NFL streaming guide 2021: How to watch football games online
The 2021 NFL season kicks off Sept. 9, when Super Bowl LV champions Tampa Bay Buccaneers take on the Dallas Cowboys. With the aptly named Kickoff game just a month away, there is no better time to get all your tech devices ready to watch NFL games live.
Many NFL games air on cable television, but if you don't want to miss out on a single play while away from home, NFL streaming is the way to go.
Whether you've cut the cable cord, traveled away from home, suffered a cable outage just before a game, or opted for a cable plan that doesn't air your favorite team, 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 $30 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.)
NFL streaming box for Apple fans: Apple TV 4K
Apple devotees, or anyone with an Apple One subscription bundle, should consider watching the NFL live stream 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. During commercial breaks, take advantage of Apple Arcade gaming in addition to any of the other apps or services offered by the tech giant.
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K
Amazon Fire TV Stick 4K is a streaming device that will appeal to anyone with an Alexa-enabled home. Switch back and forth between games with the device's voice control ("Alexa, turn on Sunday Night Football") while controlling all of your other smart-home gadgets simultaneously. It offers 4K Ultra HD, Dolby Vision, HDR, and HDR10+ in addition to Dolby Atmos audio, plus access to thousands of channels (some free).
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.
Paramount +
Paramount+ offers limited access to the NFL. A premium Paramount+ subscription includes the live feed of your local CBS affiliate station for watching Sunday afternoon games.
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 includes access to NFL Network, year-round NFL content such as live NFL preseason games, exclusive live NFL regular season games, studio shows and even a variety of original NFL-centric series.
For an additional $10 per month, sports fans get NFL RedZone as part of Hulu's sports add-on package. It offers not only offers seven hours of Sunday Night Football action but also the ability to stream all RedZone programming from the 2020 NFL season, between Aug. 23 and Sept. 8, before the 2021 season begins.
YouTube TV
YouTube TV offers NFL streaming coverage similar to Hulu, with the added bonus of easy-to-use DVR capabilities. Pricing and packages are similar to Hulu, with the base including NFL Network and an option to add NFL RedZone as part of their Sports Plus package for an additional $11 per month.
FuboTV
FuboTV, though pricey, is a great option for streaming every NFL game all season long. (It 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.
NFL Game Pass
NFL Game Pass is a no-brainer for die-hard football fans. A flat $100 per year offers streaming access to every single NFL game, NFL RedZone, NFL Originals, NFL Programs and an extensive collection of games on demand. For those who enjoy watching several games at once, it also offers capability to stream to five devices simultaneously.
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 exclusive home of Thursday Night Football. (Over-the-air TV stations will still carry local teams' games.)
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.
AT&T TV
AT&T TV 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.
