touchdown, and win from the comfort of your living room.

If you don’t have cable or prefer not to be tied down to a set schedule, there are now numerous ways to watch NFL games online.

In this article, we’ll explore five of the top streaming services you can use to stream NFL games and provide tips on how to create the ultimate viewing experience for yourself and your friends.

Our 5 Best NFL Streaming Platforms at a Glance:

Before we get into the details of each platform, here’s a quick rundown of the five best options for streaming NFL games:

1. Sling TV – A customizable, affordable option with key sports networks.
2. Hulu + Live TV – Offers a great mix of live sports and on-demand content.
3. ESPN+ – Perfect for fans looking for additional coverage and exclusive content.
4. DirecTV Stream – Provides access to major sports channels with a more traditional TV experience.
5. fubo – A sport-centric service packed with all the channels you need to watch NFL games.

Each of these platforms brings something unique to the table, whether you’re looking for affordability, extensive coverage, or additional sports content. Let’s take a closer look at each one.

1. Sling TV

If you’re looking for an affordable streaming service with a lot of customization options, Sling TV is a standout choice. Sling TV operates on an a la carte model, allowing you to pick and choose your base plan and then add extra channel packages to suit your interests.

The two main packages—Sling Orange and Sling Blue—each offer different combinations of sports channels, including essential NFL networks like NFL Network, NBC, Fox, and ESPN.

For NFL fans, Sling Blue is the better option because it includes NBC and Fox, which broadcast many of the NFL games. You can also opt for Sling’s Sports Extra add-on to include channels like ESPN and NFL RedZone for more in-depth coverage, live games, and specialized NFL content.

The beauty of Sling TV is its flexibility. You can tailor your subscription to suit your viewing habits and pay only for the channels you need. This makes it a great choice if you’re budget-conscious but still want to catch all the NFL action.

Pros:

• Affordable pricing.
• Customizable channel lineup.
• Access to key NFL channels like NFL Network, NBC, and Fox.

Cons:

• Limited DVR storage with the base package.
• Some sports channels require add-on packages.
• Fewer local channel options in certain areas.

2. Hulu + Live TV

If you’re someone who enjoys watching more than just NFL games and prefers a streaming service that combines live TV with on-demand content, Hulu + Live TV could be the perfect option. With Hulu + Live TV, you get access to over 65 live channels, including all the major networks broadcasting NFL games, such as NBC, Fox, ESPN, and CBS.

This service has the added benefit of Hulu’s on-demand library, which means you can catch up on NFL-related shows, documentaries, and more when you’re not watching live games.

One of the best features of Hulu + Live TV is its unlimited DVR storage. This means you can record as many NFL games as you like and watch them later at your convenience. Whether you have to miss a game for work or just want to rewatch a great performance, Hulu has you covered.

Plus, Hulu’s interface is user-friendly and easy to navigate, which makes it a great choice for those who are new to streaming.

Pros:

• Access to live TV and a vast on-demand library.
• Includes all the major NFL broadcasters like NBC, Fox, ESPN, and CBS.
• Unlimited DVR storage to record and watch games later.

Cons:

• More expensive than some other streaming services.
• Limited streaming options for some devices.
• Only available in the United States.

3. ESPN+

For NFL fans who are looking for exclusive sports content, ESPN+ is a great choice. While ESPN+ doesn’t stream all the NFL games, it does offer NFL-related coverage, including NFL Primetime, NFL Live, and exclusive access to NFL RedZone.

If you’re someone who enjoys not just the games but the in-depth analysis, behind-the-scenes coverage, and interviews, ESPN+ is perfect for you.

In addition to NFL content, ESPN+ also offers access to other major sports leagues and exclusive documentaries, making it a great all-around sports streaming service.

For die-hard NFL fans who want to keep up with every aspect of the league, ESPN+ is a must-have. The service is also affordable, with a relatively low monthly subscription fee.

Pros:

• Access to exclusive NFL content and NFL RedZone.
• Affordable pricing.
• Includes other sports coverage and documentaries.

Cons:

• Does not broadcast full NFL games.
• Limited to just sports-related content.

4. DirecTV Stream

If you’re looking for a more traditional TV experience but without the need for a satellite dish, DirecTV Stream is a solid option. DirecTV Stream offers multiple subscription tiers that include popular sports channels like NBC, Fox, CBS, and ESPN, so you won’t miss any of the NFL action.

The service also offers access to regional sports networks (RSNs), which are especially helpful if you want to catch local NFL games and stay connected with your area’s team.

One major selling point of DirecTV Stream is that it provides access to NFL RedZone, which gives you a non-stop stream of live game highlights and action from around the league. This service offers a complete package for NFL fans who don’t want to miss any of the action.

Pros:

• Access to all major sports networks.
• Includes regional sports networks.
• Offers NFL RedZone for additional coverage.

Cons:

• More expensive compared to other streaming options.
• Limited DVR storage on lower-tier plans.
• Complex pricing structure.

5. fubo

If you’re an avid sports fan and want a streaming service that focuses primarily on live sports, fubo is an excellent choice. With an extensive channel lineup that includes CBS, Fox, NBC, and ESPN, fubo makes sure you never miss an NFL game. Whether it’s the regular season, playoffs, or the Super Bowl, fubo gives you access to everything you need to keep up with the action.

For NFL fans, fubo stands out with its access to NFL RedZone, which broadcasts live, uninterrupted coverage of all the game-day highlights. This feature is perfect for fans who want to follow multiple games at once and catch every touchdown, no matter which game it’s happening in.

Additionally, fubo offers a large DVR storage capacity, so you can record games and watch them whenever you like.

Pros:

• Sports-focused platform with extensive coverage.
• Includes NFL RedZone for extra action.
• High-quality streaming and large DVR storage options.

Cons:

• One of the more expensive streaming services.
• Doesn’t offer as much non-sports content.
• Limited availability outside of the U.S.

5 Tips for the Ultimate NFL Fan Experience

Now that you know where to stream the games, let’s dive into some tips to ensure that your NFL game day is unforgettable.

1. Ensure Everyone Has Seating Space

Nothing ruins a game day experience faster than fighting over a seat. When hosting friends and family for a game, make sure you’ve arranged enough comfortable seating for everyone. Whether it’s couch space, bean bags, or extra chairs, ensure everyone has a clear view of the TV. You can even set up a cozy corner with cushions for those who prefer to lounge.

2. Indulge in Team Spirit

Get into the game-day spirit by decorating your home with your team’s colors, flags, and other memorabilia. You can make the atmosphere even more exciting by encouraging guests to wear their favorite team jerseys or team colors. This simple act helps boost the energy and makes everyone feel more connected to the game.

3. Have Plenty of Snacks

Game day snacks are essential! Classic treats like wings, nachos, chips, and dip are always a hit. You can get creative by offering themed snacks based on the teams playing or regional specialties. For example, serve Texas BBQ if the Cowboys are playing or New England-style lobster rolls if the Patriots are in action.

4. Provide a Game Bar for Drinks

Set up a drinks station with beer, soda, and even themed cocktails based on the teams playing. You can create special drinks, like “The RedZone Punch” for an extra kick, or go all out with a game-day signature cocktail. Don’t forget to offer a selection of non-alcoholic drinks for those who prefer to stay sober while still enjoying the fun.

5. Consider Playing Fantasy Football

Fantasy football adds an extra layer of excitement to NFL games. By playing fantasy football, you can cheer for your fantasy players in addition to your favorite teams. Even if your team is losing, you’ll still have a reason to root for specific players, keeping you more engaged with the games throughout the season.

How to Maximize the Streaming Experience

To ensure the best possible streaming quality and make the most of your NFL viewing, here are a few tips for optimizing your experience.

Optimize Your Internet and Bandwidth Usage

A stable internet connection is crucial for uninterrupted streaming. To avoid buffering or low-quality streams, make sure your internet speed is fast enough to support HD streaming. A wired connection is usually more stable than Wi-Fi, so consider using an Ethernet cable to connect your device directly to your router.

If you must use Wi-Fi, limit the number of devices connected to your network to reduce the strain on your bandwidth.

Utilize a VPN

Sometimes, certain games may be blacked out in your region due to broadcasting restrictions. If you want to bypass these blackouts, consider using a VPN (Virtual Private Network). A VPN lets you connect to a server in another location, giving you access to content that would otherwise be unavailable.

Just make sure to choose a reputable VPN service that provides fast speeds and doesn’t compromise the quality of your stream.

Host a Virtual Watch Party

If you’re unable to watch the game with friends and family in person, consider hosting a virtual watch party. Platforms like Zoom, Skype, or Discord allow you to connect with friends and watch the game together. You can chat, react to the game in real-time, and feel like you’re sharing the experience even from a distance.

Stream the NFL: Cheer On from Your Home

In the age of streaming, you don’t need cable to enjoy every moment of the NFL season. With services like Sling TV, Hulu + Live TV, ESPN+, DirecTV Stream, and fubo, you can watch your favorite teams, enjoy exclusive NFL content, and make the most of your game day experience—all without leaving home.

Whether you’re hosting a party or just enjoying the game solo, these streaming platforms offer the flexibility and access you need to cheer on your team, from the first kickoff to the final whistle.

With a few simple tips to enhance the experience, you’ll be able to create the ultimate NFL viewing environment that’s sure to make every game feel like an event. So grab your snacks, invite your friends, and get ready to enjoy all the thrills the NFL has to offer right from your own living room.