The first Sunday of the 2026 NFL season is almost here, and watching football does not have to mean paying for a massive cable replacement package every month.
The NFL is now spread across broadcast networks, standalone streaming services, live TV bundles, sports-focused packages, NFL+, and NFL Sunday Ticket. That gives cord cutters more choices, but it can also make figuring out the cheapest setup a little confusing.
The good news is that you can mix and match services based on what you actually watch. Some fans may need nothing more than an antenna. Others may be better off with a skinny bundle, a sports genre pack, NFL Sunday Ticket, or a few monthly subscriptions they cancel when they are no longer needed.
How to Watch the NFL on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV & More
Most NFL streaming options work on Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Google TV, smart TVs, phones, tablets, and computers. The cheapest option depends on whether you primarily watch your local team, want NFL RedZone, follow multiple teams, or want out-of-market Sunday afternoon games.
Start With Free NFL Games Using an Antenna
Before paying for another streaming service, check what you can get for free with an antenna.
Local CBS, FOX, and NBC stations carry a large portion of the NFL season, including Sunday afternoon games and Sunday Night Football. An antenna can give you access to those games without another monthly bill.
- Antennas: A basic indoor or outdoor antenna can bring local broadcast stations into your home. Reception will depend on where you live, so check your local coverage before buying. | Shop Antennas HERE
- Tablo DVR: Tablo can record free over-the-air channels and gives cord cutters another way to watch and record local NFL games. | Shop Tablo DVR HERE
- USB Tuner: Want to watch local broadcast games away from your TV? A USB TV tuner can let you take your antenna signal to a supported phone, tablet, or other device. You can also check out these six USB TV tuners worth checking out this fall.
Use Free Trials Before Paying for a Full Month
Free trials can be especially useful during the NFL season because you may only need a live TV service for a particular game or week. New subscribers can find free trial offers from DIRECTV, Fubo, Hulu + Live TV, and YouTube TV.
That means you may not need to pay for a service for the entire season. A free trial can be enough to get through a particularly important Sunday, especially if you are trying out a service before committing to a monthly subscription.
Standalone Streaming Options
You also do not necessarily need a live TV bundle to watch NFL games. Depending on the games you care about, you can subscribe directly to the services carrying them.
- Peacock: Peacock carries Sunday Night Football and select exclusive NFL games. It is also included with Walmart+ at no additional cost, making Walmart+ another option for NFL fans who already use the membership.
- Paramount+: Paramount+ carries NFL games airing on CBS. It can be useful for fans who want CBS NFL coverage without paying for a full live TV service. Like Peacock, Walmart+ has a Paramount+ Streaming Benefit.
- FOX One: FOX One gives subscribers access to FOX programming, including NFL games that air on FOX.
- ESPN Unlimited: ESPN’s standalone service gives cord cutters access to ESPN programming, including Monday Night Football, the Super Bowl and ManningCast, without requiring a traditional live TV package. You can also save by looking at the ESPN/Fox One Bundle, which combines the two services.
- Prime Video: Amazon carries Thursday Night Football, making Prime Video another service NFL fans may want during the season.
- NFL+: NFL+ is one of the lower-cost options for fans who primarily watch on mobile devices. NFL+ includes live local and primetime regular-season and postseason games on supported mobile devices, along with NFL Network and other features. NFL+ Premium adds NFL RedZone, full-game replays, condensed games, and other features. The service can be especially useful for fans who do not need a full live TV package.
- Netflix: Netflix offers select games throughout the season, which is included in the subscription.
Live TV Streaming Services
A live TV streaming service remains the easiest option for fans who want local CBS, FOX, NBC, ABC, and other major networks in one place.
- DIRECTV: DIRECTV offers full live TV packages as well as its sports-focused MySports package. MySports is worth a look for NFL fans who want a sports-heavy lineup without paying for a much larger entertainment package.
- Fubo: Fubo is another full live TV option that carries local broadcast networks in supported markets along with national sports channels. New subscribers can also take advantage of current promotional offers and free trials.
- Sling TV: Sling TV is one of the better options for cord cutters who want a smaller package. Sling’s lower-priced plans can be combined with sports add-ons, letting you pay for the channels you actually need instead of a much larger channel lineup. Plus, Sling offers flexible 1 Day, 3 Day, and 7 Day Pass options as well as standard monthly and 5-month plans.
- Hulu + Live TV: Hulu + Live TV offers local broadcast networks in supported markets along with ESPN, NFL Network, and other channels. The package also includes Disney+ and the ESPN App.
- YouTube TV: YouTube TV is one of the most comprehensive options for NFL fans who want local and national games in one place. It can also be combined with NFL Sunday Ticket for fans who need out-of-market Sunday afternoon games.
NFL Sunday Ticket
NFL Sunday Ticket remains the main option for fans who want out-of-market Sunday afternoon games. This is particularly important for fans who live outside their favorite team’s local market and want to watch that team every Sunday.
NFL Sunday Ticket does not replace your local CBS and FOX games or other nationally televised NFL games, so most fans will want to pair it with an antenna, YouTube TV, or another way to watch those games.
There are also promotional offers that can bring the cost down even further for eligible customers. Before paying full price, check whether your wireless, internet, or other memberships include NFL Sunday Ticket.
The Cheapest NFL Setup Depends on What You Watch
Only care about your local team?
Start with an antenna. You may be able to watch a large portion of your team’s games for free, then add a standalone streaming service or short-term live TV subscription when necessary.
Want NFL RedZone every Sunday?
Look at a lower-cost live TV option with a sports add-on instead of paying for a full premium bundle.
Want multiple sports and NFL games?
A sports-focused package such as DIRECTV MySports could make more sense than paying for a much larger entertainment-focused service.
Want every out-of-market Sunday afternoon game?
NFL Sunday Ticket is the option to look at. Pair it with an antenna or live TV service to fill in the games Sunday Ticket does not carry.
Only watch certain games each month?
Subscribe month to month and cancel when you do not need the service. You can also use free trials when they are available.
Build Your Own NFL Package
The biggest mistake NFL fans can make is assuming they need every streaming service from September through February. You probably don’t.
Start with the games you actually care about. Use an antenna for free local broadcasts. Add a skinny bundle or sports package when you need more channels. Subscribe to Peacock, Paramount+, FOX One, or another standalone service only when your schedule calls for it. Use free trials and introductory discounts when they make sense.
For fans who need every Sunday afternoon game, NFL Sunday Ticket can fill the biggest gap. For everyone else, mixing a few services could be a much cheaper way to follow the NFL all season.
