Week 9 NFL streaming guide 2021: Watching football games online just got 50% cheaper
NFL Week 9 was supposed to feature an Aaron Rodgers-Patrick Mahomes quarterback matchup, but then Rodgers tested positive for COVID-19. Despite that development, there'll still be plenty of drama in the Green Bay Packers-Kansas City Chiefs contest, including Jordan Love, Rodgers' presumed heir, making his first career NFL start. With so much on the line, you need a game plan for watching all the action. And thanks to a new deal on an NFL Game Pass subscription, your options just got better -- and cheaper.
NFL Game Pass offers streaming access to replays of every single regular season NFL game, plus NFL Originals and NFL Programs. Normally priced at $100 per NFL season, you can now sign up for NFL Game Pass for just $50. It's a great option for those looking watch every possible NFL football game this season.
As you know, many NFL games air on cable television. But if you've already cut the cord or you don't want to miss out on a single play while away from home, NFL streaming is the way to go.
No matter what your NFL-watching needs, having the right streaming service can be a game-changer. CBS Essentials has rounded up all the streaming services that will feature NFL games in 2021, including Paramount+, Hulu, NFL Game Pass, YouTube TV and Prime Video, plus the devices that can help you watch every NFL game live on your TV.
Get your TV NFL-ready with the Roku Express 4K Plus
The Roku Express 4K Plus offers a lot of bang for your buck when it comes to NFL streaming gadgets. Among the streaming hardware giants, the $29 Roku device boasts the most options and apps, including Hulu, Prime Video and Apple TV. It's Apple AirPlay compatible as well, enabling you to connect your iPhone or iPad to the TV. (You can learn more about Roku here.)
Roku Express 4K Plus, $29 (reduced from $40)
NFL streaming box for Apple fans: Apple TV 4K
Apple devotees, or anyone with an Apple One subscription bundle, should consider watching NFL live streams on an Apple TV 4K. The updated device is equipped with Dolby Vision, a new-and-improved Siri-enabled remote and SharePlay, which enables you to enjoy the game with a group of pals. After the games wrap, you can take advantage of Apple Arcade gaming or stream a movie from your favorite streaming service.
Apple TV 4K, $169 (reduced from $179)
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is a streaming device that will appeal to anyone with an Alexa-enabled home. Say goodbye to pouring through channel menus. You can switch back and forth between games with the device's voice remote ("Alexa, turn on Sunday Night Football"). It offers 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+ in addition to Dolby Atmos audio, plus access to thousands of channels (some free).
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K, $38 (reduced from $50)
Indoor HD digital TV antenna
If you want to catch NFL games without paying for a cable subscription or a streaming subscription, an indoor HD digital TV antenna is the way to go. For a flat $30, it'll deliver any live-aired NFL games in your area, including playoff games and the Superbowl -- plus all the other over-the-air content available in your area. Just connect the antenna to your set, and watch. It's the 20th century TV-viewing experience with 21st century technology.
Not to complicate things, but keep in mind that the reason cable TV became a thing is that some areas just don't get very good TV reception. Today's digital antennae are far better than the rabbit ears of yore, but even they can only do so much if your home is reception-challenged.
And one more thing: As noted above, the live-TV streamers can't guarantee that you'll get all your local TV stations. If you live in an area where your, say, YouTube TV subscription will not include Fox, then you're going to need a digital antenna to (hopefully) pick up the free-TV channel.
U Must Have indoor HD digital TV antenna, $30
Here's where to watch NFL football online in 2021
There are a number of streaming services that offer NFL football, though not every service will offer every game. Here's where you can watch NFL games during the 2021-22 season.
NFL Game Pass
NFL Game Pass is a no-brainer for many die-hard football fans. Priced at $100 at the start of the season, NFL Game Pass is now available for $50 for the remainder of the 2021 campaign (or $10 a month). The package offers streaming access to replays of every single regular season NFL game, plus NFL Originals and NFL Programs.
Paramount +
Paramount+ offers limited access to the NFL. A premium Paramount+ subscription includes live access to your local CBS affiliate station for watching Sunday afternoon games.
(CBS Essentials and Paramount+ are both subsidiaries of ViacomCBS.)
Parmount + premium subscription, $10 per month
Hulu
A subscription to Hulu Live TV offers unlimited access to all local and national NFL games. Last month, the streaming service announced that the $65 per month plan now grants subscribers access to NFL Network — a channel with year-round football content. Watch live NFL preseason games, exclusive live NFL regular season games, studio shows and a variety of original NFL-centric series.
For an additional $10 per month, sports fans get Hulu's sports add-on package with NFL RedZone. It offers seven hours of Sunday Night Football action every week.
Hulu Live TV, starting at $65 per month
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers NFL streaming coverage similar to Hulu's, with the added bonus of easy-to-use DVR capabilities. Pricing and packages are also similar to Hulu's, with the $65 base package (including NFL Network) and the option to add NFL RedZone, as part of their Sports Plus package, for an additional $11 per month.
YouTube TV, starting at $65 per month
FuboTV
FuboTV is a sports-centric option with access to every NFL game, all season long.
In addition to football, FuboTV also offers MLB, NBA, NHL, MLS and international soccer games. A la YouTube TV and Roku, NFL Network is included in the basic package, while NFL RedZone costs an additional $11 per month.
FuboTV, starting at $65 per month
Amazon Prime Video
The 2021 season is an excellent time to start streaming Thursday NFL games on Amazon — in 2022, Amazon Prime Video will be the home for out-of-market Thursday Night Football coverage. Over-the-air TV stations will still carry their respective local teams' games, and NFL Game Pass will continue to stream all regular season games.
Amazon Prime Video, $119 per year
Sling TV
Sling TV, essentially a low-priced collection of local and cable TV channels offered over streaming, has some limited NFL streaming capabilities. NFL games airing on local FOX or NBC channels and Monday Night Football on ESPN are included in the basic package.
DirecTV Stream
Formerly known as AT&T TV, DirecTV Stream streams all NFL games offered on local channels, CBS, and Monday night games on ESPN. Thursday and Sunday night games in select local NBC markets can only be streamed on a tablet or computer.
NFL app
Want to catch an NFL live stream for free online? Download the free official app of the NFL and enjoy live local and primetime games on your smartphone, in addition to highlights, breaking news and more.
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