It’s hard to believe the NFL season is already two-thirds through. It shouldn’t come as a surprise as games are actually running a bit faster despite seeing an increase in penalties. We were skeptical of so many extra flags being thrown to start the year (an extra two per game, to be accurate), but the changes are beginning to sink in.
So you’re trying to map out the rest of your season — where to be come Sunday, what to cook for the pregame, and which piece of Cam Newton memorabilia to auction off — sorry, Panthers fans. We get it, and that’s why we’re proud to provide an armchair quarterback’s guide to watching the NFL without the burden of cable TV. HIKE!
1) Watch your favorite games on over-the-air broadcasts
The simplest solution is to catch games on CBS, FOX, ABC and NBC. You can grab a TV schedule here (or on NFL.com, of course). These broadcasts are in crystal-clear 1080 HD — a better broadcast than you’d get with cable. All you’ll need is a Mohu HDTV antenna and enough couch room to house you and your envious friends. Face paint not included.
2) Step up your game with NFL Sunday Ticket
Oh, so you’re frothing at the mouth for more gridiron goodness? Sure thing. While it used to require one of those unnecessary DirecTV subscriptions, this is no longer true. NFL Sunday Ticket is now available for anyone, whether you’re a pay-TV subscriber or not. Check it out. $99 will get you the NFL Sunday Ticket “To Go” package, which nets the following benefits:
- Watch out-of-market games you wouldn’t otherwise see
- Streaming on computer, tablet or phone
If you want a bit more out of NFL Sunday Ticket, their paid packages scale up to accommodate streaming on other types of devices, namely gaming consoles. Additionally, the “To-Go” package doesn’t include fantasy football, but there are a multitude of options for that elsewhere on the web — and for free, too.
3) Take the snap with apps
Before opening your wallet for NFL Sunday Ticket, have you considered the wealth of options for your smartphone or tablet? If you don’t believe us, head over to the NFL.com Mobile area and see for yourself. The following apps are available for download on iOS, Android, Windows and other mobile devices:
NFL Game Rewind
Catch full games after airing, and watch them on your schedule throughout the season. There’s a free trial available if you want to try before you buy. A full season pass is $30.
NFL Mobile
Breaking news, in-game highlights, live game scores, custom team news, follow your Fantasy Football Team, watch Fantasy Live and more.
NFL Now
A highlight hub that features rich video. A must for the sports fan on the go, or someone who can’t catch the games on Sunday.
4) Round out your game with the best NFL news websites
Perhaps you’re a multitasker or just don’t want to interrupt the latest Walking Dead episodes on Sunday night. Okay, then take a QB sneak and hit up some of the best football sites the net has to offer. You’ll find all the familiar huddle talk here: who’s hot in fantasy football, who won big, and who dropped the ball. Each site has its own commentary, video, stat trackers, team hubs and community portals. If you’re not watching the game, the next best thing is to read about it or peep the highlights.
Do you have a preferred way to catch the NFL without paying for cable? Let us know on Facebook!
