The 2025 NFL preseason is here, and for many fans, the excitement of football's return is tempered by a familiar challenge: how to watch games without an expensive cable subscription. The good news is that cord-cutting has never been easier for football enthusiasts. With a variety of streaming services and innovative platforms, you can catch all the action, analyze rookie performances, and follow the key position battles without a monthly cable bill. Here is a comprehensive guide to watching NFL games live online.
The Official NFL Streaming Platform: NFL+
For dedicated fans of preseason football, the official NFL+ streaming service is an essential tool. This platform offers the most straightforward way to stream every live, out-of-market preseason game on various devices. If you’re a fan of a team in a different city, this service is your best bet for watching their games live as they happen. An NFL+ subscription also offers a range of additional features, including live local and primetime games on mobile devices during the regular season, as well as replays of every single game.
Live TV Streaming Services: The All-in-One Solution
If you're looking for a streaming service that replaces the traditional cable experience, a live TV streaming package is your best option. These services provide access to the major networks that broadcast NFL games, making it easy to watch games that are shown in your local area.
YouTube TV: With unlimited cloud DVR storage, YouTube TV is a fantastic choice for those who want to record games and watch them later. The service includes all the necessary local channels for NFL games and offers a sports add-on that includes the popular NFL RedZone channel.
Hulu + Live TV: This service not only gives you access to a massive library of on-demand movies and shows but also a comprehensive list of live channels for NFL games, including CBS, FOX, and NBC. Hulu has also added NFL Network to its lineup, making it a solid, all-in-one option for football fans.
Fubo: As a sports-centric platform, Fubo is a strong contender for watching NFL games. Its basic plan includes a vast majority of the channels you need, and the service makes it easy to add on the NFL RedZone channel for those who don’t want to miss a single touchdown on Sundays.
Network-Specific and Niche Services
For those who only care about specific games or broadcasts, there are more affordable, targeted options available.
Paramount+: This is a great choice for fans of the AFC, as it is the official streaming home for all games broadcast on CBS. Most Sunday afternoon games can be streamed live on Paramount+, making it an economical option for many viewers.
Peacock: If you are a big fan of Sunday Night Football, Peacock is a must-have. The service, owned by NBCUniversal, streams every NFL game that airs on NBC throughout the entire season.
Amazon Prime Video: The exclusive home of Thursday Night Football, Amazon Prime Video is now a staple for NFL viewers. If you're a Prime member, you can catch all the Thursday night matchups without any extra subscription fees.
A Free and Simple Option
If you live in a big market and primarily want to watch games involving your local team, there’s a way to do it for free. Many local preseason games are broadcast over-the-air on affiliates of CBS, FOX, or NBC. By using a digital TV antenna, you can receive these channels and watch the games in high definition without paying a monthly subscription fee.
No matter your budget or viewing habits, watching NFL preseason football without cable is easier than ever before. With a little research, you can find the perfect streaming solution to get you ready for the regular season.
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