The NFL playoff picture is starting to come into focus as Week 11 rolls around. And that adds an intensity to games, making them even more exciting. Catching your favorite team isn’t always an inexpensive proposition, though. Heading to your local sports bar inevitably racks up a bill and your home cable system (assuming it even broadcasts the game you want to want to watch) isn’t cheap either.
Fortunately, there are alternatives. Rooting for your favorite team doesn’t have to be an expensive affair (letting you save money for tailgating). Here’s a look at who’s playing this week—and several different ways to watch the games.
Which NFL teams are playing this week? And what channels are airing the games?
Sam Darnold #14 of the New York Jets throws a pass for a touchdown to Daniel Brown #87 (not pictured) during the first half against the Washington Redskins.
Will Newton—Getty Images
The Arizona Cardinals might be at the bottom of their division, but don’t rule them out just yet. A study of who has the easiest and most challenging schedules for the remainder of the season shows the Cardinals have the least difficult path. (Cleveland faces the biggest hurdles.) This week could be a tough one, though, as Arizona faces the 49ers, who were undefeated until Monday’s game against the Seahawks.
Here’s who’s playing this week. (The home team is listed second.)
How can I watch my local NFL team for free—even if I am out of market?
The best way to watch any NFL game for free on a big screen is with a good HD antenna. Local and regional games are broadcast by CBS, NBC and Fox, meaning you’ve got a good chance of capturing the game over the air, which costs nothing beyond the equipment prices. Be sure to test the antenna in multiple locations in your home to find the most reliable signal.
How can I stream NFL games live online if I don’t have a cable subscription?
There are loads of online options to watch NFL games, some completely free and others with free trial periods. If you’re not near a TV, you can log into Fox.com to watch the game or use the Fox Now app. CBS offers its All Access streaming service, which has a one week free trial, followed by a $6 monthly charge. And NBC’s Web site and apps will let you watch live programming on the go. Another option? Yahoo Sports and the NFL have teamed to stream live NFL games on mobile devices this year. Just download the Yahoo Sports app or Yahoo Fantasy Football mobile app and watch all local and primetime games on phones and tablets. Prefer another method? Here are a few that work just as well.
Locast.org
This free service lets you watch local broadcast channels with no monthly fees or contracts. The hiccup is: It only services part of the country.
PlayStation Vue
The free trial is 5 days. Subscription packages start at $50 per month.
Hulu with Live TV
You can try the service free for a week. Once that’s up, you’ll pay $45 per month.
YouTube TV
After a seven day trial, you can expect monthly charges of $50.
Fubo TV
This sports-focused cord cutting service carries CBS in most markets. There’s a seven-day free trial, followed by monthly charges of $55.
Can I watch NFL games on Amazon?
If you’ve got an Amazon Prime subscription, you can now catch a limited number of match-ups. The online retailer has struck a deal with NBC to air select Thursday night games from now through December 12 (Jets vs. Ravens). The next game, on Nov. 21, will feature the Indianapolis Colts vs. the Houson Texans. All games will be featured in the Prime Video section. (If you don’t have Prime, you can sign up for a 30-day free trial.)
Does the NFL offer any viewing packages to watch the games I want?
Kind of.
NFL App
The NFL App will let you stream games that are being broadcast locally in your market on Sundays. If you want to watch an ‘out of market’ game, you’ve got two choices.
There are couple hitches with this service. You can’t use it to watch live games, but you can watch anything once its main broadcast ends. There’s a seven day free trial, after which you’re looking at a $100 charge per season.
DirecTV customers have access to it, but if you’re not a subscriber and live in an area where it’s not available, you can watch any NFL game live, online or on TV $73.49 per month or $293.36 for the entire season.
