The NFL is America’s most popular sport, and millions of fans look forward to kickoff every week. But as more households cut the cord, a big question comes up: how to watch NFL games without cable. The good news is that streaming makes it easier than ever to follow your favorite team, no matter where you are.
With the right combination of streaming services—and a strong internet connection—you can enjoy every touchdown, interception, and game-winning drive. Here’s everything you need to know about watching the NFL without cable this season.
Why Fans Are Ditching Cable
Cable used to be the only way to keep up with every NFL matchup. But streaming has changed the playbook. Here’s why so many fans are switching to streaming:
- More flexibility: Stream games on your TV, smartphone, tablet, or laptop—wherever you are.
- No long contracts: Most streaming services are month-to-month, so you can subscribe during the season and cancel anytime.
- Cost savings: Many live TV streaming services cost less than cable bundles and often include DVR storage.
- More control: Instead of paying for hundreds of channels you never watch, you can pick the services that actually carry NFL games.
Where NFL Games Are Streamed
NFL games are broadcast on a variety of networks, and different streaming services carry them. Here’s a breakdown of where to find the action:
- NFL+ – The league’s own service lets you stream local and primetime games on mobile devices, plus replays and highlights.
- YouTube TV – Carries CBS, FOX, NBC, ESPN, and NFL Network. Great for fans who want almost complete coverage plus unlimited DVR.
- Hulu + Live TV – Includes the same key networks: CBS, FOX, NBC, and ESPN, plus access to ESPN+.
- Sling TV – An affordable option with packages that include ESPN, NFL Network, FOX, and NBC (in select markets).
- Paramount+ – Streams NFL games aired on CBS, including Sunday AFC matchups.
- Peacock – Streams Sunday Night Football and select games through NBC.
- Amazon Prime Video – The exclusive home for Thursday Night Football.
With these services, you can cover every Sunday afternoon, Sunday night, Monday night, and Thursday night game.
How to Watch Your Team’s Games
One challenge fans face is figuring out which service carries their specific team’s games, since broadcast rights vary. That’s where this helpful tool comes in:
Use this interactive NFL streaming guide to select your favorite team and instantly see the best streaming options.
It’s the easiest way to cut through the confusion and make sure you’re subscribed to the right service for the games you actually care about.
How to Watch Local NFL Games for Free
Just like college football, many NFL games are shown on local broadcast networks such as CBS, FOX, and NBC. That means you may not need a paid service to watch your home team.
Here are some ways to stream local NFL games for free:
- Network apps: CBS, FOX, and NBC all offer apps where you can stream games that are broadcast in your area. Some require a free account.
- Mobile apps: Download these apps to your phone or tablet and watch games live anywhere with an internet connection.
- Smart TVs: Most modern TVs have these apps pre-installed or available for download.
- HD antenna: A simple antenna can pick up local broadcasts for free if you’re in range of a tower.
If you mainly follow your local team, these free options can save you money while still giving you access to most of the season.
Why Fiber Internet Is the Best for Streaming NFL Games
When it comes to live sports, buffering isn’t just annoying—it can mean missing the biggest plays of the game. That’s why having a strong internet connection is essential if you want to watch NFL games without cable.
Fiber internet is the clear winner for streaming live sports. Here’s why:
- Faster speeds: Fiber internet delivers gigabit speeds, ensuring smooth HD or 4K streaming.
- Consistency: Unlike cable internet, fiber doesn’t slow down during peak hours—so your stream stays strong even on Sunday afternoons.
- Low latency: Fiber reduces lag so you’re seeing the game in near real-time, not seconds behind.
- Unlimited data: With LiveOak Fiber, all plans include unlimited data, so you can stream the entire season worry-free.
How to Get Started
If you’re ready to cut the cord and stream NFL games this season, here’s how to kick things off:
- Choose your internet plan. Reliable, fast fiber internet is the foundation of a great streaming experience.
- Pick your streaming service(s). Decide which networks and games matter most, and subscribe accordingly.
- Set up your streaming device. Use a smart TV, streaming stick (like Roku, Fire TV, or Apple TV), tablet, or smartphone.
- Download the apps. Log in to the services that carry your games.
- Enjoy game day. Invite friends, fire up the grill, and watch without worrying about cable.
Final Whistle
If you’re wondering how to watch NFL games without cable, the answer is simple: streaming. With the right combination of services and the speed of fiber internet, you’ll be able to enjoy every pass, run, and touchdown this season.
And if you’re not sure where to start, use this NFL streaming guide to find the best way to watch your team.
Don’t let cable hold you back—switch to streaming with fiber internet and experience NFL Sundays the way they were meant to be: fast, clear, and uninterrupted.