There are a few ways to watch NFL Network live without cable TV.
Cutting the cord hasn’t always been easy for sports fans. But the good news is that Sling TV remains the cheapest option for watching NFL Network live through a streaming service, and it’s now adding some 4K streams on networks such as ESPN and FOX for football season.
NFL Network broadcasts a variety of programming related to the National Football League. The network airs live games, pregame and postgame shows. It provides news and analysis of the NFL, and offers fantasy football content.
Football fans can also watch documentaries, and other original programming such as “A Football Life,” “NFL Gameday,” and “Good Morning Football.” In other words, NFL Network is crucial for football season. The network has been around since November 2003, and has adapted to the world of streaming TV.
Streaming Service Options for 2024 NFL Season
After evaluating every streaming service that carries NFL Network, the two most balanced choices considering price, channel variety, and features are Sling TV and Fubo.
Sling TV is an economical choice, offering NFL Network on its Blue plan for $40 per month, with the ability to add ESPN by combining it with the Orange plan. If you own a Roku or Amazon Fire TV that supports 4K, Sling is offering some live sports such as college football games on FOX and ESPN in 4K for no extra charge. Between price and channel offerings, Sling is a good fit for football fans who want sports coverage without a hefty price tag. However, it lacks CBS and may require a TV antenna for complete local channel coverage.
Fubo, on the other hand, provides a more comprehensive package with about 180 channels including NFL Network, ESPN, and local channels. Starting at $79.99 per month, it’s a bit costlier but offers unlimited Cloud DVR, up to 10 streams and a robust selection for sports cable networks, including the option for 4K sports events.
| Service | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| DIRECTV STREAM | Extensive channel lineup; NFL RedZone available | High price compared to other options |
| Sling TV | Affordable; Flexible plans | Limited local channels; CBS not included |
| Hulu Live TV | Includes ESPN+, Disney+; Wide channel selection | NFL RedZone in separate bundle |
| Fubo | Comprehensive sports coverage; 4K events | Adds regional sports fee |
| YouTube TV | Includes major sports networks; Unlimited DVR | NFL Network in Sports Plus bundle |
How to Watch NFL Network Live
There are a number of quick and simple ways to live stream NFL Network on a Smart TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and even a smartphone.
Live TV streaming services are supported on a variety of Smart TVs, including LG, Sony, Samsung, and Vizio. Smart TVs running on Android TV or Google TV are supported as well.
To get complete game coverage during the NFL season, you will want other key networks, including ESPN, NFL RedZone, ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC.
Keep in mind that cord-cutters can use a TV antenna for local broadcast channels. That can get you most NFL games without cable or satellite TV service.
Here is a breakdown of all your options.
DIRECTV STREAM
DIRECTV STREAM is now offering NFL Network and NFL RedZone in their channel lineups as part of a multi-year deal with NFL Media.
NFL Network will be offered through the Choice package.
The Choice plan includes local broadcast channels such as ABC, CBS, FOX and NBC. You get ACC Network (ACCN), CNN, ESPN, ESPN2, ESPNews, ESPNU, and SEC Network.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Entertainment | $79.99/month | 75+ |
| Choice | $108.99/month | 105+ |
| Ultimate | $119.99/month | 140+ |
| Premier | $164.99/month | 150+ |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, Sony Bravia.
Subscribers get more than 105 channels, unlimited Cloud DVR to record NFL games and 40,000 on-demand movies and shows. Subscribers can watch TV on unlimited screens within a household. The Choice plan costs $108.99 per month.
There are two other plans that have NFL Network.
The Ultimate package has more than 140 channels, including local channels, and more sports and entertainment channels. The Ultimate package is $119.99 per month.
The Premier Package has over 150 channels, including premium channels such as Max, Cinemax and Showtime. A subscription to Premier is $164.99 per month.
Subscribers can get three months of Max, Showtime, STARZ, Cinemax and MGM+ (formerly EPIX) for free before the monthly rates kick in.
There are no contracts. You can subscribe month to month and cancel whenever you want.
NFL RedZone is available through a new DIRECTV Sports Pack for DIRECTV STREAM customers. The package was previously available only to DIRECTV satellite subscribers. The Sports Pack costs $14.99 per month.
DIRECTV STREAM is ideal for avid sports fans who don’t mind the higher cost for a comprehensive sports and entertainment package, offering a wider variety than Sling TV, which is more budget-friendly but with fewer channel options.
DIRECTV STREAM works on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV and Smart TVs running on Android TV and Google TV.
Sling TV
Sling TV carries NFL Network on the Blue plan.
A subscription to Sling Blue costs $40 per month and carries 41 channels, including FS1, TNT, FX, and A&E. Sling Blue subscribers get local ABC, NBC or FOX stations in select markets around the U.S.
Sling Blue subscribers can watch TV on three screens at once. Sling subscribers can get select sporting events in 4K on channels such as FOX and ESPN at no extra charge.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Orange | $40/month | 32 |
| Blue | $40/month | 41 (Locals included) |
| Orange + Blue | $55/month | 88 |
Cloud DVR Storage: 50 hours
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes (limited markets, Blue plan)
Device support: AirTV Mini, Amazon Echo Show, Amazon Fire TV, Android TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast along with Smart TVs from LG, Samsung, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast.
If you want ESPN in your channel lineup, you can combine Sling Orange with Sling Blue for $55 per month. But you will still need Sports Extra to add NFL Network.
There are no contracts, or extra fees like cable TV. Sling TV suits budget-conscious NFL fans who use a TV antenna for local coverage, offering a more affordable package compared to Fubo, which, while more expensive, provides a more extensive channel lineup.
Sling TV can be a good option if you already use a TV antenna or have another way to get local channels that carry NFL games. Sling TV does have local ABC, NBC and FOX stations in a limited number of markets, but no CBS.
Hulu + Live TV
Hulu Live TV has NFL Network in its entry-level channel lineup.
Hulu with Live TV has over 90 live TV channels, including NFL Network, FOX, NBC, CBS and ESPN.
A subscription to Hulu’s live TV package costs $76.99 per month. NFL RedZone is part of the Sports add-on bundle, which costs $9.99 per month.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Hulu (With Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (With Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $76.99/month | 90+ |
| Hulu (No Ads) + Live TV, Disney+ (No Ads) and ESPN+ (With Ads) | $89.99/month | 90+ |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: Yes
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Chromecast with Google TV along with Smart TVs by Samsung, VIZIO SmartCast, Sony Bravia, PlayStation, XBox, Xfinity Flex and Xumo TV.
Subscribers get more than just live TV channels to watch. You’ll also have full access to ESPN+, Disney+ and Hulu’s on-demand library. ESPN+ had a number of Monday Night Football games last year, and streams “NFL Primetime” during the regular season.
You get unlimited Cloud DVR so you can record whatever you want. Subscribers can watch live TV on up to two screens at once.
Hulu with Live TV has apps for Roku, Fire TV, Apple TV, Chromecast, Android TV and just about every other streaming device out there. Hulu Live TV is perfect for viewers seeking a blend of sports, entertainment, and family content, especially with its inclusion of ESPN+ and Disney+, a combination not available in DIRECTV STREAM’s packages.
You can live stream NFL Network through a Hulu Live TV subscription on your PC, XBox, PlayStation and Nintendo Switch. iPhones, iPads and Android devices can stream Hulu with Live TV too.
There are no contracts and you can cancel whenever you want.
Fubo
Fubo (formerly fuboTV) has an option to watch NFL Network in the Pro, Elite and Premier packages.
The Pro bundle has 189 live TV channels, including ESPN and local ABC, CBS, NBC, FOX stations. Fubo includes regional sports channels, including Bally Sports, NESN and Marquee Sports Network.
On the entertainment front, Fubo has AMC, A&E, BBC America, FX, TNT, National Geographic and Vice TV. Fubo subscribers can activate TV Everywhere apps for 41 networks. Subscribers can stream live TV on 10 screens at once.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| Pro | $79.99/month | 188 |
| Elite | $89.99/month | 255 |
| Premier | $99.99/month | 264 w/ Paramount+ with Showtime |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Amazon Fire TV, Roku, Apple TV, Chromecast with Google TV, Xbox One, along with Smart TVs by Hisense, Samsung, LG, Sony Bravia and VIZIO SmartCast TV. Android, iPhones and iPads with current iOS.
Fubo offers select sporting events in 4K for Elite and Premier subscribers. A subscription comes with 1,000 hours of Cloud DVR and Fubo “lookback”, which has all games that aired within the last 72 hours.
Fubo costs $79.99 per month. You can get a free 7-day trial and cancel online if you don’t like it. Fubo offers NFL RedZone through its Sports Plus package.
The Sports Plus bundle costs $10.99 per month and includes NFL RedZone, all four Stadium networks, Sports Illustrated TV, Golf TV English, Golf TV Spanish, PAC 12 Arizona, PAC 12 Bay Area, PAC 12 Los Angeles, PAC 12 Mountain, PAC 12 Oregon, PAC 12 Washington, FOX College Sports Atlantic, FOX College Sports Pacific, FNTSY, Fight Network and TyC Sports.
The Elite plan is $89.99 per month, and has 65 more sports, news and entertainment channels. The Premier plan has 231 channels, including Showtime, for $99.99 per month. Fubo is the go-to for sports enthusiasts seeking extensive sports coverage, including regional sports networks, a feature less emphasized in Hulu Live TV’s offerings.
fubo works on Roku, Amazon Fire TV, Apple TV, PCs, smartphones and Android TV devices like Google Chromecast with Google TV. You can subscribe on a month to month basis.
YouTube
YouTube TV subscribers can watch NFL Network in the base channel package.
The base plan has 128 channels, including ESPN, Big Ten Network, FS1, MLB Network, and NBA TV for $72.99 per month.
The base package has local ABC, CBS, NBC, PBS, PBS Kids and FOX stations.
The Sports Plus add-on channel bundle costs an additional $10.99 per month. Sports Plus carries NFL RedZone and 6 other channels.
YouTube TV now offers an option for NFL Sunday Ticket for $299 per season. With a Sunday Ticket subscription, you can add on NFL Network for $339 for the season.
Subscribers get unlimited Cloud DVR storage for recordings. You can watch live TV on up to three screens at once.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| YouTube TV | $72.99/month | 128 |
Cloud DVR Storage: Unlimited
Exclusive Content: No
Local Channels: Yes
Device support: Android TV, Google TV, Smart TVs by Samsung, LG, VIZIO, Hisense, Sharp and Sony; Chromecast, Google TV, Roku, Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, Xbox, PlayStation and Google Nest Hub; Android and iOS devices.
YouTube has apps for Amazon Fire Stick and Fire TV devices, Android TV and Apple TV. There is Chromecast support and mobile iOS and Android. YouTube TV carries a free 7-day trial.
YouTube TV offers a balanced mix of sports, news, and entertainment, making it suitable for families with diverse viewing preferences, unlike Sling TV, which has a more sports-focused lineup.
If you don’t want to pay for YouTube TV, you can get Sunday Ticket and NFL RedZone just as a standalone option through YouTube. The streaming package costs $439 per season.
NFL+
NFL+ offers dedicated football fans a way to watch NFL Network, live local and primetime games on their smartphone or tablet. You can start watching NFL Network on a smartphone with the entry-level NFL+ subscription.
Games on NFL Network include key matchups like Thursday Night, Sunday Night, and Monday Night Football.
A subscription to NFL+ is $6.99 per month. A NFL+ Premium subscription adds NFL RedZone for $14.99 per month.
| PLAN | PRICE | CHANNELS |
|---|---|---|
| NFL+ | $6.99/mo. | Live games & NFL Network |
| NFL+ Premium | $14.99/mo. | Adds NFL RedZone & Game Replays |
Simultaneous Streams: 3
Cloud DVR Storage: Game Replays
Exclusive Content: Yes
Local Channels: No
Device support: iOS 13+ iPhone, iOS 13+ iPad, tvOS 13+Android 7+ Phone, Android 7+ Tablet, Android 7+; Preseason games supported on: Android TV, Apple TV, Roku, Amazon Fire TV and XBox Series S.
This option is great for NFL fans, featuring full-game replays and the exclusive All-22 Coaches Film. However, for those seeking a broader number of cable sports networks, live TV streaming services such as YouTube TV or Sling TV provide a comprehensive package. These services carry a variety of cable networks like ESPN and local broadcast channels airing live NFL games.
How to Watch NFL Network Without Cable FAQs
These are questions football fans ask when searching for ways to stream NFL Network without a TV provider.
How much does NFL Network cost?
NFL Network through a live TV streaming service can cost between $40 and $99.99 per month. Sling TV’s Blue plan is the cheapest option at $40 per month. DIRECTV STREAM’s Choice package has NFL Network for $99.99 per month.
NFL Plus subscribers can watch NFL Network live or on-demand, but only on their smartphone, for $4.99 per month.
Can I watch NFL Network through NFL Plus on my phone?
Yes. You can watch NFL Network through the NFL app by subscribing to NFL Plus for $4.99 per month.
But keep in mind that you can only watch NFL Network on your smartphone, not on your TV. You can sign up for NFL Plus, and start watching through the NFL app on Android or iOS app stores.
You will need a more expensive live TV streaming service if you want to watch NFL Network on your TV.
How to get NFL Network on Smart TV
You can subscribe to DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, or YouTube TV to stream NFL Network on a Smart TV. But plans, prices and channel lineups vary for each subscription.
What channel is NFL Network on DIRECTV?
NFL Network is offered on DIRECTV and DIRECTV STREAM through the Choice plan. DIRECTV satellite subscribers will find NFL Network on channel 212.
If you are subscribing to DIRECTV STREAM, the Choice plan costs $99.99 per month after a 5-day free trial. DIRECTV satellite customers pay $84.99 per month, and get a 2-year price guarantee.
Do you get NFL Network with NFL Plus?
Yes. NFL Plus streams NFL Network as part of a subscription. NFL Plus costs $4.99 per month and lets you watch live, local in-market games on mobile, not on TV. The Premium Plan is $9.99 per month, and lets you watch out-of-market games and all replays. The service offers a free 7-day trial.
Can you watch NFL Network on the NFL app?
Yes. You can subscribe to NFL Plus and watch NFL Network within the NFL app on Android and iOS devices. A subscription is $4.99 per month. But you can only watch NFL Network on your smartphone, not on your TV or elsewhere.
How to get NFL Network on Roku
Pick a live TV streaming service that carries NFL Network, and sign up online for a free trial or a subscription. You can look over plans for DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV. Once you pick a subscription download the app to your Roku and login with your username and password.
Is NFL Network on Amazon Prime Video?
NFL Network is not on Amazon Prime Video. But Amazon Prime members can watch Thursday Night Football as part of their annual subscription.
How to get Network on a Firestick
Amazon Fire TV users can subscribe to live streaming services like DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Hulu Live TV, Sling TV, and YouTube TV to watch NFL Network.
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Methodology
I spend hundreds of hours throughout the year conducting hands-on testing of streaming services, including Peacock, DIRECTV STREAM, Fubo, Sling TV, YouTube TV, Hulu Live TV. I do the same rigorous testing for TV antennas and TV-related hardware. Check out the review policy to see how I compare products and services. The Cord Cutting Report is a reader-supported publication, and may earn affiliate commissions when you pick a streaming service through a recommendation. Read our affiliate policy for more information.
